KIPP Bridge Charter School

KIPP Bridge Charter School (KIPP Bridge) opened in 2002 as an Oakland Unified School District New Small Autonomous School. It converted to a charter school in 2007 with the mission of developing 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.

KIPP Bridge is now part of KIPP Bay Area Schools. In 2009-10, they served 304 students, 70% being African American, and 100% eligible for the Free and Reduced Priced Lunch program.

The school emphasizes a commitment to excellence through parent, student, and teacher partnerships, and rigorous standards-based content. Beyond academics, KIPP Bridge focuses on character development for its students, developing social skills that will ensure their academic success in subsequent schools and beyond. The school has an extended day and numerous after-school activities, including homework clubs and intervention programs. KIPP Bridge also has firm behavior and academic expectations that are coupled with numerous opportunities for rewards through trips and other incentives.

KIPP Bridge has been one of the fastest improving schools statewide, gaining 103 API points over two years. Further, API scores for African American students increased by 92 points from 2007 to 2010. KIPP Bridge students outscored African American middle school students in the district by 197 points in 2010. During the same period, the school increased its African American proficiency rates by more than 20% in ELA and 30% in math. KIPP Bridge was one of two recipients of the California Charter Schools Association’s “School of the Year” award in 2011.