Student Spotlight: Raelynn (9th Grade)

Going to high school can be a big change for students as they’ll have more independence and a wider range of classes and activities to choose from. KIPP Texas strives to make the transition as seamless as possible as we prepare all students for college, career, and beyond. 

At  KIPP Texas high schools, students are able to explore the possibilities beyond high school in a safe environment. They build their intellectual expertise through rigorous coursework and Advanced Placement (AP)/International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. They can quench their thirst for knowledge and leadership through a broad range of learning experiences including advocacy, class debates, bringing us inspiration through the arts, competing athletically, and so much more. KIPPsters graduate ready to make choices that help create a fulfilling life whether it includes college or another viable path.

KIPP Texas has 12 high schools. Last school year, six KIPP Texas high schools were ranked among the best in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report and four were ranked among the top high schools in the nation by the Jay Mathews Challenge Index High School Rankings, formerly known as America’s Most Challenging High Schools published in The Washington Post.

We want to hear about the student experience at KIPP Texas Public Schools so we asked Raelynn, a 9th grader at KIPP Somos High School who has been a KIPPster for nearly five years:

What is your favorite subject in school and do you have any hobbies or extracurricular activities?

My favorite subjects are PE and Geometry. I like to sing, dance, and read mysteries and dramas. I also play volleyball and football with my family.

What do you love about your school? How long have you attended KIPP?

I have been at KIPP since 5th grade. I came here from a public school. I love how KIPP cares about all of us. I love how y’all are always checking on the kids to make sure we’re safe. I feel safe and protected here. 

As for KIPP Somos 9th Grade Academy, I love it! They are welcoming, and our teachers are super nice. I love all of them.

What has your 9th grade experience at KIPP Somos been like so far? Is there any advice you’d give to students who will be going to the 9th grade next year, but may be nervous?

Well, it’s a little overwhelming sometimes, but I’m proud that I got here and how I’ve grown so much because of this school and the people surrounding me here. At first it’ll be overwhelming, but you’ll grow every day and you’ll learn a lot more so you’ll be less and less scared!

Are you excited about your school’s new campus?

Very much, yes! It’s new and we won’t be separated anymore- we’ll all be together. I’ll get to see my sister- she’ll be in eleventh grade and I’ll be in tenth. Wow! 

Next school year, KIPP Somos Primary and KIPP Somos Collegiate will be the home of two new KIPP Texas-San Antonio schools.  The new location will serve grades kindergarten- 1st and 6th – 12th. In total, the campus will serve nearly 900 students and grow to become a kindergarten-12th grade campus in the coming years. The new campus will also be home to two current KIPP Texas-San Antonio schools KIPP Poder Academy and  KIPP Somos High School.

KIPP Texas applications for the 2023-24 school year are currently open! Applying is easy and takes just a few minutes. If you’re interested in enrolling your student in a KIPP Texas Public School for next school year, please visit our apply page at kipptexas.org/enroll to complete a student application. 

Although applications are accepted all year, to participate in the student lottery they must be submitted by February 17, 2023. The lottery will be held on March 6, 2023, to determine which students will be offered available seats at each KIPP Texas school. We will extend admission offers starting on March 6 and will continue to extend offers as new openings become available.

KIPP Texas high schools are still enrolling 9th grade students for the 2022-23 school year. Don’t wait – apply now to join our community for a joyful new school year!