Review of KIPP: Summary

What do they do? KIPP is a network of more than 50 charter schools (mostly grades 5-8) across the U.S., including 4 in New York City, focusing on improving outcomes for disadvantaged youth. The KIPP Foundation is responsible for recruiting and training principals, negotiating with the state to start up schools, and providing additional assistance in starting up schools. All students in the school's vicinity are eligible for admission, which is determined by random lottery, and tuition is free. (KIPP pays for its operations through a combination of funds from the local public school system and donations.)

Does it work? We believe that there is a relatively strong (though not ironclad) evidential case that KIPP is improving academic outcomes in a significant and measurable way (one that shows up in test scores) for disadvantaged youth.

What do you get for your dollar? KIPP spends approximately $13,000-19,000 per student per year. Most of this expense is covered by state funds it receives as a public school replacement; excluding these funds, KIPP's expenses come to $2,000-8,000 per student per year.

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To see our complete, in-depth review of KIPP, click here

To see our overview of all charities in this area (K-12 education), click here

To see our overview of U.S.-based aid, click here