LYNN — While many schools won’t see students return until after Labor Day, Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) charter school students attended summer sessions and programs throughout July, and 1,884 KIPP students returned to the classroom on Aug. 16 to begin classes for the current school year.
The new school year also marks the third year of KIPP’s Academy Lynn Elementary (KALE), the first KIPP Massachusetts elementary school in Lynn. The Academy launches 364 kindergarten through second-grade students on a KIPP kindergarten through 12th-grade education, along with 483 middle schoolers and 485 high schoolers.
KIPP’s program is based on a longer school day and year, academic and character development, with a focus on student outcomes and college graduation, intensive coaching and continuous learning for teachers and staff as well as a system of support for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
By 2020, KIPP will serve approximately 10 percent of Lynn public school students.
Eveleen Hsu, school founder, who taught fifth grade at KIPP Lynn for several years, is excited about growing the elementary school and starting kids on the path to college early.
“Starting our KIPPsters in kindergarten sets them up for tremendous progress in both their academic and character development. Using these earliest years to teach students about the world and those around them builds a foundation for success by teaching them to set high expectations for themselves and their school communities,” Hsu said.
KIPP continues to grow to serve more kids and families in Lynn with students, yet more than 1,000 families were on a list to be admitted to the school following a March lottery.
“It’s comforting to know our students will grow with our school and stay within the KIPP Lynn family. We’re very lucky to get them at such a young age. It’s an ideal time to start building the academic and social skills they will need to succeed in school and in life,” said Elsy Estevez-Hicks, lead kindergarten teacher at KIPP.
Preparing students for success in college and career drives the work of all of KIPP school leaders, teachers, and staff across the country.
