By Sylvia Maria Gross
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-588097.mp3
Kansas City, MO – A national network of charter schools is opening a new middle school next year in downtown Kansas City. The Knowledge is Power Program, or KIPP, has set up 52 schools in 16 states across the country, and they all follow a strict framework which has been developed specifically for underprivileged students. That includes mandatory summer school, Saturdays and a school day that goes from 7:30 in the morning to 5pm. The national organization, along with the Kauffman Foundation, wanted to open a new school in Kansas City, but they needed to find the right leader. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross spoke recently to Jon Richard, the man they recruited for the task.
The KIPP Endeavor Academy has filled about half of its first class of fifth-graders at this point. The mandatory summer school session begins July 9, 2007.
This story was produced for KC Currents.