KIPP in Stockton: A Parent’s Dream Realized
When I was growing up in El Salvador, my father dreamed that I would graduate from university so I would have better opportunities and choices when I became an adult. Thanks to his support, I was able to graduate from high school and began attending university. But during my third year at university, I faced unexpected obstacles that got in the way of finishing college, and I had to leave without earning a degree.
Now that I’m a parent myself, I’ve kept the dream of college alive for my own children and I’m determined that they will do what I was not able to – earn a college degree and pursue a career of their choice. To get there, my children will need all the support our family can offer, but they will also need a school that can guide them, challenge them, and stay with them until they graduate. That’s why when my husband and I learned about KIPP Stockton Middle School – a new public charter school opening in Stockton that supports students all the way through their college graduation – we signed our daughter, Nemesis, up as soon as we could.
At first, we didn’t know much about public charter schools or KIPP, so we attended a virtual information fair. At the fair, we learned about KIPP’s focus on preparing for college and how KIPP college counselors commit to support my daughter not just in middle school, but on every step of the way until she earns her college degree. We also learned about how KIPP Stockton will individualize learning to meet her specific learning needs. This was especially important to us because this kind of personal attention is just what our daughter needs. We are excited for her to form strong bonds with her teachers, and have opportunities to explore topics she loves, like music and dance. With KIPP we know that she won’t slip through the cracks.
My husband and I have worked hard to give our children opportunity in life, just as my father did for me. Sometimes a dream takes more than one generation to come true. With KIPP Stockton supporting our daughter, I feel hopeful that she will have the academic preparation and support she needs to complete her college degree and fulfill her own dreams. A KIPP education isn’t just a path to college, it’s an opportunity for her to reach her full potential with the help of our family, her teachers, and the KIPP community.
Learn more about KIPP Stockton Middle School! Visit us online
