WHO WE ARE
Together, a Future Without Limits
Creating an Environment Where Every Student Thrives
Every student walks through the doors of school bearing gifts. Talent. Perspective. Drive. Inspiration. So, at KIPP Nashville, we support every student to see those gifts, then build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Our award-winning schools are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) network of over 280 tuition-free, public charter schools across the country. We currently operate seven schools and educate more than 3,000 students in grades K-12. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
The KIPP Difference
Fewer than 1 in 9 Americans from educationally underserved communities graduate from college. We exist to permanently change these statistics and create transformational change in public education. Since 2005, KIPP Nashville has been built around the core belief that our students’ zip code or demographics should not dictate their ability to achieve and thrive.
We focus on a whole-child approach to learning that not only includes rigorous academics, but also social-emotional learning, physical and mental health, sense of identity, and the nurturing of one’s purpose.
Our Impact
GRADUATION RATE
Our alumni graduate college at a higher rate than their Nashville/Davidson County peers.
COLLEGE MATRICULATION RATE
Nearly 20% more KIPP high school students go to college than their peers in Davidson County
44% KIPP
27% MNPS
Elementary Schools
✔️ Small Group Instruction
✔️ Individualized Learning
✔️ Time for Academics, Arts, and Physical Education
✔️ Team & Family Celebrations
Middle Schools
✔️ Joy Factor
✔️ Independent Thinking
✔️ Communication between Staff, Students, and Families
✔️ Music
✔️ Sports and Extracurriculars
High Schools
✔️ Time for Enrichment and Extracurriculars
✔️ AP Courses
✔️ KIPP Forward Support
✔️ Individual College and Career Counseling
✔️ Music, Art and PE
✔️ Variety of Varsity Sports
College and Career
✔️ A Support System
✔️ Real-world Experience
✔️ Connections to job shadow opportunities, internships, and the national KIPP Alumni Network
School Awards
Tennessee Reward Schools (KNCPE, KAN, KNCP and KACP)
KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School - U.S. News & World Report Top 25 Best Public High School in Tennessee
KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School - College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
KIPP Academy Nashville and KIPP Nashville College Prep - U.S. News & World Report Top Ten Best Charter Middle Schools in Tennessee
KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary School - Tennessee Reward School
KIPP Nashville College Prep - Tennessee Reward School
KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School - Tennessee Reward School
KIPP Academy Nashville & KIPP Nashville College Prep - Tennessee Reward School
The People behind KIPP Nashville
KIPP Nashville schools bring together passionate professionals who go above and beyond to support KIPPsters and work alongside families and communities to set them up for lifelong success. Here, it’s more than a job – it’s a career, a calling. In fact, we like to say it’s KIPP Through Retirement.
FAQ
1. What Is a charter school?
A charter school is an independently run, tuition-free public school that is allowed greater flexibility in operations in return for greater accountability for advancing student achievement. Charter schools were created to help improve our education system and offer parents another public school option to better meet their student’s educational needs. Here are a few things that differentiate KIPP schools:
- College-preparatory focus plus programming to support students and families through college graduation and decisions about career
- Emphasis on character development as well as high-quality academics
- Commitment to a strong partnership with parents and families
- Safe, structured and supportive learning environment
- High-quality teacher development and collaboration
For more information about charter schools, read “Public Charter Schools 101” on the Tennessee Charter School Center’s site: http://tnchartercenter.org/general/public-charter-schools-101/
2. What grades do KIPP Nashville schools serve?
KIPP Nashville Public Schools educates students in grades K-12. For more information about our individual schools, visit our Schools page.
3. Where are your schools located?
Our KIPP Nashville schools are located in North, East and South Nashville. To see the location of each of our schools, please visit our school pages here.
4. Who can apply to attend KIPP Nashville schools? Are there entry requirements?
KIPP Nashville is open to all students who are residents of Davidson County. We educate students in grades K-12. Enrollment is conducted through a random lottery that takes place in mid-February. There is no entry requirement to apply for or attend a KIPP Nashville school. We do not recruit students based on ability or performance, nor do we turn away students for any reason.
5. How much does it cost to apply or attend a KIPP Nashville school?
There is no fee or cost to apply or attend. KIPP Nashville schools are free, public schools.
6. Do you serve students with special needs and/or an IEP?
Yes! We are proud to serve students with special needs through our talented, multi-dimensional Student Supports Team. We provide learning opportunities for students of all abilities, including special needs, gifted, and English Language Learners. For questions about specific services for students, please contact our schools directly.
7. Do you provide busing or transportation for your students?
Busing varies by school. We provide transportation for students at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary, KIPP Nashville College Prep Elementary, KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary School, KIPP Nashville College Prep and KIPP Academy Nashville for students who live in our target zones. Currently, we do not provide busing for students attending KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School. However, many of our high school students utilize the free transportation provided by Nashville’s MTA services. For specific questions about transportation at any of our schools, please contact our schools directly.
8. Do you provide before and after care?
Our elementary and middle schools offer before and aftercare. The programs are coordinated through external vendors who handle signup and logistics. Information about how to sign up is shared during orientation before the start of the school year.
9. How can I apply for enrollment to KIPP Nashville schools?
Families may apply online here.