KIPP DC has announced plans to expand its network of college preparatory charter schools in the city.

Jessica Forres reports…



Middle school students are cheering inside the gym at KIPP DC’s Key Academy in Southeast.
[NAT: Cheers]

They are celebrating the planned expansion of seven new charter schools…one- a new high school. Darlene Dicks, a parent, is thrilled...

WELL SHE’S IN EIGTH GRADE NOW AND THEN SHE’S GOING TO COLLEGE PREP SO THERE WAS NO QUESTIONS ABOUT IT. I’M JUST LIKE STICKING WITH KIPP ALL THE WAY.

Three schools are planned to open in Southeast this July...Susan Schaeffler is the Executive Director. The expansion, she hopes, will mitigate D-C’s education crisis.

WE ARE OPERATING WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY TO GET KIDS IN CLASSROOMS WITH GREAT TEACHERS WITH GREAT RESULTS.

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee were on hand to show their support. Rhee says KIPP can serve as a model for D-C public schools.

I THINK THERE ARE MANY PRACTICES THAT THEY IMPLEMENT HERE AT KIPP SCHOOLS AND THAT WE HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTING AT OUR SCHOOLS.

Nationwide 80-percent of students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP go on to college.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News