The KIPP program began in 1994 when two Teach For America teachers decided lower income students could perform at high academic levels, if they did not have to deal with the politics of the traditional government system.
Today the program announced a $65 million donation to expand these schools in Houston. This expansion will bring a greater amount competition to the Houston school system, and possible show how competition raises the expectation for all schools. Currently there are 2,500 students on waiting list in Houston to attend the eight KIPP schools already in operation. This new funding will allow for 42 new KIPP public charter schools in Houston, and will serve 21,000 students.
North Carolina just got its second KIPP public charter school, which will be located in Charlotte. Currently there are two very successful KIPPs in Gaston, NC.
With the charter school cap in place in North Carolina, the LAW will not permit any more charter schools. Never mind these schools produce high levels of academic success!