2020-21 Annual Report

2020-21 ANNUAL REPORT

bold
striving for
excellence
joyful

college & self-reflective
career
9th-12th social justice
5th-8th champion
1st-4th courageous
k powerful
pre-k affirming

UPGROWING kind
engaging
KIPP
BELLA, 2nd Grade authentic
inquisitive
loving

KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools | PreK-12th Grade | www.kippstl.org

Dear Team & Family,

The 2020-21 school year will go down in the record books as one of significant challenges, but also a year
when KIPP exhibited extraordinary resilience and innovation. Our students and their families were heavily
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to income loss, displacement from their homes, illness and loss
of loved ones. Many are still struggling to find an equilibrium. On the other hand, we came together as a
community to find creative ways to teach, celebrate, and embrace our students and families with drive-
through events, home food deliveries, Zoom parties, and more. Similarly, our donors went above and beyond
to ensure our students had the support they needed – technology, transportation, food, etc. – to be fully
engaged.

We celebrated two milestones – our founding pre-kindergarten class at KIPP Wonder Academy and the
graduation of our first class of KIPP St. Louis High School seniors. It’s now possible for a child in the City
of St. Louis to “Grow Up KIPP” from Pre-K through high school. This concept is highlighted throughout this
report so that you can observe first-hand the impact of your giving. Our students represent the promise of a
future without limits. It is our responsibility and our privilege to ground them with an excellent education, so
they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

The national KIPP Foundation correctly asserts that there is not one measure of a great school. Great
schools must consider many factors to achieve excellence. Therefore, we use Six Essential Questions to
determine our impact: Who are our students? Are our KIPP students staying with us? Are our students
progressing and achieving academically? Are our students climbing the mountain to and through college?
Are we building a sustainable people model? Are we building a sustainable financial model? In this report,
you will see our results on each of these indicators. Even in this unpredictable climate, we take pride in our
achievements.

We ended our fiscal year with a positive contribution to our financial reserve, even with the costs associated
with teaching remotely. Thank you for your support in creating a bright future for students who are
“Growing Up KIPP.” You are making it possible for us to have a positive impact on our community, even in
the most challenging of times. With your ongoing support, we will continue proving the possible for our
students and our community.

Onward,

TOGETHER, A FUTURE
WITHOUT LIMITS
Kelly Garrett
Executive Director

MISSION

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare
students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so

they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills
and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. KIPP builds a
partnership among parents, students, and teachers that supports students to see their gifts and build upon
them to achieve their highest aspirations. Our diverse network of public schools, in regions all across the
country, is united around a shared commitment: a future without limits.

20 STATES & D.C. MINNEAPOLIS, MN ALBANY, NY LYNN, MA
270 SCHOOLS KANSAS CITY, MO BOSTON, MA
120,000 STUDENTS
40,000 ALUMNI CHICAGO, IL PHILADELPHIA, PA NEW YORK, NY
NEWARK, NJ

SAN FRANCISCO, CA OAKLAND, CA DENVER, CO COLUMBUS, OH CAMDEN, NJ
SAN LORENZO, CA INDIANAPOLIS, IN BALTIMORE, MD
REDWOOD CITY, CA
EAST PALO ALTO, CA SAN JOSE, CA WASHINGTON, DC

LOS ANGELES, CA TULSA, OK ST. LOUIS, MO GASTON, NC
BLYTHEVILLE, AR NASHVILLE, TN HALIFAX, NC
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
DALLAS, TX CHARLOTTE, NC DURHAM, NC

SAN DIEGO, CA MEMPHIS, TN

HELENA, AR

FORREST CITY, AR ATLANTA, GA

AUSTIN, TX NEW ORLEANS, LA JACKSONVILLE, FL
MIAMI, FL
SAN ANTONIO, TX HOUSTON, TX

college & KIPP Forward, formerly known as KIPP Through College, supports students to
career choose and prepare for college, trade school, or a meaningful career that fits their
goals and sense of purpose. We continue to provide resources to alumni long
9th-12th after high school to help ensure their success.

