WHO WE ARE
Every student in Nashville deserves access to a college-preparatory, public school seat.
KIPP Nashville’s vision is that one day, every student in Nashville will have access to a high-quality, college-preparatory seat in a public school. We pursue this through our mission of cultivating in our students the academic and character skills needed to succeed in top colleges and life beyond.
Each day begins with a simple equation.
Knowing the Need + Knowing the Solution = Responsibility to Make It Happen
THE NEED
In 2014, only 38 or less than 3 of every 100 of juniors in the high schools that serve students in East and North Nashville scored “college-ready” on all tested subjects of the ACT. We must help more of our students be ready for an opportunity-filled future.
According to a 2014 report by the Education Trust, 79% of Americans in the top income quartile graduate from college. At the same time, fewer than 1 in 10 Americans from low-income communities graduate from college. We must close this gap.
THE SOLUTION
KIPP Nashville empowers students and families by doing whatever it takes to guide them on a path to more opportunities in life through education. The moment they enroll, KIPP students become part of a college-going culture that teaches and reinforces the scholarly skills and habits needed for success in college and in life. KIPP Nashville builds the academic skills our students need to succeed in school and develops the character and habits needed for an opportunity-filled life.
THE RESPONSIBILITY
KIPP’s founders always say that “promises to kids are sacred.” From the first home visit with every student, we promise to do “whatever it takes” to help our KIPPsters climb the mountain to and through college. In our second decade of service, we are opening elementary schools, expanding to new neighborhoods and growing support of college-bound KIPPsters through high school into middle school to ensure the right college match plan.
By 2020, KIPP Nashville will have a full Kindergarten through College network of schools and programs supporting almost 3,000 students (K-12) and over 500 graduates in college and beyond. Our long-term goal is for 79% of our students to graduate from college.