CNN Features KIPP Principal Ed Chang

A “I Am America” special report by CNN featured KIPP STRIVE Academy principal Ed Chang. Watch the video to hear Ed explain why he switched from his previous career as a physical therapist to the education field.

Education is the civil rights movement of today.” – Ed Chang

KIPP Completes $10 Million Capital Campaign

KIPP Primary Rendering
KIPP Metro Atlanta is pleased to announce the completion of a $10 million capital campaign to fund the construction of our first elementary school in Atlanta, KIPP STRIVE Primary. Thanks to the $5 million challenge grant issued by one of our greatest advocates, the Kendeda Fund, we were able to leverage this support and raise the remaining funds required to construct the facility on the campus of KIPP STRIVE Academy Middle School. Funders include the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund, the Tull Foundation, the Besse Johnson & George Blanton Allen Foundation, two anonymous donors, and numerous individuals.

Securing the funds at this time will allow us to begin construction this spring. The founding class of KIPP STRIVE Primary Kindergarten students will share space with KIPP STRIVE Academy Middle School during the 2012-13 school year. The new facility will be completed in time for the begining of the 2013-14 school year.

Such local philanthropic support would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all our teachers, staff, students and parents who work each and every day to ensure our students have the knowlege and skills necessary to successfully climb the mountain to college.

Taken from KIPP Metro Atlanta E-newsletter (February 8, 2012)

KIPP STRIVE Academy Educator Awards

KIPP STRIVE Academy Educator Awards

The Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education organization awarded not one, but two educators at KIPP STRIVE Academy!

The organization’s mission is to “improve the quality of education in Atlanta Public Schools by recognizing outstanding teachers and school leaders for their commitment to excellence.” KIPP STRIVE Academy’s Principal, Ed Chang, and 5th grade math teacher, Mike Stewart, were two of ten winners of the 2011 AFAEE awards. The awards each came with $7,500 in grant money to help fund innovative classrooms and school-wide projects. The project was made possible thanks to Councilmember Kwanza Hall, the Chick-fil-A cow, the Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders, and Superintendent Erroll Davis.

At a time when the Atlanta Public School system has been engrossed in news of cheating scandals it is refreshing to know that KIPP STRIVE Academy has continued to aim high. Westview residents can be proud to have such award-winning educators within the neighborhood school.

The Westview Community Organization would like to congratulate Ed Chang and Mike Stewart on their commitment and dedication to the future of the children in southwest Atlanta!

To view more photos of the awards ceremony please visit our Westview Facebook page.