Age range

Website: www.kippbridge.org

Mission/Goals: "The mission of KBCP is to develop the academic knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary for students to achieve success in the finest high schools and colleges, and the competitive world beyond."

Notes: KIPP Bridge College Prep is a public, college preparatory middle school. It is a small autonomous school within Oakland Unified School District. KIPP Bridge is one of 38 KIPP schools nationwide. The school opened in the summer of 2002. Students and teachers attend school from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, for three hours every other Saturday, and for three weeks during the summer. All of these hours are focused on addressing the academic knowledge, skills, and character traits of students. The incorporation of mandatory summer school, Saturday school, and extended hours during the week allows KIPP Bridge faculty to develop creative programming that will enhance students’ educational experience. Overall, KIPP students spend two-thirds more time learning than most of their Oakland public school peers. Students are provided with a challenging college preparatory curriculum that is based on the California Content Standards for grades 5-8. Additionally, every student participates in a reading enrichment program to continue their literacy development. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Spanish, and Theater classes. End-of-the-year field lessons (college visits and cultural events in Monterey, the Pacific Northwest, and Los Angeles) and local field lessons provide students with varied learning experiences and positive incentives.

Source(s): www.kipp.org; www.kippbridge.org

Summary of Available Evaluation Information: Oakland's KIPP Bridge College Preparatory will undergo a formal, independent evaluation by the Cambridge Education Associates in Spring 2005.