KIPP Philadelphia Schools

What KIPP Philadelphia Schools does

KIPP Philadelphia Schools is a nonprofit network of eight tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter schools operating across North and West Philadelphia. Founded in 2003, the network serves approximately 3,400 students in grades K-12, drawn from 83 unique ZIP codes, with a student body concentrated among educationally underserved Philadelphia families. The network comprises four elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school organized under five charter entities (KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, KIPP DuBois Charter School, KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School, KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School, and KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Charter School), with shared administrative services provided by KIPP Administrative Services Corporation. It is the regional Philadelphia affiliate of the national KIPP Public Schools network, which operates 278 schools and serves 175,000 students and alumni nationwide.

The academic model rests on EdReports-aligned third-party curricula (CKLA for K-2 literacy, Fishtank ELA for grades 3-8, Eureka Squared math K-8, Amplify science K-8, and high-school equivalents), delivered through proprietary frameworks including the Portrait of a Graduate (Pride in Self, Pursuit of Learning, Perseverance to Achieve, Power of Voice) and the Match Framework for post-secondary planning. The KIPP Forward program provides college and career counseling from elementary school through six years post-high school graduation, supported by 92 national college partnerships. Operational technology is standard EdTech: PowerSchool for student information, ParentSquare for family communication, Microsoft 365 for staff. There is no proprietary AI/ML capability.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through per-pupil public funding from federal, state, and local government sources, supplemented by philanthropic fundraising through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Comcast, Vanguard, Accenture, Highmark), foundation grants, EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) program participation, and tiered sponsorship programs ($250 per dual-enrollment course, $500 per KIPP Forward student, $1,500 per teacher mentorship). Enrollment occurs through the citywide Apply Philly Charter lottery. The organization is governed by independent boards of trustees per charter entity, with no parent company, no external investors, and no profit distribution.

Name

KIPP Philadelphia Schools

Legal name

KIPP Philadelphia Schools

Website

https://kippphiladelphia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

KIPP Philadelphia Schools is a nonprofit network of eight tuition-free public charter schools serving approximately 3,400 K-12 students across North and West Philadelphia, operating as a regional affiliate of the national KIPP Public Schools network and funding operations through per-pupil allocations and philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Public Charter Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter School Networks (Multi-Site) (EDAJACAC)

Keywords

• Public charter schools
• K-12 education
• College preparatory
• Charter school network
• Tuition-free education

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Per-Pupil Public Funding: As a public charter school network, KIPP Philadelphia receives per-pupil funding from federal, state, and local government sources based on student enrollment. Schools are free, open-enrollment charter schools with no tuition charged to families.
2. Philanthropic Donations and Grants: KIPP Philadelphia raises funds through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) program participation, and planned giving. The organization has various giving programs including Community Circle recurring donations, stock donations, corporate matching gifts, and memorial donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

KIPP Philadelphia Schools operates a network of eight tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter schools (four elementary, three middle, one high school) providing free college-preparatory K-12 education to approximately 3,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. Core services include standard-aligned academic instruction with emphasis on literacy and math, social-emotional learning, dual enrollment opportunities, AP courses, athletics, and an integrated college and career support program (KIPP Forward) that extends six years beyond high school graduation.

Product overview

KIPP Philadelphia Schools operates as a network of eight public charter schools (4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 1 high school) providing free K-12 education across North and West Philadelphia. The schools use a unified approach centered on the KIPP Forward program, which provides comprehensive college and career support from elementary school through six years post-high school graduation. Individual schools include: KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy (K-4, founded 2010), KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy (K-4, founded 2016), KIPP North Philadelphia Academy (K-8, founded 2018), KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary (K-4, founded 2022), KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy (5-8, founded 2003), KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School (5-8, founded 2009), and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy (9-12, founded 2010). All schools share common operational platforms, curricula including CKLA, Fishtank ELA, Eureka Squared Math, Amplify Science, and participate in Apply Philly Charter for enrollment. The network serves approximately 3,400 students from 83 unique zip codes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KIPP Forward: College and career support program that works with students from elementary school through six years after high school graduation, providing counseling, career exposure, and persistence support to help students choose and prepare for educational and career paths.

