Four Schools, One Family: Find the Perfect Public Charter School at KIPP Albany
Editor's Note (8/4/2023): Since this article was written, KIPP Albany has formed a partnership with Troy Prep, and they are now called KIPP Capital Region. Formed in 2022, KIPP Capital Region is a new group of seven schools located in Albany and Troy. The following article does not reflect the changes from KIPP Albany to KIPP Capital Region.
Picking out the best school for your child is a big decision. You want one that not only provides a high-quality education but also helps students develop crucial skills and independence that will lead to a fulfilling life. Here in the Capital Region, KIPP Albany is a group of four public charter schools committed to doing just that, as they believe school is an extension of each student's family.
To help you understand how KIPP's schools prepare kids in grades K-8 for the future, we've highlighted some of their defining characteristics below.
What Is KIPP Albany? Here Are a Few Key Facts
KIPP Albany is a partnership between KIPP Tech Valley Charter Schools (KTV) and Albany Community Charter Schools (ACCS) with one unifying goal - to give students "the tools needed to achieve choice-filled lives in college, career, and beyond." KTV comprises a primary and middle school at the north end of Albany, and ACCS features an elementary and middle school at the south end.
KIPP Albany's schools are tuition free, public charter schools that are open to all students. Most class sizes are between 25 to 30 students, and all four have a longer school day and year compared to traditional public schools, which allows for additional instructional time.
But which one is right for your child? Read on for a breakdown of KIPP Albany's four schools and what makes each one special.
KIPP Tech Valley Primary School: Where Teachers Meet the Individual Needs of Students
Serving students in grades K-4, KIPP Tech Valley Primary School (KTVP) opened in August 2016 to a class of 100 kindergarten students. Today, the school has approximately 500 students across all grades, and their focus is building relationships, teaching in small groups, and offering differentiated instruction.
KTVP creates a strong math and English foundation for their students, and during a typical day, other classes include Physical Education, Music, Dance, Theater, Spanish, Art, and STEM projects. When full in-person instruction returns, they plan to launch a robust after-school enrichment program.
One reason parents choose KTVP for their child is because of the powerful teacher-student relationship. Teachers provide instruction based on each student's individual level and guide them to succeed in their goals. They connect with kids on a social and emotional level as well, and students are deeply known and loved by the faculty. In fact, back in 2019, the school had one of the highest teacher retention rates among all KIPP schools, which includes a network of 255 schools across the U.S.
KTVP invites families to be a part of the school community, and as students get ready to move on from KTVP, their staff works directly with students and parents to ensure a smooth transition into middle school.
Did you know? Thanks to a KABOOM! playground grant, KTVP now has a new playground on campus for students to enjoy outdoor play.
KIPP Tech Valley Middle School: Achieving Academic Success Through High Expectations & Exceptional Support
Since opening in August 2005, KIPP Tech Valley Middle School (KTVM) has worked hard to instill students in grades 5-8 with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue their chosen path in life. The staff helps students meet high expectations by providing exceptional support and enrichment opportunities to encourage whole child development.
Classes at KTVM focus on preparing students for high school and beyond, and the school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities too, such as Art Club, Dance/Step, Newspaper Club, Gaming Club, a Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program, and more. These activities allow students to pursue individual interests and connect with other classmates.
In addition, KTVM continues the mission of KIPP Albany to form a strong connection with students' families. They encourage positive relationships between all members of the KIPP family, and the school has both student and behavior support resources available if needed. Most recently, KTVM has reached out to families who have been affected by COVID-19 and supported them during these difficult times.
KIPP Albany Community Charter Elementary School: A Nurturing and Supportive Environment Where Students Can Excel
The journey to discover one's unique gifts and talents begins at school, and KIPP Albany Community Charter Elementary School (KACCS Elementary) believes all children can succeed with the right nurturing and supportive environment. As such, the school places a high value on collaboration, community, and culture, and they celebrate the racial and cultural identities of their students.
Founded in 2005 as Albany Community Charter School, KACCS Elementary serves students in grades K-5 and has been family-oriented since day one. For them, parents are the school's partners, and this is reflected in their open door policy (pre-COVID).
At KACCS Elementary, teachers use both whole group and small group instruction, and the curriculum is tailored to be culturally responsive and meet the individual needs of students. Students can also participate in extracurricular activities like Honor Guard, Girl Scouts, Basketball, Step Team, and Chess - all of which will help them continue to grow and develop new skills.
Did you know? In 2012, the U.S. Department of Education recognized Albany Community Charter School as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The prestigious award celebrates schools that have achieved overall academic excellence.
KIPP Albany Community Charter Middle School: Working Together to Strive for Excellence
Founded in 2012 as the sister school to KACCS Elementary, KIPP Albany Community Charter Middle School (KACCS Middle) teaches grades 6-8 and encourages personal growth and the exploration of creativity among all students. For them, KACCS Middle is one large family, and everyone laughs together, cries together, and gets better together thanks to the strong bond between staff, students, and their parents.
They strive for excellence, and the school's environment features a strong focus on respect, character education, reading, writing, and mathematics. Their goal is to provide whole child development, and students can experience a robust offering of extracurricular activities, including Drama Club, Kings & Queens Drill Team, Chimalsi Step Team, and more.
Similar to KACCS Elementary, the curriculum is delivered in whole and small groups. Students and teachers proudly form team identities with names rooted in African culture and history, and on a typical school day, you'll likely see students exuberantly singing their team chants. In fact, both schools participate in an annual event called the Festival of Nations, a celebration of cultures from around the world.
Did you know? KACCS Middle features a state-of-the-art music room, computer lab, and other premier facilities.
Take the Next Step & Apply for the School Year
Are you ready for your child to achieve success inside and outside of the classroom? Pick out the school that best fits your child, and visit KIPP Albany's website today to apply!