KIPP Academy of Opportunity (KAO) is a tuition-free, public charter middle school that opened in summer 2003 in South Los Angeles. KAO is modeled on the successful strategies of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), a nationwide network of 57 schools in 17 states and the District of Columbia.

KAO shares a single mission with all KIPP schools: “To ensure that educationally under-served students develop the academic skills, character, and intellectual habits necessary to succeed in top-quality high schools, competitive colleges, and the world beyond.“

KAO serves 350 students in grades five through eight. Eighty-six percent of KAO students are African-American; 14 percent are Hispanic/Latino. Seventy-three percent qualify for the free or reduced lunch program.

OUR PROGRAM: THE FIVE PILLARS

HIGH EXPECTATIONS. Students learn to believe in their own ability to achieve in a culture that sets high standards and makes no excuses based on a student’s background or circumstances.

CHOICE AND COMMITMENT. Parents and students choose to attend KAO. All students, parents, teachers, and staff sign a “Commitment to Excellence,” stating that they will each put in the time and effort required to achieve success.

MORE TIME. KAO students succeed because they, along with their instructors, spend more time learning in a positive environment that focuses unwaveringly on results. Our students attend school from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. most weekdays, for four hours every other Saturday, and for two weeks during the summer – about 60 percent more time than other public school students spend in traditional classrooms. Our extended day, week, and year give students more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular activities.

POWER TO LEAD. KAO Founder and former Director Mikelle Willis opened KAO in her home community with the goal of changing the local “culture of mediocrity.” A graduate of the intensive KIPP School Leadership Program, she acquired the skills and freedom to make all decisions locally, including those related to personnel, budget, and curriculum. Current School Director Ian Guidera, who helped establish the school as a founding teacher, is also a graduate of the KIPP leadership program. Thanks to careful planning and a gradual transfer of responsibilities, Ian has transitioned smoothly into his new role.

FOCUS ON RESULTS. KAO students are expected to achieve a level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation’s best high schools and colleges. While the majority of our students enter KAO reading at least two years below grade level, they quickly make impressive gains. When our founding students entered KAO as fifth graders in 2003, only one-quarter tested at or above the national average on the SAT-10 language, reading, and math tests; as eighth graders, in their fourth and final year at KAO, more than 80 percent bested the national averages.

Marcia Aaron, Board Chair
Retired, Former Senior Analyst, Deutsche Bank

Kecia Boulware, Board Vice Chair
Project Manager, Jamboree Housing Corporation

Christopher Fleischner, Board Secretary
Associate Director of Recruiting and Placement, Cal/West Educators

Tony Shen, Board Treasurer
Director of Marketing and Development, Green Dot Public Schools

Yasmin Best
Associate, Latham & Watkins LLP

Michael Curry
Film Producer

Bianca Maria Philippi
President, Creative Insights

Blair Taylor
President and CEO, Los Angeles Urban League

Marcia Aaron
The Ahmanson Foundation
Marcus Allen
Citigroup
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
The Eisner Foundation
First Republic Bank
Chris & Dawn Fleischner
Don McCammack
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Tony & Jennifer Li Shen
The Walton Family Foundation
Weingart Foundation

- In May 2007, KAO was designated a “Certified Charter School” based on a comprehensive review conducted by an independent agency.
- In 2006-07, KAO's eighth graders outperformed their peers across Los Angeles and California in all subjects on the California state test. On average, the number of KAO students who passed each subject test was double the number of students who passed in Los Angeles and California.