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Answers

Newark

What is the Newark Common Application?

The Newark Common App is a new, centralized application, lottery, and waitlist for families to enroll at participating schools. The portal opened on December 1, 2023 and will provide families and schools with a quick, seamless, and transparent process for applying to the school of their choice.

Who is running the enrollment system?

The Newark Common App team works with the platform Avela to manage the technology, school and parent communications, and student-school matching for the enrollment system. KIPP Newark participates in this centralized process and no longer operates its own application or lottery.

If I want my child to stay in their current school, do I need to complete an application?

No. You should not complete an enrollment application if you wish for your child to remain at their current school.

Which students must apply?
  • All students entering Kindergarten.
  • All students who are new to Newark (after attending school elsewhere).
  • Any student who would like to attend a new school.

Students who wish to remain in their current school do not need to submit an application. Submitting an application for a school other than your current school may result in a new placement and loss of your child’s seat at their current school.

How do I apply to a KIPP Newark school?

Families may:

  • Access the online application via the Newark Common App
  • There is no paper application- the only way to apply is online.

Contact KIPP Newark’s Enrollment team by phone at 973.750.8326 or email at enroll@kippnj.org.

On the application, do I have to select seven schools?

No. You should only select schools you would actually want your child to attend; it is not necessary to have seven. While it does benefit you to list more than one school in case your child does not get into your first choice, do not list schools you do not want them to go to.

What if I already have a child at a KIPP Newark school and want to enroll another child?

You will need to complete an application for the child who is not currently enrolled in a KIPP Newark school. On the application, be sure to indicate your current KIPP Newark student’s name so the system recognizes the sibling relationship as the system will attempt to assign siblings to KIPP Newark. Note: KIPP Newark may give priority to siblings; however, this is subject to seat availability so it’s not possible to guarantee that siblings will attend the same KIPP Newark school.

How will students be matched to schools?

The system will match each student with the best possible school based on the family’s choices and the policies of the enrollment system. Families and students will typically learn of their match in April.

What if I applied last year?

Your enrollment application will not roll over year to year. If you applied last year or in the past, you will have to re-apply. However, if you would like your child to stay in the same school, you do not have to re-apply to attend your child’s current school.

What if my child is on the waitlist?

If there are more applicants than there are available seats, your child will be placed on our waitlist. If and when a seat is available, we will contact you immediately. We call students from the waitlist throughout the summer and the regular school year.

When is the deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 school year?

The application opened in December and will remain open through the spring.

When will I find out if my child is accepted?

Families will receive notifications via email from the system as well as the KIPP Newark Enrollment Team.

How old does my child have to be to attend?

To be eligible for Kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year, your child must be five years-old by October 1, 2024. There are no exceptions.

How much does it cost to apply or attend the school?

There is no application fee or cost to attend. KIPP Newark schools are free public schools open to all students.

Can I complete more than one application?

No. You should only submit one application for each child. Any duplicate applications will be removed prior to the application processing.

If I have questions, what is the best way to get answers?

Contact us! Feel free to email us at enroll@kippnj.org or call us at 973-750-8326. We are here to help!

What grades will be available for the 2024-2025 school year?
  • KIPP Upper Roseville Academy: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • KIPP Life Academy: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • KIPP Seek Academy: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • KIPP THRIVE Academy: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • KIPP SPARK Academy: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • KIPP TEAM Academy: 5th grade through 8th grade
  • KIPP Rise Academy: 5th grade through 8th grade
  • KIPP BOLD Academy: 5th grade through 8th grade
  • KIPP Purpose Academy: 5th grade through 7th grade
  • KIPP Justice Academy: 5th grade through 7th grade
  • KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy: 9th grade through 12th grade
  • KIPP Newark Lab High School: 9th grade through 12th grade
What is KIPP New Jersey?
  • KIPP New Jersey is a growing network of public schools in Newark and Camden, New Jersey. KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized KIPP Schools (Knowledge is Power Program). Our students are in school longer, with days until 3:30pm and summer school sessions. We serve roughly the same demographics as each of our neighboring schools and over 80% of KIPP New Jersey alumni are now in college. Read more about KIPP New Jersey here »
Does KIPP Newark accept students with special needs and/or those who have an IEP?

Absolutely. We are proud that our schools and the Newark Public Schools have roughly the same percentage of students with special needs.

What are your school hours? How long is the school day?

A typical KIPP Newark school day runs from 7:45am-3:30pm with the exception of early dismissal on Wednesdays and occasional Saturday school. For specific times and dates for Saturday school please contact the individual campus.

