KIPP New Orleans Schools

What KIPP New Orleans Schools does

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a Louisiana-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates a network of 13 open-enrollment public charter schools serving over 6,200 students from PreK through 12th grade across New Orleans. Founded in 2005, days before Hurricane Katrina, the network has grown to comprise five primary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools (Booker T. Washington, Frederick A. Douglass, and John F. Kennedy), collectively enrolling more than 13% of the city's public school population. KNOS delivers a college-preparatory curriculum augmented by four Career Pathway Academies (Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades, Computer Science/IT, and Hospitality and Human Services), a dedicated STEM Hub, the Bard Early College dual-enrollment partnership, and KIPP Forward college counseling.

The organization's underlying technology footprint is operational rather than product-led: it relies on PowerSchool for student information and Nutrislice for meal menus, with no proprietary platform or AI/ML capabilities disclosed. Core programming is delivered through 950 teachers across 13 campuses, supported by an executive team led by CEO Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise (a founding board member who has led the network since 2007) and CFO Katie Walmsley.

Revenue is generated through per-pupil public funding (Louisiana Minimum Foundation Program dollars, federal Title funds, and other educational allocations) supplemented by philanthropic contributions channeled through Friends of KIPP New Orleans, a 501(c)(3) support organization. The network operates with an annual budget exceeding $110 million supporting over 900 employees, with eight consecutive years of clean audits. As a member of the national KIPP network of 278 schools serving 125,000+ students, KNOS participates in shared leadership development, curriculum tools, and best-practice exchange with the KIPP Foundation.

Name

KIPP New Orleans Schools

Legal name

KIPP New Orleans Schools

Website

https://kippneworleans.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

KIPP New Orleans Schools is a non-profit network of 13 open-enrollment public charter schools serving over 6,200 PreK-12 students across New Orleans. It delivers college-preparatory academics, career pathway academies, and a Bard Early College partnership, funded primarily by per-pupil public allocations and philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Public Charter School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter School Networks (Multi-Site) (EDAJACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Charter College-Prep & Advanced Academics Schools (EDAJACAJ), Charter Career & Technical Education (CTE) Schools (EDAJACAK)

Keywords

• Public charter schools
• College preparatory education
• Career technical education
• K-12 education network
• Dual enrollment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

New Orleans

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: As a network of public charter schools in Louisiana, KIPP New Orleans Schools receives per-pupil funding from federal, state, and local sources. This includes MFP (Minimum Foundation Program) dollars from the state, federal Title funding, and other educational allocations.
2. Philanthropic Contributions: Donations through Friends of KIPP New Orleans, a 501(c)(3) support organization. The organization also participates in annual giving campaigns like GiveNOLA Day and accepts individual, corporate, and foundation contributions.
3. Operating Budget: The organization operates with an annual budget of over $110 million supporting operations across 13 schools and the school support center. Katie Walmsley, CFO, manages this budget which has navigated both pandemic-related contractions and expansions through federal relief funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KIPP New Orleans Schools operates a network of 13 open-enrollment public charter schools serving over 6,200 students from PreK through 12th grade across New Orleans. The network delivers tuition-free college-preparatory academics, four career pathway academies (Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades, Computer Science/IT, and Hospitality and Human Services), a STEM Hub, dual enrollment partnerships enabling associate degree attainment, the KIPP Forward college and career counseling program, and special education services. All students receive free breakfast and lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision.

