KIPP Philosophers Academy: LA Grades 5-8 South LA Charter School (2026 List)

About KIPP Philosophers Academy

KIPP Philosophers Academy at 1999 East 102nd Street in the South Los Angeles area of Los Angeles, CA 90002 serves grades 5–8 with about 358 students and a student–teacher ratio near 26:1. The gender mix is roughly 51% male and 49% female. Around 6% are proficient in math, and around 21% are proficient in reading, indicating current proficiency levels in core subjects. The campus has the feel of an urban charter middle school where students engage in academics and collaborative learning within a tight schedule each day. Housing near this part of South Los Angeles commonly ranges from about $600,000 to $950,000, giving families access to urban neighborhoods with parks and transit nearby. On a typical morning there’s a steady morning cadence as students arrive from nearby blocks or by transit and move into clearly sequenced class blocks that help sustain momentum through core lessons and activities. The school continues efforts to strengthen academic outcomes and student readiness among the best middle schools in California.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 6%

Reading 21%

State average proficiency is 6% in Math and 21% in Reading.

14

Full-time Teachers

26 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

3

Teachers In First Or Second Year (yrs)

358

Total Students

$58409

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 3.07%

Asian 0%

Hispanic 53.63%

Black 40.5%

Two+ Races 1.96%

Native Am. 0.28%

White

3.07%

Asian

0%

Hispanic

53.63%

Black

40.5%

Two+ Races

1.96%

Native Am.

0.28%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 358

49.44%

177 Female

50.28%

180 Male

Student Population

358 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 26 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

119 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

KIPP Philosophers Academy Contact Information

Address

1999 East 102nd St., Los Angeles, CA, 90002

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Phone

(323) 584-6664

Call Now

Website

http://www.kippsocal.org/philosophers/index

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:45 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

KIPP Philosophers Academy recognized a campus muralist during a community arts award event in April 2025. Local artist Mike Norice was named the inaugural recipient of the community artist award at the 19th Annual Museum of KIPP Art for his mural work at the school. The acknowledgment positions the artwork within a wider educational arts framework related to community representation and the campus atmosphere.

FAQ

Q1. How does KIPP Philosophers Academy frame its educational approach?

Ans. KIPP Philosophers Academy frames its approach around critical thinking and college preparation as described in its program materials.

Q2. What student resources are available at KIPP Philosophers Academy?

Ans. KIPP Philosophers Academy lists learning supports and guidance services offered alongside counseling support.

Q3. How are families kept informed by KIPP Philosophers Academy?

Ans. KIPP Philosophers Academy uses its communication platform to share updates, notices, and school information with families.

Q4. What learning-related activities are highlighted by KIPP Philosophers Academy?

Ans. KIPP Philosophers Academy highlights academic programs and student activities scheduled across the school year.

Q5. What instructional resources support students at KIPP Philosophers Academy?

Ans. KIPP Philosophers Academy provides classroom technology and instructional materials as part of instructional support services.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

Local kids are transforming ideas into real-world.

See the projects happening right in your neighborhood

What Parents Say