KIPP DC - Spring Academy PCS

06/06/2019
I have been a Supportive Parent at this school since 2014-2015
I am ashamed that I chose this school to educate my children for so long.
I had very high hopes initially, and tried to contribute as much as I could, being a very introverted person I interacted and volunteered at the school for my children's sake for many years to build positive relationships with staff and teachers.
The children are overly tested, not given a voice, little to no out door time.. recess and physical activity in P.E. are taken away as punishment for "Bad behavior." If one child acts up, all are punished. Children are demeaned by staff as soon as they walk through the door. i.e. "Are we going to have a better day, than yester day?" As if the child isn't capable on starting a new day with a clean slate. Once a child misbehaves he/she becomes a target of ridicule almost daily by certain administrators and staff. Inappropriate playground equipment for older children. Pest control problems mice in classrooms, carpets not cleaned often enough, strange unexplained chemical odors coming from vents in building on more than a few occasions over the years. Horrible ever changing food menu items overly starchy and tasteless. Fruit too hard for children to bite into. High turn over for teachers new faces all the time. Mrs. Brown is the ONLY reason my children have been re-enrolled over the years Mrs. Doretta Brown(Office Manager) is the glue that holds KIPP Spring Academy together and the reason most parents keep their children there, she understands the needs of the community and children attending the school . She is overworked and under appreciated. Used for her skills of community building and problem solving skills when it is convenient for those teachers , administrators, staff members, not willing to gain the necessary skills to do the same.
NOT at all over looking a few WONDERFUL teachers trying hard to stay motivated to teach in a prison- like setting. Children are told to walk in straight lines not making a sound in hallways. forced to sit on hard cold dirty floors. Unless your clothes are fashionably excepted by unprofessional teachers, administrators and staff. Honors programs do not exist in this entire campus. Leaving children who excel bored tutoring other students or acting out. Eventually those children loose interest in school altogether. Eager new teachers with smiling faces become overworked, micromanaged, disciplinarians unable to do the very job they came to KIPP to do?
I wrote this review to give a voice to parents who are afraid to do so because your children still attend this school. Also for parents hearing GREAT things about KIPP schools in general. In my honest opinion this school is awaiting the effects of gentrification while using the 97.6 African American population of students to keep the school going. Unconcerned that almost 100 of the administrators in all 3 schools not just Spring Academy are Caucasian less than 50 of teachers are African American. I mention this because if the African American children don't see Administrative and supporting Admin Staff such as social workers etc. that mirror their image how will becoming a future leader of a school seem possible for them?
Some will argue its not about race, However it is when those in Authority do not look like you.. or understand your cultural differences or care to do so.
STOP USING OUR CHILDREN. FOR FUNDING. The children test at least 6 times out of the year, beginning the first month of school August till the week of 5/27/19 putting unnecessary pressure on the children all year long.
JUST THINK TWICE BEFORE SENDING YOUR CHILD TO THE WEBB CAMPUS!!!