Pros
KIPP does a fantastic job of maintaining the fabulous image of a school organization that is deeply committed to low-income students successfully graduating from college. In reality, this is a privately-run organization that charges low-income families millions of dollars for their children to walk through its doors and runs teachers into the ground with long working hours that add little or nothing to a child's education. - Smaller campuses allow for teachers to get to know students more one-on-one - Many (but not always) students are motivated to achieve academically - Schools offer free snacks at the end of the day to students - Dozens of incentives offered to children throughout the year for high test scores
Cons
- Poor working facilities (crowded trailers, inedible lunches, inadequate physical education spaces, outdated/ dilapidated books and materials) - Dozens of unpaid working hours - Students whimsical desires are prioritized over the basic safety needs of teachers - Extended school days are not actually used for academic instruction - Ineffective discipline system - Few curriculum resources or guidance for new teachers - Revolving door of teachers because of high teacher turnover - Driven almost exclusively by standardized test results