KIPP Texas - Houston

KIPP Zenith Academy

11000 Scott Street, Houston, TX 77047, USA 832-230-0562
Grades Served
Grades Served 2022-23 SY PK3-4
Founded
Founded 2009
Teachers
Teachers 50
Students
Students 864

Located in the heart of the vibrant Sunnyside community, ZENITH makes up one-third of KIPP Houston’s Sunnyside campus. At KIPP ZENITH, we believe that all our students can live by our ZENITH values for success in school and beyond — zest, endurance, new ideas, integrity, teamwork and humanity. KIPP ZENITH is a school where a passionate and genuine staff provides a college-preparatory experience that empowers students with the knowledge, skills and mindsets to go to and through college. Our shared goal at KIPP ZENITH Academy is to create classrooms that are invigorating and inspiring environments for our students; places where students are empowered to advocate for their own learning and come to know themselves as masters of various crafts. Creating a culture where excellence in academics and character is the norm, not the exception; we will aim to support students in growing to love the process of learning itself by making it their own.

Desiree Smith

School Leader

“Teaching is not an option, it’s an obligation, as it fuels the growth and greatness of environments, endeavors, and human experience.”

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new School Leader of KIPP ZENITH Academy for the 2022-2023 school year. I am so excited to continue working alongside our students, extremely dedicated staff, and families. As a product of the Sunnyside community, I am committed to building relationships and making significant contributions to an outstanding educational institution.

I look forward to fostering long-lasting relationships with all stakeholders as we work together to build partnerships for your child's educational journey.

I joined the KIPP family in 2011. Over the past 11 years, I have been dedicated to supporting students, families, and educators at KIPP ZENITH Academy. I have served as a founding 2nd-grade teacher, Dean of Student Culture, Campus Testing Coordinator, Dean of Early Childhood, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal In Residence. I am a lifelong learner committed to student achievement and character development. It has been an honor to commit to closing gaps and opening doors of opportunity for ALL students. I have demonstrated forward-thinking and inspired leadership that results in useful, differentiated educational principles and practices.

I attended Prairie View A&M University, obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Education Administration. I am committed to connecting academic advancement, student excellence, and educational transformation within my leadership. I believe that every child deserves a quality education. Teaching is not an option, it’s an obligation, as it fuels the growth and greatness of environments, endeavors, and human experience. As well as fosters a spirit of enthusiastic lifelong learners.

I enjoy spending time with my 2 children, family, and friends in my spare time.

I look forward to embarking on this journey with all parents, students, and staff to create an amazing learning environment and a cohort of enthusiastic lifelong learners.

KIPP Zenith Academy Feeder Pattern

Feeder patterns are subject to zoning.

Primary Schools

KIPP ZENITH Academy

Middle Schools

KIPP Spirit College Prep

High Schools

KIPP Sunnyside High School