  • KIPP Upper Roseville Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:30pm
  • KIPP Life Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:30pm
  • KIPP Seek Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:30pm
  • KIPP THRIVE Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:30pm
  • KIPP SPARK Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:30pm
  • KIPP BOLD Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:45pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:45pm
  • KIPP TEAM Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:45pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:45pm
  • KIPP Rise Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:45pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:45pm
  • KIPP Justice Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:45pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:45pm
  • KIPP Purpose Academy:
    M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-3:45pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-12:45pm
  • KIPP Newark Lab High School:
    M-F 8:00am – 3:45pm | Wednesday: 8:00am-12:42pm
  • KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy:
    M-F 8:00am – 3:45pm | Wednesday: 8:00am-12:42pm
Do you provide busing or transportation?

Unfortunately, we no longer provide busing for our incoming students, but we do provide NJ Transit bus tickets for students in grades 5-12 who are eligible. We also offer an after school program through the Boys and Girls Club at some of our locations that runs from the end of the school day until 7:00pm – even on early dismissal days.

Where are the schools located?

Please click here for addresses, a map, and contact information.

When can I visit the school?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all of our schools are closed to visitors. However, you may visit several schools virtually by clicking here.

How many students are in each classroom?

The number of students in each classroom varies depending on the campus, grade and/or subject. Some classes have 20 students and others may have 29; the average class has 24 students.

When is the first day of school?

Generally, the school year begins with summer school in late August. Please do not schedule any vacations or summer camp in August so that your child does not miss school. Summer school is part of the regular school year and is mandatory for all students. For new students, the first day of school will be in August 2024.

Do students have to pay for meals?

Breakfast and lunch is free for all students. Families must complete a Household Income Survey annually here.

Do students wear uniforms to school? Do I have to pay for them?

Yes, all students are required to wear uniforms. Students are able to earn a free t-shirt at the beginning of the school year. Families may purchase additional shirts throughout the school year. Uniforms are sold by Flynn O’Hara School Uniforms.

How can I contact the school?

Please click here for addresses, a map and contact information.

What is the school calendar?

We try to follow the same schedule as Newark Public Schools. Our schools do begin in August for all students and that does not align to district schools. Click here for this year’s school calendar.

Camden

What is One Camden?

One Camden  is a system of choice where all families can access great schools for their children, regardless of the school’s status as district or charter. The system will be available to any family wishing to enroll their child in a new school for the upcoming year. Families may rank up to eight school choices — both district and charter — on a single application. They will then receive a single offer to attend the best possible school given their selections. Ranking KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy as your #1 choice will increase your child’s chance of being offered a seat in a KIPP school.

Who is running the enrollment system?

The Camden City School District manages the technology, school and parent communications, and student-school matching for the enrollment system. For example, CCSD developed the online enrollment center and hotline, leads parent focus groups, coordinates school fairs, trains school staff, and runs the matching software. KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy participates in this centralized process and no longer operates its own application or lottery.

If I want my child to stay in their current school, do I need to complete an application?

No, you should not apply unless you want your child to attend a new school. If you apply through Camden Enrollment, you run the risk of losing the seat reserved for your child at his/her current school.

Which students must apply during One Camden?
  • All students entering Kindergarten (some preschool seats are also available).
  • All students who are new or returning to Camden.

Any student who would like to attend a new school. Students who wish to remain in their current school do not need to submit an application. Submitting an application for a school other than your current school may result in a new placement and loss of your child’s seat at their current school.

How do I apply to KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy?

Families may:

  • Access the online application at www.camdenenrollment.org;
  • Call the Camden Enrollment hotline at (856) 536-3999 to speak with an enrollment specialist; or
  • Contact the KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Enrollment team at (856) 295-2988 or enroll@kippnj.org.
On the application, do I have to select eight schools?

You should only select schools you would actually want your child to attend. If your first choice school is not available, your child will be assigned to the second. If neither your 1st nor your 2nd choice is available, they will be assigned to the third and so on. If you really don’t want your child to attend their zoned neighborhood school, it’s important to select more than one school on the application. Please keep in mind, however, your child may be matched to any school listed on the application and may have to attend.

What if I already have a child at a KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy school and want to enroll another child?

You still need to complete an application for the child who is not currently enrolled in a KIPP school; there is no way for us to enroll a sibling without an application. On the application, be sure to indicate your current student’s name so the system recognizes the sibling relationship and can attempt to match your children together. Note: KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy gives priority to siblings; however, this is subject to availability so it’s not possible to guarantee that siblings will be in the same KIPP school.