Products and services

• KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy An elementary school serving grades K-4, located at 2409 West Westmoreland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Serves approximately 500 students with a rigorous academic program including 90 minutes of math and 2+ hours of literacy instruction daily, plus art, PE, music, science, yoga, and recess.
• KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy An elementary school serving grades K-4, located at 5070 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Offers a well-rounded academic program including 90 minutes of math and 2+ hours of literacy instruction, plus PE, Dance, STEAM, and Social Studies classes.
• KIPP North Philadelphia Academy A K-8 school located at 2539 North 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Serves approximately 800 students with an academically rigorous program including one hour of math, science and social studies as well as 2.5 hours of literacy instruction daily.
• KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary An elementary school serving grades K-4, located at 4601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Serves approximately 400 students with a focus on literacy (including phonics in early grades, comprehension skills, and independent reading) and conceptual math instruction.
• KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy A middle school serving grades 5-8, located at 2600 West Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Serves approximately 360 students with rigorous academics, social emotional learning, enrichment opportunities, music program, field lessons, and student clubs.
• KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School A middle school serving grades 5-8, located at 5900 Baltimore Avenue, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Provides an inclusive, rigorous academic program that empowers students to embrace their cultural identity, excel academically, and lead with purpose.
• KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy A high school serving grades 9-12, located at 5070 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Serves approximately 530 students with college preparatory education, Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment programs (including a partnership with Howard University), and athletics including cheerleading, basketball, football, tennis, cross country, track and field, and flag football.
• KIPP Forward Program A comprehensive K-12 and beyond program that helps students choose and prepare for educational and career paths. KIPP Forward counselors work with students starting in elementary school up to six years after high school graduation, providing career exposure, college readiness support, persistence coaching through college, and career integration services. Includes 92 national college partnerships with institutions such as Pomona, Rutgers, Georgetown, Emory, Duke, Spelman, Penn, and others.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% high school graduation rate (vs. city and statewide averages)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Philadelphia 76ersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026Students from KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy participated in a youth sports clinic hosted by the Philadelphia 76ers. The event provided opportunities to build athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence while engaging directly with professional athletes, expanding enrichment opportunities and promoting student wellness.
• Howard UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2026KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy has partnered with Howard University to offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school through a dual enrollment program. The initiative expands access to rigorous academic experiences and introduces students to college-level expectations early, strengthening pathways to college success and long-term opportunity.
• Eagles Autism FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy was awarded $20,000 from the Eagles Autism Foundation to support programming for students with autism. The investment expands access to critical resources and inclusive supports that help ensure all students can thrive.
• Philadelphia OrchestraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Students at KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School partnered with the Philadelphia Orchestra to prepare for a performance at the Kimmel Center. The experience provided access to high-quality arts education and built student confidence through dedicated practice and support.
• Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean and his nonprofit partnered with KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy to host a community giveback event distributing over 1,000 coats, free haircuts, and food to support families and foster community connections.
• Moravia HealthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025Partnered with KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy and Nakobe Dean's Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe Foundation for the community giveback event to distribute resources to families.
• DTLR and New BalanceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2025DTLR and New Balance funded the DTLR Wellness Suite at KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy, a student-designed space providing students with clothing, footwear, hair care, and hygiene essentials along with mental health and self-care resources.
• National College Partners (92 institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational KIPP network partnerships with colleges and universities including Pomona, Rutgers, Georgetown, Emory, Colby, Syracuse, Brown, UT, Dillard, Bloomsburg, KU, Bowdoin, Davidson, Duke, Spelman, Rosemont, Temple, GSU, Penn, Franklin and others. Partners commit to not only admitting KIPP students but providing critical resources once on campus to ensure students remain on track for a college degree.
• Corporate Sponsors and Foundation PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor donors and sponsors including Comcast, Vanguard, Eagles, Hilda & Preston Davis Foundation, McLelland Foundation, Rowan Family Foundation, Accenture, Highmark Foundation, and others who support through the EITC program, donations, and event sponsorship.
• Educational Institution PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with higher education institutions providing educational discounts to staff: Cheyney University (10% discount), Drexel Online (up to 52% discount), Eastern University (10-20% discount), Grand Canyon University ($3,250-$5,350 discount), Peirce College (19-20% discount), Relay Graduate School of Education (17% discount), St. Joseph's University (20% discount), Widener University (20% discount).

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mastery Charter Schools: Largest Philadelphia-based public charter school network, operating multiple K-12 campuses that compete directly with KIPP Philadelphia for the same underserved families and per-pupil funding in the same city.
• Achievement First: Multi-state public charter management organization operating dozens of K-12 schools using a college-preparatory model; directly comparable network structure, KIPP Forward CEO Natalie Wiltshire previously held operations leadership at Achievement First.
• Uncommon Schools: Northeast U.S. charter management organization operating college-preparatory schools across K-12 with comparable outcome-driven positioning and post-secondary persistence programs; close model analog to KIPP Philadelphia's multi-site CMO structure.
• Noble Network of Charter Schools: Chicago-based charter management organization operating a portfolio of college-prep high schools and middle schools with shared back-office and professional development — same multi-site CMO economics and K-12 mission.
• IDEA Public Schools: Large national charter management organization operating K-12 public charter schools across multiple states with college-preparatory focus and outcome-driven accountability; directly comparable scale and operating model to KIPP Philadelphia.
• BASIS Charter Schools: Charter management organization operating high-performing college-preparatory K-12 campuses emphasizing academic rigor; comparable multi-site network economics, college-prep branding, and outcomes-driven differentiation.
• Green Dot Public Schools: Multi-state charter management organization focused on college-preparatory public high schools in urban communities; directly comparable charter CMO structure and target demographic to KIPP Philadelphia.
• KIPP NYC: Sister regional KIPP network operating multiple K-12 public charter schools in New York City; same national KIPP brand, mission, and operating playbook applied to a different geography, making it the closest cousin in the network.
• Rocketship Public Schools: Multi-state charter management organization operating elementary-anchored college-preparatory public charter schools using blended learning; comparable multi-site CMO economics with overlap on the elementary segment KIPP Philadelphia serves.

Broad incumbents

• Success Academy Charter Schools: Largest charter school network in New York City, operating a large K-12 charter portfolio with strong outcome and growth metrics; a broader incumbent in the charter CMO category serving similar educationally underserved urban families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KIPPPhilly
• Instagraminstagram.com/kippphilly
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@KIPPPhiladelphia
• Xx.com/KIPPPhilly
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kipp-philadelphia-schools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KIPP Philadelphia Schools