KIPP operates two charter schools in Orleans using a nationally acclaimed program designed to invigorate students and engage parents. Results have been excellent and enthusiasm in New Orleans has been high.

Called education for the hip hop generation, KIPP concentrates on grade 5-8, inner city students sometimes shunned by other charter operators. Founded by two Houston teachers, Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg in 1996, KIPP had a national following before entering the postK New Orleans market.

Distinctive features include an innovative progressive discipline program, 10 hour school days, 2 hours of homework per day,  Saturday sessions, and a requirement that parents sign homework. Coupled with a high energy academic program, the schools succeed in engaging the students and have delivered impressive results both on standardized test scores and more importantly in higher education scholarships earned by graduates.

We'll see the first New Orleans results this spring. KIPP Believe, 1607 S. Carrollton Avenue was founded in 2006 is currently home to 90 fifth graders (the high school graduating / college entry class of 2014). It will expand by one grade level each year for the next three years and operate thereafter as a 5-8 grade middle school.  McDonough 15 School for the Creative Arts at 721 St Phillip in the French Quarter is listed as a KIPP transformation school and currently serves 400 preK-8 students.