A High School Built for
What Comes Next
Built on Resilience & Optimism
From 47 students in the South Bronx to 9,400 across NYC—three decades of unwavering commitment to college, career, and beyond.
History of KIPP NYC Public Schools
KIPP NYC began in 1995 with the opening of KIPP Academy Middle School in the South Bronx. At a time when families had few high-quality public school options, KIPP started with just 47 fifth-grade students and a bold belief: that with strong academics, character development, and an unwavering commitment from students, families, and teachers, children could build brighter futures. From its earliest days, knocking on doors to recruit families, teaching long hours, and even holding classes outdoors when locked out of a building, KIPP NYC was defined by resilience, optimism, and the conviction that education should prepare students not just for school, but for college, careers, and life beyond.
Today, KIPP NYC operates 18 schools across New York City, serving more than 9,400 students in grades K–12. The organization is powered by more than 1,100 staff members, nearly 10% of whom are KIPP alumni—educators and leaders who once sat in KIPP classrooms themselves. Grounded in its founding beliefs, KIPP NYC continues to partner closely with families and communities to deliver joyful, rigorous learning experiences that develop both academic excellence and character, with long-term support that helps students thrive in college, careers, and life.
History of KIPP NYC College Prep High School
For more than 16 years, KIPP NYC College Prep High School has been dedicated to preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Founded in 2009, KIPP NYC College Prep was created to provide a rigorous, supportive high school option for our growing community of middle school graduates. In 2013, the school moved into its own building, creating a dedicated space to foster strong relationships, school culture, and a deep sense of community. Since opening, KIPP NYC College Prep has graduated over 3000 students, with a 99% graduation rate.
🎯 Today
KIPP NYC College Prep continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and families. In addition to college preparation, the school offers robust 1:65 career counseling to support multiple postsecondary pathways, and 150+ courses including 40+ AP, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses. Beyond academics, students engage in a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including a competitive athletics program through the PSAL, diverse arts, and 20 student clubs.
🚀 Looking Ahead
KIPP NYC College Prep is expanding its impact with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art lower school campus in Summer 2026. This new campus will strengthen the K–12 experience, creating even greater opportunities for continuity, community, and long-term student success—while staying true to KIPP's founding commitment to joyful, rigorous learning and preparation for what comes next.
LEADERSHIP MESSAGES
Monica Samuels
Head of Schools and Principal, Upper School
"At CPHS, we believe a world-class education is defined by the depth of a student's four-year journey. Our 9–12 experience is built to ensure every student has access to the same academic rigor and elite opportunities found at NYC's most selective schools, balanced with a culture of deep relationships and intentional support. From the first day of freshman year to the moment they walk across the graduation stage, our Bulldogs are challenged to lead and prepared to thrive. As Principal of the Upper School, I am dedicated to ensuring our 11th and 12th graders sharpen their focus on the future, utilizing our college-prep environment to step boldly into the world's most competitive universities and careers. As Head of Schools, I am committed to fostering strong connections between our lower and upper school campuses—creating a unified community where mentorship flourishes, older students lead by example, and learners at every level grow through shared purpose and experience."
Gloria Navarro
Principal, Lower School
"The transition into high school is a pivotal moment where a student's identity as a scholar truly takes shape. At the KIPP College Prep Lower School, we specialize in those foundational 9th and 10th-grade years, providing a high-rigor 'bridge' that builds the academic stamina, self-advocacy, and life skills required for college and career success. As we look toward our state-of-the-art 2026 campus at 200 East 138th Street📍 New, our mission remains focused: creating a collegiate-style environment where every Bulldog feels seen, challenged, and fully prepared for the road ahead. We don't just set high expectations; we give our students the tools and the confidence to meet them."
THE CPHS APPROACH: DISCOVER YOUR PATHWAY
Sharlene Disla, KIPP NYC Alum '07
ADA, Bronx County District Attorney's Office
KIPP NYC College Prep High School empowers students to discover what drives them, and turn that passion into a plan. Starting in 9th grade, students explore exciting, real-world industries through our Careers with Purpose course, gaining early exposure to a variety of fields. As they move through high school, students don't just learn about careers—they experience them through hands-on projects, industry speakers, field experiences, college-credit courses, certifications, and paid internships. By junior and senior year, students are encouraged to identify a pathway aligned to their interests and goals, building confidence, skills, and momentum toward college and beyond. At CPHS, students have the opportunity to graduate with clarity, real-world experience, and the excitement of knowing their future is within reach.
OUR CAMPUSES: DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE
Our facilities are more than just buildings—they are collegiate-style environments designed to inspire growth, collaboration, and high expectations.
Lower School Campus
Grades 9–10
Location: 200 East 138th Street, Bronx, NY📍 New | NEW!!! Opening School Year 26-27
A state-of-the-art, 150,000-square-foot facility designed to mirror a collegiate environment and immerse students in a high-rigor culture from day one.
Academic Innovation: 40 classrooms with built-in A/V and 8 state-of-the-art science labs.
Collegiate Learning Lab: A 100-student lecture space perfect for specialized courses like AP Research.
The Arts: Purpose-built Art room, four Music rooms, and a dedicated Dance studio with floor to ceiling windows.
Premier Athletics: An "epic" 1,300-capacity basketball gym, a multi-sport rooftop turf field, and a premier weight and cardio room.
Rooftop Science Terrace: A unique outdoor learning area for hands-on environmental study and activity.
Rooftop field: A large rooftop playfield for sports and student movement activities.
Performance & Dining: Large "cafetorium" with a full commercial kitchen and a professional performance stage, with floor to ceiling windows and views of the city.
Upper School Campus
Grades 11–12
Location: 201 E 144th Street, Bronx, NY 10451
A design-forward environment where our values are physically embedded into the space to motivate students toward graduation and beyond.
Design-Forward Environment: A modern space where values are physically embedded to motivate students toward graduation and beyond.
Over 45 Sun-Filled Classrooms: Modern learning spaces with built-in A/V designed for focus and collaboration.
Specialized Centers: Dedicated STEM labs, a Multimedia/Library Center, and a College and Career Center.
Premier Athletics: High-performance facilities including a full-size gymnasium and a professional weight room.
The "Cafetorium": A large community hub for meals and events, with a full commercial kitchen and a professional performance stage.
Arts & Music Suites: A full music room with breakout instruction areas and a dance classroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Environmental Graphics: Floor-to-ceiling typography and visual reminders of graduation years to reinforce an inspired mindset.
NEW CAMPUS PHOTO GALLERY
Take a closer look at our state-of-the-art Lower School Campus opening Summer 2026. Click any photo to explore its 360° virtual tour.
Our Alumni Attend Top Colleges Nationwide
Contact
Upper School
201 E 144th St
Bronx, NY 10451, USA
KIPP NYC College Prep High School (Gerard Campus) - 9th Grade Academy
501 Gerard Avenue
Bronx, NY 10451
(Moving Summer 2026 to 200 East 138th Street, Bronx, NY📍 New
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KIPP NYC College Prep High School is part of KIPP NYC Public Schools. Looking to apply to other grades? See all KIPP NYC locations →
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