Frequently Asked Questions
What is KIPP and how was it started?
KIPP stands for the Knowledge is Power Program. KIPP began in 1994 when two teachers, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, launched a fifth-grade public school program in Houston, Texas. The original KIPP school quickly became one of the highest performing public schools in the community. In 2000, Feinberg and Levin partnered with Doris and Don Fisher to establish the KIPP foundation, focused on replicating the success of the original KIPP school across the nation.
What is a public charter school?
Charter schools are publicly funded, independently operated schools. Like all public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and open-enrollment and are funded primarily through tax dollars. Unlike all public schools, charter schools operate with more autonomy on the part of administrators and teachers. This freedom allows everyone to make changes to ensure that the child comes first.
What is KIPP Indy?

KIPP Indy Public Schools is a network of college-preparatory, public charter schools that prepares students in underserved communities to succeed in college and in life. Founded in 2004, we currently educate 800 students across two schools, an elementary school and a middle school in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. We will open KIPP Indy Legacy High in the fall of 2019 with 9th grade, ultimately educating 1,500 students in grades K-12 in our community. We are part of the national KIPP network of 224 schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, educating nearly 100,000 students.

Why should I send my child to KIPP Indy?

KIPP Indy offers students growing up in Indianapolis a quality education that sets them on a path for future success. A longer school day allows for students to have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for competitive colleges. KIPP Indy is unique in that it offers a college preparatory education with extensive services and support through the KIPP through College Program. KIPP Through College supports KIPP Indy alumni on their journey to a college degree, helping them navigate the application process, access financial aid, connect to summer internships, and build the advocacy and decision-making skills needed to persist and graduate. Nationally, students who attend KIPP schools graduate college at a higher rate than the U.S. average across all income levels, and a rate 3 times higher than the low-income average. We believe deeply that every student is capable of learning and set high expectations for all of our students while fostering a loving and welcoming school environment.

What grades does KIPP Indy offer?
KIPP Indy is currently enrolling in grades K-9 for the 2019-20 school year.
Who attends KIPP Indy?
KIPP Indy is open to all students free of charge. There are no admission criteria to attend KIPP Indy. We primarily serve students in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, but we are an open-enrollment school where all students may attend, regardless of where they live.
What is the process for applying?
KIPP Indy participates in Enroll Indy, a city-wide enrollment system. In order to apply to KIPP Indy, families will need to fill out a OneMatch application. In order to have the best chance of matching with us, you will need to rank KIPP Indy as #1 on the application. If you have further questions about how to fill out an application, contact KIPP Indy at 317-547-5477 x. 491.
What are my child’s transportation options?

Unlike most charter schools, KIPP Indy offers free transportation to our students. We partner with Indianapolis Public Schools to provide bus transportation based on your student’s home address. We follow IPS guidelines for the distance from your address to the bus stop and well as the required distance from the school for students to receive a bus stop. Please contact our front office for more information.

How much does it cost to attend KIPP Indy?
KIPP Indy is a no-cost, tuition-free, public charter school.
What are my options for before and after school care?

KIPP Indy offers before and after school care through Edna Martin Christian Center. The before school care begins at 6:30 a.m. and the after school care runs until 6:30 p.m. on site.

For more information on your student’s specific school, please visit the KIPP Indy Unite Elementary, KIPP Indy College Prep Middle, or KIPP Indy Legacy High page. Read about our wellness policy and how we create a healthy school environment.