At the core of a successful school is a strong, proven leader who sets high expectations for all of their students and staff.

In 2018, PSP awarded the KIPP network a $945,000 startup grant to open a new charter school, KIPP North Philadelphia Academy, for the 2018-19 school year. KIPP North, led by Principal Ben Speicher, serves students in the high-need 19132 zip code of Philadelphia—nearly 1,300 charter applications were received through Apply Philly Charter for this zip code alone. The school, which currently serves students in grades K-2, will grow its enrollment one grade level per school year, ultimately serving 860 students in grades K-8.

After its first year, Principal Speicher and the KIPP North community are already having a positive impact on the academic progress of their students and the culture of learning in a deeply impoverished area of the city.

Read more about KIPP North’s first year on Principal Ben Speicher’s blog.