KIPP Academy of Opportunity in Burbank, California

“Amazing, the march 28th post could have been writtend by me, as well as most of the other post. I think that KIPP has a great program, however if you are that middle student B/C, you will not receive the priase that the other students get. My son struggled in the 5th grade, he now starting the 6th grade at KIPP, he was actually told by one of thle instructors that he would not pass to the 6ht grade if he did not improve his grades, he is a B/C student. We are going to give it one more year, we may need to consider other options. Good school, but not for a B/C student”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been at kipp since the 5th grade. Now she is in the 7th grade and She's excellent student with a 4.0GPA. She loves this school and all of her teachers are very helpfull, As parents we need to be involve in our childrens schooling other wise to conplaint about all the homework that they get is not going to help our kids to suceed in this world. Parents help your kids academic by been there to help them be involve with teachers on what your child needs help on. It helps them to grow and We as parents show them responsibility.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I give this school a 3. My son has attended KIPP for 2 yrs and I think it's wearing on him. He's excelled academically and has received an average above a 3.7. However, parents beware the 7:30 - 5:00 pm program is strenuous and there's homework to boot. Homework has never been an issue in our home, but I can't imagine if we had that to deal with as well. If your home life is such that you may pick up your child, go home and find bed time right around the corner. Don't do it! You're child will never have an opportunity to play. Also, the parent's comment about behavior is a huge one. My son went from not to becoming a behavior problem and his justification was that if he was nice he'd get picked on and they'd think he was weak. This is school is best for girls.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had two children to attend KAO, one graduated and one is going to the 8th grade. I have been on both sides of that spectrum. My son struggled the entire time he was in the school and my daughter excelled. I truly believe that although my son benefited from his time at KAO, it probably was not the best place for him. Sometimes it is important to take a realistic look at the path we provide for your students. Everything that is good, may not be good for them. In retrospect, I knew my son was not 'KIPPnotized' and it separated him. On the other hand, my daughter acclimated instantly. Her level of drive and determination fit into the environment perfectly. She won KIPPster of the Year, her 5th grade. Its easy to blame the school, but is it really their fault?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree with the post from 3/2/09. I am a 5th grade parent, and my child does ok as well. But at KIPP KAO all praise goes to the star students. These are the students who attend field trips, and receive extra incentives. Sometimes, it leaves a student feeling defeated. The teacher's set high achieveing students apart from the others, it is not unusual to go to a class a find A/B students on one side of the class, and C/D students on the other side. The teacher;s often make examples out of the students who are not star, (no one wants to be like.....she is not doing well), or (who do you think will get a beter grade.....or....). I think the goal of the program is good, however KIPP KAO needs to recognize that students are motivated differently.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My experience w/KIPP is at an OKAY point, yes my child has done well since attending this school back in 5th grade. Now a 7th grader, I know my child loves the school but I have notice the school and it's goal has leaned more towards the star students and that bothers me. Me being a parent of a child that hold between a 3.0 and a 3.4 GPA, I just feel they should not allow the kids to feel a discomfort. I am in it to praise my child and others for their hard work but let not leave behind the other children that has tried to do their best. especially if their is no behavioral problems.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Im 9th grader and im the first class to graduate from KIPP KAO and the school has prepare me to do every well in high school plus in life. KAO is one the best school out there and if you spend your child there you will not regret it.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My child is a fifth grader at KAO and I have worked for LAUSD for 8 years and out of the 90 middle schools in LAUSD KAO outperforms no less than 80.Keep in mind it has only been around since '03.My child is as happy as I have ever seen him.The behavior issues at other schools are dealt with in a better way than I have ever seen.I hear alot of comments about the number of hours they spend in school and we as Americans have to stop making excuses and get back to being one of the top educations systems in the world. We cannot successfully compete with countries like Japan if we don't set our sights as high as possilbe.Not only does my son love the experience he is learning more about responsibility and community.He misses school when he is away.As for me and mine I support KAO fully.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has been at Kipp since the 5th grade and he is now in the 8th grade. I am sure my son will be ready for 9th grade, if he can graduate from Kipp. The curiculum is hard, but they give the kids the resources that they need to accomplish their goals. It is totally up to the individual child how far they will go. My son would love for me to take him out of Kipp, but as a single parent raising boys, my motto is there is no shortcuts in life, deal with it! To all parents thinking about putting your child in a school like Kipp, I advise you to read not only parent reviews, but also reviews of former Kipp students. Also, visit the school, you will see that they have a tremenous amount of students that went on to great boarding, private and charter high schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child attends KIPPAO, overall I believe the structure of the school is good. I believe if other schools would start to model themselves after this style of teaching we would see a great deal of improvement in our children and their approach to education. But there are a couple of setbacks that I've noticed in the current school year. There seems to be a great deal of behavioral and disciplinary problems here. My child has come home with complaints of substitute teachers leaving in tears, student's claiming gang affiliations and other disturbing behaviors. As for the teachers at this school there are some very dedicated teachers, but I have had the experience of dealing with a couple who left a lot to be desired. I believe this school has the right idea, and needs to focus on the quality of students being admitted. My rating is 5.5.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“KIPP is an outstanding goal orientated school. I love the teachers commitment and grassroots approach to not only teaching but also incorporating the parents. KIPP is an ideal school environment giving the students the challenges needed to be competitive not only in high school but in life. I only hope that LAUSD begin to model their schools after this outstanding example. You will not find a deeper commitment from the school director, teachers and the students themselves. I love this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is the best school ever! I will say it is a rigorous program but the children will definitely benefit in the end. I am glad I made the decision to place my child here!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'd give KIPP Academy of Opportunity a 9. I'd give this rate because as a student, the teachers give us a hands-on experience that keeps us interested while they teach! The teachers are close and they get to know the students! And most importantly, the teachers are not just teachers! But they are our consolers, our therapists, and our friends!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Very challenging program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Everyone is united around the same goal. Work hard. Be nice. No shortcuts. No excuses. Do whatever it takes. Look for a solution... so all of our kids can go to college.”
This review was posted by a administrator.

“My son came to this very shy, with no initiative. After attending two years, he has become very goal oriented. He is now clear the sky is the limit, and is very eager to go to school. Some of the teachers make it apparent in thier action, their true dedication. I love the change in my son's attitude toward learning. My has been in public, private, and now this charter school, and I can see he striving for excellence. The academic program is above level, and the best I've seen in this area. The extracurricular activities are choosen by the the child, and are numerous depending on the childs interests. Parental involvement is encouraged”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Unbelievable individual attention, wide range of music, art and sports education and plenty of extracurricular activities, such as, drama, chess and the like. Parents are apparently very active in the daily school life of the children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think Kipp Academy is an extrodinary school. The school is very structured academically. The Kipp program makes each student accountable for the actions by teaching them team work, and responsibility. I love this school. I believe that the public school system should adopt 'KAO's' philosopy, to help more students to be successful in school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The best decision I could have made for my child. Excellent school, excellent teachers, excellent environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Kipp has achieved in attaining my daughter's interest. She is excelling in her studies and has maintained enthusiasm. I am very satisfied with the staff and the curriculum.”
This review was posted by a parent.