KIPP Ujima Village Academy in Baltimore, Maryland

“I remember not being able to sleep at night once the end of my son's 5th grade year slowly approached at one of Baltimore s low performing schools. My son always charted as advanced in school over performing his school, Baltimore city and the state of Maryland. I didn t feel his zone middle school Booker T Washington would be a good fit for his quiet demeanor and his excellent grades. I am a single mother of three and my income didn t exceed 30,000.00 annually during that period. I was at my wits end, I applied and he tested at a catholic school and didn t meet deadlines for him to attend Roland Park or Mount Royal middle schools. I was not familiar with any charter school at that time. I ran into an old elementary friend of mine who was then teaching at KIPP Ujima and told her about my frustrations. I asked a question If you were in my situation and you had a option of sending your child to a catholic school or KIPP Ujima what would you do? without a doubt she responding KIPP. I admired receiving the cell phone numbers to all the teachers, the great trips for our students at a very low cost to the parents, the Saturday school, and the visual arts programs. Overall, the great difference of KIPP. I support paying Kipp teachers more money they deserve it, but they already earn 18% more in salary than other Baltimore city teachers. Services for the students were already cut, giving the teachers the raise the union is requesting would further cut services that make KIPP great. Sincerely, JML Parent of a senior”
This review was posted by a parent.

“LOVE IT!!! My son is a 5th Grader here and he has NEVER liked math, the way they go about teaching is so 'Outside the box' He was always an Honor Roll student but he has only been an 80% student in math. His NERY FIRST Math test @ KIPP he scored a 93% which means his math teacher did in 1 month what his former scholl failed to do in 4 years. I was given links to web pages to assist with studying for his test (fun activities) which we used and still do even when he has no test. My son is an A Math student in 1 month. That says something. I also LOVE Mr. Toler he is MARVELOUS, if you have a probem he has a resolution and he will follow through!!! I LOVE KIPP!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son graduated from KIPP Ujima in 2007. This school is the best school in Baltimore City. The teachers and staff truly care about your child's education and will go to great lengths to ensure that your child is giving it all that he/she has. I love how the staff doesn't 'give up' on a student, no matter how hard it is. It's that kind of a positive environment that can turn an average child to a great student. My son is now a Junior at Calvert Hall College High School. I truly believe that it wouldn't been possible if it wasn't for KIPP. I love this school so much. I would love to see all city schools turned into KIPP schools. They would be 150% better than they are now.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a student at KUVA .I did not graduate yet and I am in the 7th grade.This is a great school and if you are reading this I think you should send your child here.We have some of the highest scores in the state of Maryland. I love this school. From A. Shipley”
This review was posted by a student.

“I graduated from KIPP Ujima Village Academy in 2007. It was the best most preparing school in the city. I now attend City because of the extended hours and focus they give to every student”
This review was posted by a student.

“I've been to many schools in Baltimore City and KIPP is the school that I highly reccomend. Wishing all schools could have teachers that carry cell phones for your child to contact if their having problems or concerns with school work. The teachers are always well prepared to give your child the attention he/she may need. Discipline, well where ever you go in life you must have rules and if your child have a problem with following rules this school may not be for him/her. There's many things that my child have learned while attending KIPP. She's learned respect, being a role model, the importance of team and family. Although these qualities are implemented at home. Kipp has shown and given her the confidents needed to be successful while climbing the mountain top to college. To stay focus, try and do your best is always a criteria for success. Leesa Townes”
This review was posted by a parent.

“KIPP may have been a wonderful school in the beginning, but it isn't anymore. They are out of compliance with special ed., they can't keep any good teachers, and the new principal isn't doing a good job at keeping Mr. Botel's dream alive. I wouldn't recommend any of my loved ones to attend school there or work there.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Mr. Botel please start a High School. Baltimore city can use more schools like this. Any parent in Baltimore city looking for a great middle school look no further.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter started at KIPP in 2005. I can't say enough good things about the staff and children at KIPP. She's motivated, confident and has a whole new set of principles related to her work ethic and school performance. The extracurricular programs and hands on experiences excite my child and are of private school caliber. KIPP is definitely top notch.”
This review was posted by a parent.