My son has attended KIPP since the 5th grade. With...

My son has attended KIPP since the 5th grade. With the exception of 9th and 10th. I pulled my son out for two years because he is an art-minded student - KIPP did not have any outlet for him other than sports and their art program was poorly supported. I moved him to an art-based charter school where two of my three older children did very well and one even graduated with honors; the program was superb. By the time my son arrived at HS level, the leadership changed, [art] teachers were seeking better opportunities and things were very different. He became bored and was not learning anything. I decided to return him to UPrep for his last two years because the rigor was more important than the art...preparation for college was more important. I do not recommend anyone to place their child in KIPP unless you start from the beginning; it's a culture that has to be re-learned. Coming from SAISD to KIPP is a culture-shock. Even as a parent, at first, I was a little defiant. But after a couple of months, I realized they were reinforcing what we always believed in: integrity, pride in himself and respect for all. For some, that isn't always taught at home. Communication is huge; do not lose touch. That can make your experience at KIPP very difficult. In all honesty, I can finally say there is a choice in SA: keep up the great work KIPP.