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About KIPP St. Louis
KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. To learn more about KIPP click here.
Our Mission
KIPP St. Louis strives to develop in all of its students the strong knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to succeed in high quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond.
KIPP St. Louis
In 2009, KIPP St. Louis opened its first school, KIPP Inspire Academy (KIA), with the support of Washington University in St. Louis. Today, KIA has grown from a single class of 80 fifth graders to 240 students in grades five through seven. By 2012, KIA’s middle school will be complete with a capacity of 320 students. KIPP St. Louis will open its second school in 2013; the region will eventually comprise five schools.
KIPP St. Louis serves students from every zip code in the city, but aims to bring the opportunity for quality education to those students living in areas without access to high-performing schools. Ninety-eight percent of our students are African-American, 89 percent qualify for free and reduced-price meals, and 12 percent qualify for special education services.
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools. They operate with fewer regulations than regular public schools in exchange for accountability for their results. Charter schools are often focused on a particular approach to educating students. Charter schools are an alternative to regular public schools and a way to provide choice and innovation. Public charter schools may not charge tuition and may not discriminate against any pupil on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability.
Leadership Team
Kelly Garrett, Executive Director, KIPP St. Louis
Beverly Arri Rombach, Director of Development, KIPP St. Louis
Bruce Ellerman, Director of Finance and Operations, KIPP St. Louis
Jeremy Esposito, School Leader, KIPP Inspire Academy
Andrea Turner, Assistant School Leader, KIPP Inspire Academy
LaChrisa Crenshaw, Dean of Student Support, KIPP Inspire Academy
Why KIPP St. Louis?
“I came to KIPP as a founding student in the 2009-2010 school year. I came to KIPP because I needed to be challenged. I love KIPP because of the challenges and curriculum. I stayed at KIPP because it is fun and it prepares me for college, high school, and my future career of being a first grade teacher.”
Kaylan H. – 7th grade