A growing number of passionate, committed educators are stepping up to an important challenge. They are tapping their entrepreneurial spirit to open and run public schools of choice in educationally underserved communities that will put students on the path to college.

Starting in 2000, the non-profit KIPP Foundation began training prospective principals to replicate the success of the two original KIPP Academies in Houston and the South Bronx. Over the past seven years, KIPP has trained over 60 principals through the KIPP School Leadership Program to open new KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

To see profiles of some current KIPP school leaders, see Meet our school leaders.

Open a new KIPP school

In order to found a new KIPP school, each prospective principal must be accepted into and successfully complete the KIPP School Leadership Program.

The KIPP School Leadership Program has two primary fellowships for opening a new KIPP school: a year-long Fisher Fellowship and a two-year Miles Family Fellowship.

• The Fisher Fellowship offers candidates a year-long program which prepares them to found a new KIPP school. The Fisher Fellowship includes intensive summer coursework in an academic setting, residencies at KIPP schools, and individualized coaching from experienced KIPP staff. In the 2008-09 school year, there are 17 Fisher Fellows. To see their profiles, click here.
• The Miles Family Fellowship provides selected participants with a two-year pathway to becoming a KIPP school leader. Miles Family Fellows receive a year of support and leadership experience while teaching in a KIPP school. After successfully completing the Miles Family Fellowship program, candidates will be considered for the year-long Fisher Fellowship in order to prepare them to open a new KIPP school. In the 2008-09 school year, there are 6 Miles Family Fellows. To see their profiles, click here.

Applications

The KIPP School Leadership Program is not currently accepting applications. Please check this website in the summer of 2009 for next year’s application dates.