NEW ORLEANS – Today, KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) and KIPP Renaissance High School (KRHS) celebrate over $7.5 million in college scholarships for the 2019 graduating class of KRHS. With nearly 100 graduates, the class received over 300 college acceptance letters. Since KRHS’s first graduating class in 2014, students have earned over $32 million in scholarships.
“On behalf of KIPP New Orleans Schools, we are extremely proud of the 2019 graduating class of KIPP Renaissance High School. At each of our schools, we are focused on working with our teachers, students and families to achieve the same goal – college and a choice-filled life. This graduating class is a shining example of what happens when we all work together for our youth – scholars are set up for success in whatever path they choose,” said KNOS Chief Executive Officer Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise. “While we recognize there is more work to do, the success of the KRHS graduates keeps us optimistic and excited. Congratulations, KIPP Renaissance High School class of 2019!”
Earning awards from organizations like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), Posse Foundation and a variety of colleges, 2019 KRHS graduates will use scholarships to attend a number of schools across the country. They include Florida A&M University, Loyola University of New Orleans, University of Notre Dame, Talladega College and Nicholls State University. Graduates plan to study in an array of areas including Business Administration, Communications, Pre-Medicine and Computer Science.
Through the KIPP Through College (KTC) program, KRHS graduates met regularly with college counselors and received tailored advising throughout the college application and decision-making process. Students completed applications to a number of colleges and scholarship opportunities that matched their academic profiles.KNOS KTC Director Larry Murphy said, “We believe that an excellent college-preparatory education is the key to success for our scholars. We recognize the challenges that are associated with getting to and through college. With that in mind, our team of counselors and advisors work with our scholars to ensure they are able to navigate from high school graduation to college graduation. It is important that the KIPP Renaissance graduates understand that even after they leave a KNOS school, they are still a part of our family and we are committed to their success.”
Beginning in 8th grade, the KTC program provides guidance to students throughout the KNOS network. KTC supports students through college application completion, financial aid submission and career selection. Additionally, KTC advisors help KNOS alumni navigate through academic, social and financial challenges that are associated with college and career pursuit.
KIPP alumni have attend colleges and universities across the country including Louisiana State University, the Julliard School, Xavier University of Louisiana, Tulane University, Emory University, University of Notre Dame, Dillard University and many others.
KNOS Chief Academic Officer Todd Purvis said, “At our schools, we set clearly-defined, high expectations of academic achievement while personalizing learning based on a student’s needs, skills and interests. We also focus on finding and investing in great teachers to ensure our students have access to the best educators. Creating this type of high school environment, our students are able to leave our schools prepared and equipped for success.”
Aside from KTC support, KRHS is home to the KIPP Renaissance Early College Academy (KRECA), which gives students the opportunity to earn 60 college credits and an associate’s degree by graduation. This is the first program of its kind in the state of Louisiana.
KRHS strives to get students to and through college, while providing a genuine New Orleans high school experience that includes extra-curricular activities, important milestones and culturally-responsive educational experiences unique to students in New Orleans.
KNOS SCHOOLS HAVE OPEN SEATS FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
Across the country, KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds.
While KRHS currently does not have any open seats for the upcoming school year, KNOS’s other high school KIPP Booker T. Washington High School does have open seats. Parents can apply at enrollnola.org and select any one of our KNOS schools. The deadline is May 31, 2019.
###About KIPP New Orleans
Founded in 2005, KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a locally-operated network of open-enrollment public schools educating more than 5,000 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12.
At KIPP, teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal: college and a choice-filled life. We believe that an excellent college-preparatory education will set students up for success in whatever life path they choose. Through collective hard work and commitment, KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds.
For more information, visit kippneworleans.org