KIPP DC - College Preparatory PCS

At a Glance

KIPP DC College Preparatory (KCP) is a public charter high school serving students in grades 9 through 12 at 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE in Ward 5. As part of the KIPP DC network, the school focuses on college preparation through rigorous academics, extracurricular offerings, and athletic programs designed to ready students for postsecondary success. The school extends its support beyond graduation, providing KIPP DC alumni with up to six years of college and career advising, guidance, and scholarship opportunities through the KIPP Forward program.

What Parents Should Know

KIPP DC College Preparatory admits students through the My School DC lottery system, the centralized enrollment process used by DC public charter schools and DCPS. Families interested in KCP should submit their applications during the annual lottery window, typically in late winter or early spring. Because KCP serves only high school grades, students entering ninth grade will be starting fresh at a school designed specifically for the high school experience, without middle school grades in the same building.

The school's grade configuration means families should plan for their student to spend all four years of high school at this location. Parents of eighth graders looking ahead to high school will want to consider how the school's college preparatory focus aligns with their student's goals and learning style. The Capitol Hill neighborhood location on Brentwood Parkway provides access to the northeastern part of the district.

The extended post-graduation support through KIPP Forward is a distinctive feature worth understanding. This program offers college and career advising for up to six years after high school graduation, helping students navigate the transition to college, persist through challenges, and access scholarship funding. For families prioritizing long-term support structures, this represents a continuation of the school's involvement in student success beyond the traditional high school experience.

Programs and Approach

KIPP DC College Preparatory structures its program around preparing students for college admission and success. The school offers Advanced Placement courses, giving motivated students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school and demonstrate academic rigor on college applications. Dual college enrollment options allow students to take actual college courses, further strengthening their transcripts and giving them a head start on postsecondary education.

The school incorporates career and technical education into its programming, helping students explore career pathways and develop practical skills alongside traditional academics. Blended learning approaches combine digital and in-person instruction, allowing for more personalized pacing and practice. An extended day schedule provides additional instructional time, a common feature in college-preparatory charter schools that allows for deeper exploration of content and built-in support periods.

Beyond academics, KCP offers interscholastic sports programs, giving students opportunities to compete athletically while developing teamwork and leadership skills. The school's approach to discipline includes a restorative justice program, which focuses on repairing harm and building community rather than solely relying on punitive consequences. This approach aims to create a safer, more caring school environment where students learn accountability and conflict resolution skills.

As a public charter school, KIPP DC College Preparatory operates independently from DC Public Schools but remains tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the lottery system. Charter schools have flexibility in their schedules, staffing, and curriculum choices while remaining accountable for academic results. Families considering KCP should research the KIPP educational model and determine whether the college preparatory focus and school culture align with their student's needs.

Visiting and Contact

KIPP DC College Preparatory is located at 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Northeast DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or finding current enrollment information should visit the school's website at http://www.kippdc.org/ or call 202-678-2527.