KIPP Schools reviews

The culture of Work Hard Be Nice at KIPP pretty much means hard work all the time. I think people are "nice" but don't come across as authentic. The benefits are great but don't expect to get to use them. There is such a cult culture around the cause that you are expected to be on all the time. Outside family and life priorities are not respected because so many people consider this to be their life's work. This culture helps some thrive, but if its not for you its stifling.

I truly believe you have to luck out on a position with a good manager. There is very little managerial skill-set. This organization is a great cause and has proven a great track record (over 20 years); however, the amount of money spent on events, conferences, etc. would be astonishing to most of the parents, students, and to other charter organizations who partner with this network. My view on non-profits has changed since my time working at this organization. I now see most non-profits alike big businesses-it's about the money, and not for the students, but for the senior management who all make quite significant salaries while the teachers make very little and work just as much if not more hours. In addition, there seems to be much more thinking, planning, thinking some more, etc. than actual work product. Much time is wasted on regular meeting fly-ins in which many senior staff must fly, train, etc. mid-way and across the country. There is also quite a bit of staff movement which begs the question if staff are actually equipped to be in their positions as they move from one position to another. Lastly, HR is not there for low-level staffers. Beware if you want to go to HR! There is a lot of talk and little action (for staff at least) at this organization.