KIPP Houston

The philosophy of KIPP SHARP Prep is derived from our mission and is reflected in our approach to honoring the multidimensional and unique characteristics of our children. Our primary objective is to create a beautiful environment where our children are invited, motivated, and supported while falling in love with learning and living in an environment where they expect and work towards excellence.

KIPP SHARP focuses on academics and the arts. KIPP SHARP's students are offered dance, strings, choir, art, and theater as part of the curriculum. Students also participate in a dual- language program where all students are instructed in English and Spanish in one or more content areas.

The primary core content areas are mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies. The curriculum follows a developmental sequence. Units of study are developed through Understanding by Design and are project based in the prekindergarten and kindergarten and multidisciplinary in grades 1 through 4 based on overarching themes. These units are framed by a set of essential questions that are designed to generate both interest and excitement in the learning and provide relevance for the children's work.

Mathematics

In mathematics, the emphasis is on the learner, who is active and directly engaged in a hands-on approach for daily mathematical learning. Learn More.

Language Arts

The SHARP language arts program is dedicated to helping students become confident, independent users of the language as readers, writers, speakers and to helping students develop an appreciation for its central role in a democratic society. Learn More.

Science

The SHARP science program prepares students to be knowledgeable in science, to be self-directed inquirers able to set their own intellectual agenda, and to be quality producers whose work consistently reflects originality, high standards, and the use of technologies that enhance learning. Learn More.

Social Studies

Social studies is presented using an integrated, cross-curricular approach. The major concepts of interactions within different environments, conflict and cooperation, individualism and interdependence, and continuity and change are the foci as they apply to various communities. Learn More.

All core subjects of the curriculum, although studied in-depth individually, are also interrelated among the curriculum. SHARParoos make connections between the disciplines when they are presented as real-life experiences life rather than isolated, disconnected pieces of information. Specific lessons are designed to promote understanding through the depth and complexity of learning activities. SHARP teachers consider student readiness level, learning style, and interest as they offer a variety of instructional strategies that focus on students' needs and provide intellectual challenge. Choice is incorporated into each unit of study; For example, students can select a book, a research topic, or the end-product that will demonstrate learning. Curriculum elements, content, process, and product focus on exploring and mastering key concepts, essential principals, related skills, and necessary facts.

Technology

The use of technology to learn content and create sophisticated products begins in prekindergarten. By the end of fourth grade, students are adept at incorporating a wide range of tools to gather information and express their knowledge.

Language

The study of Languages is an important part of our curriculum and programs. Spanish is intensively incorporated in the early childhood grades through the teaching of science.