Product overview

KIPP New Orleans Schools is a network of 13 open-enrollment public charter schools serving PreK-12 students across New Orleans. The network operates primary schools (K-4), middle schools (5-8), and three high schools (Booker T. Washington, Frederick A. Douglass, John F. Kennedy). Beyond core academics, the portfolio includes specialized programs: Bard Early College (allowing students to earn associate degrees), four Career Pathway Academies (Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Science/IT, Hospitality), a STEM Hub for hands-on STEM education, KIPP Forward for college/career support, Quest for Success career guidance, dual enrollment with local colleges, and Summer Extension Programs. Starting 2026-27, the network is consolidating Central City schools and merging Douglass with JFK. Before/after care services are also being introduced network-wide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KIPP Believe Primary (PreK-4) and middle school (5-8) serving young learners with foundational academics, character development, and enrichment programs.
• KIPP Central City Primary Primary school focused on early literacy and college-preparatory academics in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans.
• KIPP Central City Academy
• KIPP East Primary and middle school serving students in the East New Orleans community with rigorous academics and enrichment activities.
• KIPP Leadership Primary and middle school emphasizing leadership development alongside academic excellence and character education.
• KIPP Morial Primary and middle school offering rigorous academics with award-winning debate program and strong extracurricular activities.
• Booker T. Washington High School High school with strong STEM programs, robotics team (RouxBots), marching band, and over $29 million in scholarships for Class of 2026.
• Frederick A. Douglass High School High school that earned an 'A' rating, leading the city in ACT scores, Mastery+ results, and AP success.
• John F. Kennedy High School High school known as the Cougars, with strong athletic programs including state championship track teams and growing academic performance.
• Bard Early College Partnership Partnership allowing high school seniors to earn an Associate in Arts degree alongside their high school diploma through college-level coursework.
• STEM Hub Dedicated center for science, technology, engineering, and math education offering industry-based credentials, hands-on learning facilities, and pathways to careers in STEM fields.
• Health Science Academy Career pathway offering certifications in Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, LPN, and Biological Sciences.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades Academy Career pathway in aerospace engineering, welding, carpentry, electrical, and robotics with industry partnerships.
• Computer Science and Information Technology Academy Career pathway covering software and game development, AP Computer Science, network technician, and electronics engineering.
• Hospitality and Human Services Academy Career pathway in culinary arts, hospitality management, real estate business, paralegal studies, and cosmetology.
• KIPP Forward College and career readiness program providing personalized guidance on applications, financial aid, and support through graduation and beyond.
• Dual Enrollment Programs Partnerships with Delgado Community College and Nunez Community College allowing students to earn college credits while in high school.
• Summer Extension Programs Summer programs including Ochsner Sports Medicine Internship, Ochsner STAR Program, Operation Spark Coding Bootcamp, BAR Association Suit Up Program, Justice Camp, and Nunez Bridge Program.
• Before and After Care Childcare services providing safe, structured, joyful spaces before and after school with homework support, enrichment activities, and supervised play. Available at all K-8 schools starting 2026-27.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate across all graduating seniors
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Bard College / Bard Early CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Bard Early College partnership offers students the unique opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts degree alongside their high school diploma through rigorous, college-level coursework. Over 100 students have graduated with associate degrees through this program. More than 30 seniors in the Class of 2026 graduated from Bard Early College with their Associate's degree already completed.
• Delgado Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Dual enrollment partnership providing high school students with opportunities to earn college credits through courses at Delgado Community College as part of their college and career readiness pathways.
• Nunez Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Dual enrollment partnership offering students pathways to earn college credits and credentials through Nunez Community College programs in various career and technical fields.
• Ochsner Health SystemsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing Health Science Academy students with summer internship opportunities including the Ochsner Sports Medicine Internship and Ochsner STAR Program for hands-on healthcare experience.
• Operation SparksecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing coding and software development training through Operation Spark Summer Coding Bootcamp, offering students pathways into technology careers.
• New Orleans Career Center (NOVAC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with the New Orleans Career Center providing students access to career and technical education programs including aerospace, engineering, culinary arts, real estate, welding, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, medical assistance, patient care tech, digital media, and robotics.
• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing health science pathways and career exploration opportunities in medical and health-related fields for students in the Health Science Academy.
• New Orleans BioInnovation Center / NucleatesecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership through Nucleate's New Orleans chapter hosting programs like Bright Kids in Biotech that connected 50 students from three KIPP schools to biotech startups and entrepreneurial learning experiences.
• Louisiana Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024As a public charter school network, KIPP New Orleans operates under the oversight of the Louisiana Department of Education and participates in state assessments including LEAP testing, with schools recognized for academic growth achievements.
• GEMSsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing career pathway opportunities and industry exposure for students in various technical and professional fields.
• Gateway EMS TrainingsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing emergency medical services training and certification pathways for students pursuing healthcare careers through the Health Science Academy.
• John Lennon Educational Tour BusminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Frederick A. Douglass High School students participated in the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Experience, a mobile multimedia studio providing hands-on creative technology experiences for students.
• KIPP FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024KIPP New Orleans is part of the national KIPP network spanning 278 schools in 21 states plus DC, educating nearly 125,000 students. The KIPP Foundation supports school leadership training, develops tools for excellent teaching, and facilitates exchange of ideas across the network.
• Louisiana State University (LSU)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership providing dual enrollment and college preparation opportunities, with students accepted into LSU as part of their college acceptances.
• University of New OrleanssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Host institution for robotics competitions and partner in career pathway programs offering dual enrollment opportunities for KIPP students.
• Tulane UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Annual debate tournament host and dual enrollment partner. Cianjanae Purvis, a KIPP alumna, earned her degrees from Tulane University and now works at LSU Health Sciences Center.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Achievement First: Regional charter network operating college-prep public schools across multiple states. Comparable in extended-day/extended-year model, network-wide performance management, and emphasis on scholar outcomes.
• IDEA Public Schools: Large national charter network operating PreK-12 public schools with a strong college-prep focus and career pathways. Comparable in scale, multi-site operating model, and CTE/college readiness offerings.
• FirstLine Schools: New Orleans-based charter operator running multiple schools serving K-12 students. Directly comparable in mission (college-prep focus), geography (Orleans Parish), and reliance on the same NOLA-PS enrollment system.
• Morris Jeff Community School: New Orleans charter school offering PreK-12 programming with a community-focused model. Competes in the same open-enrollment market and draws from the same NOLA-PS applicant pool.
• InspireNOLA Charter Schools: Another large New Orleans charter network operating multiple open-enrollment public schools across grade levels in the same city. Direct competitor for families using the NOLA-PS centralized enrollment system and competes for the same per-pupil funding pool.
• Uncommon Schools: Multi-state charter network running college-preparatory schools in underserved communities. Comparable in network scale, college-prep curriculum design, and emphasis on scholar outcomes and college persistence.
• Collegiate Academies: New Orleans charter network focused on college-preparatory high schools. Comparable as a same-city charter operator targeting college-readiness outcomes with public per-pupil funding.
• Success Academy Charter Schools: National charter network known for rigorous college-preparatory academics and strong academic outcomes in NYC. Highly comparable in mission, extended-day model, and outcomes-driven culture, though operating in a different geography.

Others

• Louisiana Department of Education (NOLA Public Schools district): Authorizing entity and centralized enrollment system (enrollnolaps.com) through which families apply to KIPP schools. Indirect peer/ecosystem partner that sets performance standards, determines per-pupil funding, and channels all charter enrollment applications.

Broad incumbents

• KIPP Foundation (national KIPP network): National parent network of which KIPP New Orleans is a regional affiliate, spanning 278 schools and 125,000+ students. Comparable because it operates the same charter K-12 model and shares curriculum, leadership development, and brand infrastructure that KNOS leverages.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/kippneworleans
• Xx.com/kippno
• Facebookfacebook.com/KIPPNewOrleans
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kipp-new-orleans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

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 New Orleans Schools