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ANSWERS

About Applying

What is Newark Enrolls?

Newark Enrolls is a system of choice connecting all Newark public schools, magnet schools and most Newark charter schools where all families can access great schools for their children. The system is available to any family wishing to enroll their child in school for the first time (for Kindergarten or due to a recent move into the city) or 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 Newark as your first choice provides the best chance for your child to be matched to a seat in a KIPP Newark school.

Who is running the enrollment system?

The Newark Board of Education manages 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. If you apply through Newark Enrolls you run the risk of losing the seat reserved for your child at his/her 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?
  • Access the online application at www.newarkenrolls.org
  • There is no paper application- the only way to apply is online.

Contact the 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 eight schools?

No. You should only select schools you would actually want your child to attend; it is not necessary to have eight. 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?

After the application deadline on January 29th, Newark Enrolls 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 learn of their matches in April 2023.

What if I applied last year?

The Newark Enrolls system requires that non- KIPP Newark students complete a new application each school year even if you have applied to our schools in the past.

What if my child is on the waitlist?

You must apply again through Newark Enrolls starting December for the upcoming school year. The waitlist does not carry over from school year to school year.

Deadlines and dates

When is the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 school year?

The Newark Enrolls application will be open in Fall 2023. Applications can be submitted at any time during this time frame.

When will I find out if my child is accepted?

Families will receive results by mail, email and/or phone in mid April.

Requirements

How old does my child have to be to attend?

To qualify for Kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year, your child must be five years-old by October 1, 2023. 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

Other

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!

About the Schools

What grades will be available for the 2023-2024 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 8th 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 4:00pm and Saturday 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 »

Do you 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-4:00pm 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-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-1:30pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Life Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-1:30pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Seek Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-1:30pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP THRIVE Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-1:30pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP SPARK Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-1:30pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP BOLD Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:15pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-2:00pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP TEAM Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-2:00pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Rise Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-2:00pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Justice Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-2:00pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Purpose Academy:
      M, Tu, Th, F 7:45am-4:00pm | Wednesday: 7:45am-2:00pm + Select Saturdays
    • KIPP Newark Lab High School:
      M-F 7:45am – 4:15pm + Select Saturdays

KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy:
M-F 7:45am – 4:15pm + Select Saturdays

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 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:oopm – 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?

You may visit the school any day that the school is open. Please call the school in advance of your visit to confirm the school hours and schedules. Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all of our schools are closed to students, staff and visitors.

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.

Do students have to pay for lunch?

Students who qualify for free lunch do not have to pay for lunch. Some students may qualify for reduced-price lunch and others will have to pay full price. This status is determined using a lunch application completed each year or whenever a family’s circumstances change.

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 that does not align to district schools. Click here for this year’s school calendar.