If you're looking for a school that prepares your children to go to high school, college, and be successful in their professional lives, KIPP SoCal public schools are what you need, especially their KIPP Excel program, which helps students perfect their skills to be interviewed and admitted to the most competitive high schools.

But let's start by learning more about KIPP Public Schools SoCal.

This is a non-profit organization that operates 20 tuition-free public charter schools that educate more than 10,000 students.

They are part of the national KIPP network, which stands for Knowledge Is Power Program, dedicated to meeting the needs of all students and providing them with the social, emotional, and academic support they need to succeed in high school, college, and life.

“KIPP students are learning to change the world through critical thinking, developing unique identities, and participating in civic empowerment,” said Leanna, a KIPP SoCal family ambassador, on the program’s website.

She added: “We must continue to spread this education, not only for our students, but also for the positive impact they will have on their community and the world.”

The mission of these schools, which emerged 20 years ago, is that together families and communities can create joyful, academically excellent schools to prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.

At its core, KIPP Forward is a program committed to preparing students with the skills, resources, and knowledge needed for college, career, civic engagement, and more so they can successfully navigate their chosen paths.

KIPP ExcelThis summer,22 outstanding KIPP SoCal high school students took a giant step toward their future by participating in one-on-one mock interviews with board members, alumni, and supporters.

Each year, a small group of high-achieving seventh- and eighth-graders from across the region, all with a 3.7 GPA or higher, are invited to apply to KIPP Excel through a competitive internal application and interview process.

Accepted students join a group that receives one-on-one guidance in tackling the competitive high school admissions process.

KIPP Excel students have access to a robust set of supports, including: Information about selective high schools so they can make informed decisions that align with their goals.

One-on-one application support to help them present their best selves both on paper and in person.

Mock interviews with professionals and alumni to boost confidence and hone their communication skills.

Scholarship and financial aid guidance to ensure access is never an obstacle.

This summer’s mock interviews gave students the opportunity to practice answering tough questions, hone their storytelling skills, and receive real-time feedback from leading professionals who generously shared their time and expertise.

Thanks to KIPP Excel, many students have been admitted to prestigious independent and boarding schools such as Phillips Academy, Harvard-Westlake, and Westridge School, among others.

So this training not only opens academic doors for them, but also connects them to new networks, resources, and life-changing experiences.

“Programs like KIPP Excel are critical because they help eliminate the gap between talent and opportunity,” said Christina Mireles, director of placement and transition at KIPP Forward High School.

“Our students already have the motivation and academic excellence they need; KIPP Excel provides them with the knowledge, tools, and the exposure they need to confidently and successfully navigate the high school admissions process.”

To learn more about KIPP Forward or to contact the counseling team, email kippforward@kippsocal.org. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates: @kippforward_la and @kippforward_sd.

Want to learn more about KIPP? For more information about KIPP enrollment.