FAQs

General FAQs


What is a charter school?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools and enrollment is open to all students. They are independently operated schools that run with more flexibility than district-run public schools in exchange for increased accountability.

The “charter” that establishes each school is a contract detailing the school’s mission, program, performance goals, and methods of assessment. Every public charter school has an authorizer which, outlined in Colorado state law, is a local district school board or the Charter School Institute. Authorizers are responsible for holding charter schools accountable for compliance with their operating agreements or “charters.”

Is KIPP Colorado a public school?

Yes, all of our six schools are tuition-free public charter schools. Like traditional public schools, we receive public funding and are accountable for strong academic results and sound financial practices.

Is KIPP Colorado Free?

Like all public schools, KIPP Colorado Public Schools are tuition-free and open to all. We are funded primarily through a combination of federal, state, and local tax dollars.

Our ECE Programming is tuition based on a sliding scale. Many families may qualify for tuition assistance through support from Denver Preschool Program and Colorado Preschool Program which is determined at the time of application.

What grades does KIPP Colorado serve?

KIPP Colorado Public Schools serves grades K-12 and Early Childhood Education (ECE).

Enrollment FAQs


Who can apply for admission at KIPP?

Any student may request a spot at KIPP; our schools participate in the Denver Public Schools’ School Choice process. Admission to KIPP schools is not based on past academic performance and our schools are tuition-free.

When is the enrollment application deadline?

Round 1 of choice enrollment for the 2024-23 school year begins January 11, 2024, and remains open until February 12th, 2024. Round 2 of school choice enrollment will begin in April 2024 and remain open through August 2024. Enrollment during Round 2 is on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about enrollment and begin the enrollment process here.

When do I know that my child has been accepted for enrollment?

Parents and students will be notified of first round enrollment in late March of each year. During the second round of School Choice, students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be notified of acceptance immediately after they complete the required paperwork.

Does KIPP Colorado provide transportation?

Transportation is provided at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Northeast Elementary, and KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy. Please visit each school’s web page for specific transportation information.

Do you offer free or reduced price lunch?

Yes. Free and reduced lunch is available to those students who qualify. In order to qualify for free or reduced lunches, an application needs to be completed and submitted.

Do students have to wear a uniform?

Yes. The color and style of the uniform shirt is different for each school. Uniform shirts must be purchased from the online uniform store.

Other


Does KIPP Colorado Public Schools receive public funding?

As public charter schools, we are primarily funded through a combination of federal, state, and local dollars. Charter schools receive less public funding than traditional district schools which requires us to raise funds from private sources to provide a robust and well-rounded college-preparatory education.

Are donations to KIPP tax deductible?

Because KIPP Colorado Public Schools is a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. You can learn more by visiting our Donate Page.

Does KIPP keep track of its alumni who go on to college?

KIPP closely tracks and supports the students who graduate from high school through our KIPP Forward program. KIPP Forward aims to empower our KIPPsters and their families with the knowledge, resources, and support to climb the mountain to and through college and career.

What is the role of the KIPP Foundation?

The KIPP Foundation recruits, trains, and supports leaders to open locally-managed KIPP schools. The KIPP Foundation supports excellence, growth, and sustainability across the network, as well as leads network-wide efforts to innovate and share best practices.