5th-8th KIPP St. Louis’ six academically excellent K-12 schools are tuition-free and open
1st-4th to any student living in the City of St. Louis. We are a community that celebrates
each child’s achievements, strengthens families’ involvement, and works to
k create a future without limits.

pre-k KIPP St. Louis has added Pre-K! We’ve partnered with Southside Early Childhood
Center to offer Pre-K at KIPP Wonder Academy. There are 80 students currently
enrolled, and we plan to expand the program.

ZY’N, Pre-K

question 1: Who are our students?

UPGROWING

KIPP
TRAVIS, Pre-K

OUR STUDENTS

KIPP St. Louis is a public charter school and is open to every student, regardless of academic performance.
We were founded on the notion that the students who need us the most, those who live in communities that
are largely under-resourced, will have better outcomes if given choices about where they attend school. We
accept all students, including those who require Special Education services and English Language Learners.

NAJMA, 6th Grade 2020-21 STUDENT DATA:

100% received free or reduced price lunch.

99% of our students were African American or Latino.

12% qualified for special education services.

WHY CHOICE MATTERS

We know families want the best possible education for their children. KIPP St. Louis serves students living
within the City of St. Louis. As a public charter school network, we offer students and their families a choice
to “opt in” to a KIPP education. Last school year, we educated more than 2,700 students from every zip
code in the city. If applications exceed the number of seats available, we use an impartial lottery system.

Our overarching goal is to give students living in the City of St. Louis a high-quality education that prepares
them for college and celebrates all paths to a fulfilling life.

THE BENEFITS OF DEMETRIUS,
CHOOSING KIPP 11th Grade

Our students and families share with
us that among all of the important
reasons that led them to choose
KIPP, these offerings are paramount:

Tuition FREE

Free Transportation

Committed Teachers

College & Career Prep

Safe & Structured

question 2 : Are our students staying with us?

UPGROWING

KIPP

BRAXTON, 5th Grade

STUDENTS ARE STAYING WITH US.

We strive to create schools where all students can grow and thrive, and where children and families want
to return each year. We closely track student retention to ensure that we are retaining our students and
meeting our mission. Engaging with students in virtual classes was challenging; still, during the 2020-21
school year:

s KIPP St. Louis had an average daily attendance of 81%.

O 82.5% of our students re-enrolled for the 2021-22 school year.

STUDENTS ARE SAYING: PARENTS ARE SAYING:

“I like KIPP because it’s fun. I like that my “KIPP was very responsive when scholars
mom chose this school for me. I love math were in virtual learning. The food packages
because adding and subtracting equations really helped out. The teachers at my
are fun. I love art because of the drawing daughter’s school communicate regularly
and coloring. When I get older I want to be and respond to my emails. I love how
a doctor that delivers babies.” everyone works to create personal
connections with families.”
- MARIAH, 3rd Grade
- LAKISHA, KIPP Inspire Parent

MEET KENNETH.

He came to KIPP in the 6th grade and was in
the first class of seniors to graduate from KIPP
St. Louis High School last spring. During his
senior year, Kenneth participated in a Geospatial
Intelligence course that we offered, through
Gateway Global American Youth and Business
Alliance Academies Inc. (AYBAA).

Immediately after graduation, Kenneth began a
summer training program with Gateway Global.
This summer opportunity provided him with
credentials in Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and full-time employment. Kenneth
continues to work while attending Webster
University.

question 3: Are our students progressing and
achieving academically?

UPGROWING

KIPP
JERZY, 1st Grade

ACADEMIC RESULTS

It was a year of amazing discoveries and also of unimaginable challenges, as the COVID-19 pandemic
turned the 2020-21 school year into a world-wide experiment in education. We spent the summer leading
up to the start of school ensuring that all 2,700 KIPP St. Louis students had the technology to fully
participate in virtual classes. Even to this day, KIPP continues to issue a Chromebook to each student in case
learning has to temporarily go online, and to allow for enhanced learning opportunities in classrooms.

KIPP St. Louis pivoted quickly to prepare for the new school year and provided students with online
classroom instruction, increased family support, and even opened our doors for small groups in need of
in-person education. By April of 2021, 55% of our students, at all grade levels, were back in the buildings
while we continued virtual learning for students who remained at home.

