Released on: October 11, 2007, 8:13 pm

Press Release Author: Carol Hill/KIPP Ascend Charter School

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: -- KIPP is one of the highest performing schools in Chicago --


Press Release Body: October 11, 2007 - CHICAGO, IL -Prestigious high schools from
across the nation will come to recruit students at KIPP Ascend Charter School's High
School Fair being held on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at 715 S
Kildare in Chicago. High schools are impressed with KIPP Ascend's track record:
KIPP Ascend's 8th graders last year placed first in the City of Chicago in ISAT
(Illinois Standards Achievement Test) math scores, and are currently all attending
college-preparatory high schools. This year's high school fair participants
include: Kent and Miss Porter's of Connecticut; Concord and Groton of
Massachusetts; and Stevenson and Cate Schools of California.

Founded in 2003, KIPP Ascend Charter School is a free, public, open-enrollment,
college-prep middle school serving 320 students in Chicago's North Lawndale
neighborhood. 100 percent of KIPP Ascend's students are African-American or
Hispanic, and 90 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-priced meals
program. Students spend 70 percent more time in class than traditional public
schools, and are subject to high expectations with a relentless focus on results.
KIPP Ascend is proving that the achievement gap can be closed for traditionally
underserved students.

Out of the 463 schools in Chicago with 8th graders that took the ISAT exam, KIPP
Ascend was one of eleven schools ranking first; each reaching 100% achievement in
math. Eight of these schools have selective entrance requirements, while KIPP
Ascend's doors are open to any student. In addition, KIPP's composite scores for
reading, math, and science were the highest in the 24th Ward and in North Lawndale.


KIPP Ascend is one of 57 KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools serving over
14,000 students nationwide. While fewer than one in five low-income students
typically attend college nationally, KIPP's national college matriculation rate
stands at nearly 80 percent for students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP. In
addition, KIPP alumni have earned over $12 million in college scholarships. KIPP's
success in raising student achievement in low-income neighborhoods has been heralded
by national media moguls such as the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, The New York
Times, and Washington Post.

KIPP Ascend gives hope to students traditionally 'left behind', by putting in the
time, effort, and commitment to help them succeed. School Leader Jim O'Connor
states, "It's exciting to watch the trajectory of these students' lives change, as
they gain access to the skills needed to qualify for the best educational
institutions this nation has to offer."
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Web Site: http://www.kippascend.org

Contact Details: Carol Hill, Director of Development, KIPP Ascend Charter School
Phone 773-533-1770
email chill@kippascend.org
website www.kippascend.org