A quarterly update designed to keep you, our valued stakeholders, connected to the progress, priorities, and partnerships shaping KIPP Memphis. Each edition highlights the momentum we’re building, the challenges we’re navigating, and the opportunities ahead as we work together to create a future without limits for our scholars and community. | |
We’re excited to introduce this quarter’s Quarterly Connect video reflections, where we’re putting students at the center of the conversation. This year, each edition features a Portrait of a Graduate honoree leading CEO Dr. Antonio Burt in a candid talk about our progress, priorities, and purpose as a network.
In this quarter’s edition, 8th grader James Williams, recognized for his achievements in Academic and Career Readiness, sits down with Dr. Burt for a discussion about the lessons, milestones, and moments that defined the first quarter.
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We celebrated National Literacy Month in a big way with the Memphis Grizzlies and ARISE2Read! The Grizzlies and star player Brandon Clarke, presented big checks to our friends at ARISE2Read in support of schools like KIPP Memphis - surrounded by our 2nd grade KIPPsters. Our scholars even surprised him with a birthday card and a “Happy Birthday” song!
From learning to read to reading to learn, we’re grateful for partners who help our KIPPsters shine.
Read more here
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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Approves Fourth KIPP School
The new school will open next year in Cordova, serving students in grades K-3 with plans to grow to 500+ students. It will offer strong academics alongside a focus on performing arts, giving more families access to the same high-quality education that KIPP parents say has transformed their children’s lives.
Read more here
| | | | From 'well below' to above benchmark! Thanks to dedicated teachers, targeted support, and family collaboration, Kyrie’s second-grade literacy journey at KIPP Memphis is just one recently highlighted by the entire KIPP network, proving the power of investing in every child. | | Our middle school KIPPsters are diving into more than just literature they’re learning how to connect the texts they read to the world around them. Through engaging discussions and interactive lessons, students are encouraged to link real-life experiences with classroom learning, sharpening their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate real-world conversations with confidence. | | KIPP Forward Memphis hosted another successful College & Career Fair with more than 50 colleges and organizations, amplifying our mission to prepare scholars for college, career, and beyond by showing them the possibilities ahead. | |
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We’re celebrating Mr. Dominique Drumwright, our incredible Building Engineer as our August 2025 Employee of the Month, who truly holds it down at the Henry Campus! Serving two schools and supporting multiple initiatives, he makes the impossible possible every single day.
From preparing for the school year before the doors opened to keeping everything running safely and smoothly since, his dedication ensures a welcoming environment for every scholar, staff member, and family who walks through our doors.
| |  | We’re proud to celebrate Ms. Tim’Ara Speed, our KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary September 2025 Employee of the Month! Each month, schools recognize team members who go above and beyond and Ms. Speed continues to shine as a model of dedication and creativity. She’s always finding new ways to engage her students and make learning joyful and meaningful. Her scholars are showing impressive academic growth, and she still finds time to lead both the Dance Team and STEM Club, inspiring KIPPsters to discover their talents both inside and outside the classroom. | | | Each quarter, we honor KIPP Memphis scholars who embody what it means to be future-ready; our Portrait of a Graduate stars! These students demonstrate the core traits that define KIPP excellence: Academic and Career Readiness, Responsible Decision-Making, Self-Awareness and Advocacy, Leadership, Perseverance, and Real-World Navigation. Their hard work, resilience, and character remind us that the journey to success is built one choice, one effort, and one goal at a time. Congratulations to our shining examples of what it means to be a KIPPster! | | At KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary, joy and learning go hand in hand! From celebrating students with great behavior in the game room to honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, showing school spirit during themed weeks, and exploring passions through clubs, our KIPPsters are surrounded by opportunities to grow and shine. With dedicated staff and school leaders guiding the way, every day is another chance to make learning meaningful, memorable, and full of joy. | | At KIPP Memphis Collegiate Middle, engagement is everything! From dominating in middle school sports to joining the excitement at our high school’s Homecoming pep rally, students are experiencing the joy and pride of being part of the KIPP family. These moments go beyond fun, they help our scholars see what’s ahead, discover their passions, and stay motivated to show up, grow, and prepare for the next step in life. | | At KIPP Memphis Collegiate High, our scholars are focused on the future while strengthening the bonds that make their school community special. From celebrating College Exploration and Application Month to setting meaningful goals for their career pathways, students are preparing for what’s next with purpose. Beyond the classroom, our KIPPsters continue to remind us what true teamwork and community look like, that success is about more than achievement -it’s about connection, character, and heart. | | Partnerships that Move Us | | |
Arise to Read
We’re proud to spotlight our ongoing partnership with Arise2Read, whose volunteer tutors visit our 2nd-grade KIPPsters every week. Their dedicated support is helping these scholars strengthen literacy skills and make the critical shift from learning to read to reading to learn. By focusing early, this work directly aligns with Tennessee’s 3rd Grade Commitment, ensuring students are prepared to meet state standards and thrive as confident readers.
The impact of Arise2Read’s efforts was celebrated in a big way this fall, as the organization was recognized by the Memphis Grizzlies and gifted donations to continue their mission.
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Peer Power
We’re excited to spotlight our growing partnership with Peer Power, an initiative bringing dedicated tutors into classrooms across KIPP Memphis Collegiate High. These tutors work alongside teachers in a variety of subjects, building strong relationships with both students and educators to provide the most effective support. From targeted interventions to leading small group sessions, Peer Power tutors help create a seamless classroom flow that amplifies teacher instruction and ensures every student has the resources they need to thrive.
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KIPP Memphis is excited to launch a new elementary school in Cordova for the 2027-28 school year! Beginning with grades K–2 and growing a grade or two each year, this new campus will expand our mission beyond the Memphis city limits.
The school will not only provide enriched academics but will also place a special focus on Creative Performing Arts, ensuring students are nurtured both academically and artistically. With the success of our current elementary school consistently meeting an overall TVAAS Level 5 standard, we are confident that this same commitment to excellence will be carried into Cordova, opening doors of opportunity for even more students and families.
We look forward to welcoming our first Cordova KIPPsters in 2027 and continuing to build a future without limits.
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KIPP Memphis Necessities Pantry
At KIPP Memphis, we believe in supporting the whole child and that means helping families meet essential needs beyond the classroom. Our Necessities Pantry provides non-perishable food items, school supplies, household and hygiene products, clothing, and shoes. It is accessible to KIPP families who may need them most throughout the school year.
If you’re interested in donating, please contact gwilliams1@kippmemphis.org or explore additional ways to give below. Together, we can ensure every KIPPster and their family has what they need to thrive.
SAVE THE DATE: The KIPP Journey Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! Join us on Friday, March 27, 2025, at the Westin Hotel for our annual KIPP Memphis fundraiser - Fueling Dreams. Building Futures.
Every dollar raised directly supports student experiences, family resources, and safe, joyful learning environments across our schools.
Tickets go on sale January 2026 but you can invest in the future today! Sponsorship Packages can be found here.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can take part in this inspiring morning of purpose, partnership, and impact.
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