As anticipated, due to the pandemic, student proficiency scores declined in nearly all areas, particularly in
the elementary grades and in the subject area of Mathematics. KIPP St. Louis Public Schools continues to
work to meet the pandemic’s many challenges, including increased time spent focusing on literacy and
math, intentional support of Social Emotional Learning, and open communication with families.

We are also aware that test scores, while important, don’t measure
essential life skills our students gained during the pandemic, including
incredible resilience, creativity, and flexibility – essential skills at any age.

NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS LAURYN, 1st Grade

• Our high school freshmen have
improved their practice ACT scores by
an average of three points every year.

• Researchers who advocate for using
student growth as a more accurate
measure of achievement than
exclusively relying on test scores,
identified KIPP Victory Academy,
KIPP Inspire Academy, and KIPP
Triumph Academy among the top
20 schools statewide for subgroup
achievement in ELA and math.*

• Nationally, students who graduate
from a KIPP High School are three
times more likely to complete
college than their non-KIPP peers.

• Our first class of founding KIPP
St. Louis High School seniors
graduated in June 2021.

* PRiME Center at St. Louis University 2021
Missouri Statewide Student Growth Report

question 4: Are our students climbing the mountain
to and through college?

MEET ANNA.

Anna was part of KIPP St. Louis
High School’s first graduating
class in Spring 2021. She is now
a freshman at Fontbonne
University, planning to major in
biology and ultimately go to
medical school. Her brother is a
junior at KIPP St. Louis High
School. Anna was born in
Zambia and came with her
family to the United States
when she was 11 years old.

“I enjoyed being at KIPP. There
were a great many activities
and programs. The teachers
and staff were always glad to
help and were so supportive!
KIPP Forward was there for me
the entire time I was in high
school. They assisted me in
finding internships and jobs,
and they were a huge help with
my college application process.
If it weren’t for KIPP, I wouldn’t
be where I am today.”

KIPP FORWARD

Our unique KIPP Through College program was renamed KIPP Forward in 2021 to better represent all the
ways in which we support our alumni through college, career, and beyond. Our KIPP Forward goal, to help
students prepare for a future that is inclusive of college, but not limited to it, is a key component of KIPP’s
commitment to help our students leave high school ready to pursue the educational and career paths that
fit their goals and sense of purpose.

The Class of 2021 had the distinction of being the first class to graduate from KIPP St. Louis High School!
Our KIPP Forward advisors worked with these students from the time they entered 9th grade. The pandemic
added challenges for this senior class, but KIPP Forward advisors helped them to graduate with post-high
school plans in place.

100% of graduates were accepted into college.

68% enrolled in college in Fall 2021.

6% are in career/technical education apprenticeship programs.

1% joined the military.

The Class of 2021 collectively earned more than $850,000 in renewable financial aid!

DEANDRE, 2021 Graduate 2021 GRADUATES’
NEXT STEPS:

Colleges & Universities
Harris-Stowe State University
Tennessee State University
Saint Louis Community College
Missouri State University-Springfield
Southeast Missouri State University
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Fontbonne University
Lycoming College
Webster University
Ranken Technical College
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Lincoln University

Military
Marines

Apprenticeship Programs
Gateway Global
NPower

question 5: Are we building a sustainable people model?

EMPOWERING OUR EDUCATORS

The KIPP St. Louis team continues to grow; in 2020-21 we employed 305 staff members, 62% of whom
identify as people of color. We are committed to continuing to recruit and retain a high-quality and
diverse staff. KIPP St. Louis also invests in our people by providing outstanding benefits, professional
development, and instructional resources. Teachers receive frequent coaching and feedback from
supervisors, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other teachers on their team and across KIPP St.
Louis schools. We believe the best KIPP leaders begin as KIPP teachers. With this in mind, we provide
opportunities for staff members to grow with us.

7th ANNUAL
KIPP ST. LOUIS
AWARDS GALA

The menu had been chosen, the RSVPs
(with proof of vaccination) had come in.
More than 300 KIPP teachers and staff
were ready to celebrate together at “A
Different World: Homecoming” on August
14, 2021. Then....the delta variant shut down
the party. But it didn’t stop us from
celebrating our excellent teachers and staff.