How will students be matched to schools?

After the application closes in March, automated computer software will match each student with the best possible school based on the family’s choices and the policies of the enrollment system. This computer software is used in several other districts with centralized enrollment systems and has been customized for Camden’s needs. Families and students will learn of their matches in late Spring.

What if I already submitted a KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Enrollment Application?

The Camden Enrollment system requires that you complete a new application each year, even if you have applied to our schools in the past.

What if my child is on the waitlist?

If you child is on the waitlist, we will contact you as soon as a seat opens. If a seat does not opened up by the end of the school year, you must reapply. Waitlist numbers do not carry onto the next school year, you must reapply every year until you get in.

When is the deadline to apply?

The One Camden application will be open from December and stay open until the end of summer. Your best chance of securing a seat is to apply before the end of March.

When will I find out if my child is accepted?

Applicants receive results by mail and/or phone in May.

How old does my child have to be to attend?

To qualify for Kindergarten, your child must be five years old by October 1. There are no exceptions.

How much does it cost to apply or attend the school?

There is no application fee or cost to attend. KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy schools are free public schools.

Can I complete more than one application?

Each child may only enter once. Any duplicate applications will be removed prior to the application processing.

If I have questions, what is the best way to get answers?

We ask that you review the information on this page first and, if you still have a question, please contact us. If you require an immediate response, please call us at (856) 295-2988. We are here to help!

What grades will be available this upcoming school year?
  • KIPP Lanning Square Primary: K-4
  • KIPP Sumner Elementary: K-2
  • KIPP Lanning Square Middle: 5-8
  • KIPP Hatch Middle: 4-8
  • KIPP Cooper Norcross High School: 9-12
What is KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy?

KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Public Schools is a growing network of public schools in Camden, New Jersey that is part of the nationally recognized KIPP Schools (Knowledge is Power Program). Our students are in school until 4:30pm most days and start the school year in mid-August. This affords our scholars time for core academic subjects plus science, art, technology, and trips to extend their learning. We serve roughly the same demographics as each of our neighboring schools and pride ourselves on preparing our students. Over 80% of KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy alumni are now in college.

Do you accept students with special needs and/or those who have an IEP?

Absolutely. We are proud that our schools and the KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Public Schools have roughly the same percentage of students with special needs.

What are your school hours? How long is the school day?

Each grade level band schools hours are the same:

  • Elementary school
    • M, Tu, Th, F: 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
    • W: 8:00 am – 12:45 pm
  • Middle school
    • M, Tu, Th, F: 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
    • W: 8:00 am – 12:45 pm
  • High school
    • M, Tu, Th, F: 8:00AM – 3:48PM
    • W: 8:00 am – 12:42 pm
Do you provide busing or transportation?

Camden City School District provides busing for any student who lives more than two walking miles from our building. We provide busing for eligible students who attend KIPP Hatch Middle. Eligibility is based on distance from school) with bus stops throughout the city. Busing availability may change and cannot be guaranteed. Students with bussing on their IEPs will receive door to door transportation from Camden City School District.

Where are the schools located?
  • KIPP Lanning Square Primary – 525 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103
  • KIPP Lanning Square Middle – 525 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103
  • KIPP Sumner Elementary – 1600 S 8th St, Camden, NJ 08106
  • KIPP Hatch Middle – 1875 Park Blvd, Camden, NJ 08013
  • KIPP Cooper Norcross High School – 740 Chestnut St Camden, NJ 08103
When can I visit the school?

You may visit the school any day that the school is open. If you would like a tour, please call us at  (856) 966-9600 in advance of your visit to confirm the school hours and schedules.

How many students are in each classroom?

The number of students in each classroom varies depending on the campus, grade and/or subject. Some classes have 20 students and others may have 29; the average class has 24 students.

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school may be different for each campus but all schools begin in mid-August. Please do not schedule any vacations or summer camp in August so that your child does not miss school.

Do students have to pay for meals?

Breakfast and lunch is free for all students. Families must complete a Household Income Survey annually here.

Do students wear uniforms to school? Do I have to pay for them?

Yes, all students are required to wear uniforms. Each student is provided a free t-shirt at the beginning of the school year. Families may purchase additional shirts throughout the school year from Flynn & O’Hara School Uniforms.

How can I contact the school?

Please click here for addresses, a map and contact information.

What is the school calendar?

We try to follow the same schedule as Camden City School District. Our schools do begin in August, however, which does not align to the district calendar. Click here for this year’s regional calendars.