Each school had a “pop up” celebration to
present awards to outstanding teachers and
staff (made possible by the generous
support of The William T. Kemper
Foundation) and acknowledge the incredible
dedication of all KIPP teachers. We applaud
our staff and teachers for their dedication to
proving what is possible in education.

AND Honor Award
THE Ariel Filion, KIPP Wonder Academy
AWARD
GOES Absolute Determination Award
TO: Cara Ciccarelli, KIPP St. Louis High School & Sabrina Steels, KIPP Victory Academy

Respect Award
Chinara Meeks, KIPP Wisdom Academy

Teamwork Award
Earl Dockett, KIPP Inspire Academy (pictured above)

Above & Beyond Award
Finance Team – Paul Fedchak, Alicia Faust, Marniece McDaniel, Stephanie Thompson

Excellence in Education Award
Alexandra Loh, KIPP Triumph Academy

question 6: Are we building a sustainable financial model?

UPGROWING

KIPP
BRIYAH, 2nd Grade

Taliya Karmah

KIPP Wisdom Academy KIPP Wisdom Academy

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES JULY 1, 2020 - JUNE 30, 2021

Revenue, Gains & Other Support Total



Federal Revenue $7,221,022

State Revenue $25,596,455

Local Revenue $2,649,177

Contributed income—Unrestricted $1,199,815

Contributed income—Temporarily Restricted $1,026,962

Other $5,376,071

In-Kind $761,942



Total Support & Revenue $43,831,444



Expenses



Program Services $27,980,158

Management and General $4,791,235

Development $492,920



Total Expenses $33,264,313



Changes in Net Assets $10,567,131

Net Assets, July 1, 2020 $21,417,559

Net Assets, June 30, 2021 $31,984,690

KIPP ST. LOUIS FINANCIAL INDICATORS


2020 2021 KIPP Foundation Guidelines

Months of Cash on Hand 3.7 7.2 3.0+
32.72 1.3+
Current Ratio* 3.433 21.98 11
106% 100%
Debt Service Coverage Ratio ** 11.40

Student Enrollment Ratio*** 104%

* Current Ratio measures the ability to cover short-term obligations.
** Debt Service Coverage Ratio measures the ability to make debt payments from operating cash flows.
*** Student Enrollment Ratio measures the region's ability to generate the required revenues to fund their operations.

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS

KIPP St. Louis was the first charter school sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis. This unique
relationship ensures excellence in our basic operations, including educational quality, fiscal and operational
accountability and legal compliance, but more importantly, it allows KIPPsters in St. Louis access to a
college preparatory education.

KIPP’s relationship with Washington University also gives our students access to programs that help them
develop the skills, experiences, and expectations necessary for college. Last year, KIPP again participated in
the Washington University College Advising Corps (CAC), which gave our students access to resources that
prepare them for college, including ACT preparation, college visits and college fairs, and mentoring. For
students – especially for those who are the first in their families to attend a college or university – finding
the right college and adequate financial support are key elements to persisting and earning a degree.

KIPP students also participate in the Washington University College Prep program, which complements
KIPP Forward. In addition, any KIPP St. Louis High School student who is accepted to Washington University
can attend tuition-free!

“Public education plays a critical role in the academic and social development of our community’s youth.
As KIPP St. Louis’ sponsor, we’re immensely grateful to KIPP’s leaders as they seek to improve
educational outcomes for their students. At Washington University in St. Louis, we see our partnership
with KIPP as a critical piece of our commitment to being in St. Louis and for St. Louis.”

— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor, Washington University in St. Louis

SIX SCHOOL KIPP Victory Academy Grades K-4
LOCATIONS 955 Arcade Ave. 63112 | 314.454.9255

KIPP Wisdom Academy Grades K-4
1224 Grattan St. 63104 | 314.384.9561

KIPP Wonder Academy Pre-K-3, growing to Pre-K-4
3740 Marine Ave. 63118 | 314.450.9550

KIPP Inspire Academy Grades 5-8
1212 N. 22nd St. 63106 | 314.296.3502

COLLEGE PREPARATORY PUBLIC SCHOOL KIPP Triumph Academy Grades 5-8
1409 Linton Ave. 63107 | 314.454.9167

KIPP St. Louis High School Grades 9-12
706 N. Jefferson 63103 | 314.241.1030

6TH ANNUAL CHAMPIONS Virtual
VIRTUAL BREAKFAST
CHAMPIONS
The first ever (and, we hope, last ever) virtual Champions Breakfast
was held in April, 2021 to celebrate our students, teachers, and donors, BREAKFAST
who provided amazing support in a challenging year. All past and
current KIPP St. Louis presidents participated in the event, and
reminded us of the impact KIPP has had on education in St. Louis.

The event was made possible by the following generous sponsors: 5.1.21

PRESENTING

GRADUATE Martha & Bruce Karsh Lori & Ted Samuels

HONOR

SCHOLAR John & Debbie Capps Kerry & Michael Casey

LEADING THE WAY EMERITUS BOARD

2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kyle Chapman, Past Board Chair
Maxine Clark, Past Board Chair
June McAllister Fowler, Chair Gabe Gore, Past Board Chair
Pat Sly, Treasurer John Kemper, Past Board Chair
Kerry Casey, Secretary Greg Wendt, Founding Board Chair
John Capps Don Danforth
Michael Dierberg Bill Jolly
David Lemkemeier Carolyn Kindle Betz
Mary Marada Flora Tersigni
Erika McConduit Keith Williamson
Lori Samuels
Rick Stevens FUND FOR KIPP ST. LOUIS BOARD
Rob Wasserman
Kristy Wei John Kemper, Chair
Keith Williamson, Vice Chair
TOGETHER, A FUTURE Pat Sly, Treasurer
WITHOUT LIMITS Kelly Garrett, Secretary
Kyle Chapman
Don Danforth
June McAllister Fowler
Gabe Gore
Flora Tersigni

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

The following reflects gifts received between July 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021.

$250,000+ Margaret & John Prim Carol & Ward Klein
Saigh Foundation Kozeny-Wagner
Centene Peggy & Pat Sly Sally & Ned Lemkemeier
Emerson St. Louis Trust Company Mary Marada
KIPP Foundation Lori & William Martin
Perkins Malo Hunter Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Erica & Ben Morrison
The Opportunity Trust Catherine & Birch Mullins
Busey Bank Mimi & Jim Murphy
$100,000-$249,999 Debbie & John Capps Rachel & Ryan Oliver
George A. Capps Memorial Foundation Ericka Zoll-Phelan & Jim Phelan
Anonymous Commerce Bank Nora Ryan & Ned Golterman
Bayer Fund Ernst & Young Althea Smith
DESE Leslie & Brad Foss Malette & Rick Stevens
MilliporeSigma GenYOUth Inc. US Bank Employee
Noemi & Michael Neidorff Ann & Doug Grissom Matchinig Gift Program
Regional Business Council Huntington CDLI Impact Fund Chris Jacobs & Hank Webber
Lori & Ted Samuels Karsh Family Foundation
The Staenberg Group KC Toyota Dealers Association $500-$999
Lisa & Greg Wendt Pam & Kenny Lester
Olive A. Dempsey Charitable Trust Michelle Ong & Daniel Berg
$50,000-$99,999 The Strive Fund Judy & David Capes
Keith Williamson Oluwatoyin Carr
First Bank Alison & Tom Durphy
Rainwater Charitable Foundation $2,500-$4,999 Eximius Productions
FARE (Food Allergy Research
$25,000-$49,999 Barbara & Barry Beracha & Education)
Carney’s Kids Foundation Steven Harris
American Direct Marketing Clayco Tina & James Klocke
Bellwether Foundation Susannah & Don Danforth Matthew Nelson
Dana Brown Charitable Trust GadellNet Jill Peluso
Dula-Kobusch Charitable Trust Elizabeth Keegan & Kelly Garrett Maureen & John Riffle
Express Scripts Nicole & David Lemkemeier Chavelle & Phillip Sangokoya
Schnucks Markets Power Foundation Julie & Steve Toth
Laurie & Ray Van de Riet Renee & Rob Wasserman Charlotte & Ricky Vigil
William T. Kemper Foundation, Kristy & Tim Wei
Commerce Bank, Trustee $250-$499
$1,000-$2,499
$10,000-$24,999 Cheryl Adelstein & Dan Davison
Anonymous Lashanda Barnes
Albrecht Family Foundation Rodney Bahr Maris Berg
Boeing Employees Community Fund BJC Healthcare Blackbaud
Joyce & Chauncy Buchheit Kerry & Michael Casey Derrick Brooks
Charter School Growth Fund Christian Hospital Janie & Zach Foster
Caroline & DeWitt Thomas & Sally Cohn Mark Greenley
Van Evera Foundation Ellenwood Fund of the St. Louis Sheena Hamilton
JiaMin & Michael Dierberg Community Foundation Erika McConduit
Lois & Jack Easterling June & Flint Fowler Melanie Moore
Muriel & John Eulich Randall Grady Kathy Osborn
Lelia & David Farr I Do It For Her Foundation Suzanne Siteman
Nicole & Gabe Gore Estelle W. and Karen S. Kalish Fund of Donald Suggs
Home State Health the St. Louis Community Foundation Blackbaud
Ashley & John Kemper
Kathy & Jim Martin
Pott Foundation

$1-$249 Mary Beth & Allen Soffer
Lori Sommer
Anonymous (4) Donald M. Suggs
AmazonSmile Kim & Mike Sullivan
Shannon & David Antonini Doug Thaman
Wendy Kopp & Richard Barth ThermoFisher Scientific
Seria Brown Melva & Jerry Tolbert
Martha Buchanan-Forte US Green Building Council-MO
Cynthia Carrera Gateway Chapter
Kate & Martin Casas Zachary Vaninger
Brenda & Dan Cooke Kate & Bob Wacker
Katrina Crittle Susan & Peter Walker
Barbara Davis Diane & Stephen Weinstock
Sriram Devanathan Wells Fargo
Carol Davidson & David Dick Donna Zerega
Kathy & James Dowd
Tovah & Josh Edwards IN-KIND DONORS
Janet & Dave Ellert
Alicia Faust Asthma & Allergy Foundation
Karen & Paul Fedchak Lisa Graivier Barnes
Chris Frills & Justin Schulze & Carl Barnes
Betsy Garrett BJC Book Brigade
John Garrett & Ruth Kaminsky Busey Bank Employees
Phyllis & Mike Garrett Clayco
Daniel Gartland Connect Video
Lisa Gates Beckie & Joel Faintich
Givable St. Louis Kelly Garrett
Charlotte Hamilton HOK Employees
Lindsey Harrison Laura Kaiser
Janelle Jenkins MilliporeSigma
Judy & Grant Joyce Paul Mollinger
H.S. Kinberg Northwestern Mutual
Steven Landry PPEssentials, LLC
Disa & Jay Mason Precoat Metals
Sophie & Dan McCready Rolling Ridge Nursery
Jessica Millet Yvonne Tedder
Laura Millkamp Washington University in
DeAiris Montgomery St. Louis
Network for Good
Rodney Norman Please inform us of any
Colin Oca unintended spellings or
Ashley & Dustin Odham omissions, and accept our
Karen & Ralph Olson sincere apologies.
Debbie & Joe Olwig
Teresa Pearson UPGROWING
Ryia Ross Peterson
& Mark Peterson KIPP
Robin Phillips ANNA, 12th Grade
Sam Renschen
Salesforce DEVON, 6th Grade
Ellora Sarkar
Jackie Scott
Caitlin Graham Shaefer
Jenny & Kyle Shaffer
Russell Sharp
Marilyn & Drew Sinha
William Snider

BRAYLON, 9th Grade

TOGETHER, A FUTURE
WITHOUT LIMITS

1310 Papin St., Ste. 203 St. Louis, MO 63103 | www.kippstl.org