Grades: K - 4
Address: 5431 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte, NC
Phone: (704) 209-9944 Fax: (980) 242-5942
About KIPP Change Academy
Founded in 2016, KIPP Change Academy is a free, non-profit, high-performing, college-preparatory public charter school providing an academically rigorous and joyous school experience to K-4 Grade students in Charlotte.
At KIPP Change Academy, we commit to developing the whole child through culturally responsive teaching that cultivates confidence and a positive self-identity. We believe that self-efficacy leads to creativity, risk-taking, and critical thinking. Students believe they can grow their character and intellect. These skills will provide our students the opportunity to make a profound impact in their community and the world at large.
What makes KCA special:
- More time spent on learning than most other schools
- Small, differentiated groups in reading and math
- High expectations for behavior and academic success
- KIPP Forward program that supports kids from K through college graduation
- Enrichment such as Dance, Art, Music, and Fitness
- Project-based and service-learning opportunities
- Free transportation
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Malcolm Brooks
Mr. Brooks is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, with a degree in Public Relations. In 2003, Malcolm joined Teach for America, Atlanta Region, and taught fifth grade for six years. Mr. Brooks served in many roles at his placement school including grade level chair, local school council member, and was selected as Teacher of the Year. Mr. Brooks joined KIPP Charlotte in 2009 as a fifth and sixth grade math teacher and thus began his journey into school leadership with his selection to participate in the 2010 KSLP Leadership Team cohort. Later he served as a Teach for America School Director in the Mississippi Delta region in 2011. In 2012, Malcolm joined New Leaders as a Resident Principal in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district where he received his K-12 Principal’s license. Malcolm rejoined the KIPP Team and Family in 2013 as the Assistant Principal of the Upper School. In 2015, Malcolm was selected as a Fisher Fellow for the Charlotte region and is opening the KIPP Charlotte elementary school in the 2016-2017 school. Malcolm aspires create a warm, college-prep, rigorous learning environment that empowers students to think critically and fight for social justice.
School Vision
At KIPP Change Academy, we commit to developing the whole child through culturally responsive teaching that cultivates confidence and a positive self-identity.
We believe that self-efficacy leads to creativity, risk taking, and critical thinking. Students will believe they can grow their character and intellect. These skills will provide our students the opportunity to make a profound impact in their community and world at large.
Change
We strive to cultivate the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies in our students that will empower them to be resilient, determined, visionary, and influential enough to change others and ultimate the world.
Belief
We believe in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King who said, “Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.” Therefore, we will empower our students with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to be successful in college and life, and we will equip our students with the character and belief that it is their responsibility to make their community and world a better place.
Values
Kujichagulia
(Self-Determination)
We believe with positive self-identity, grit, and a growth mindset that we and others can overcome challenges. Incorporates Seligman and Peterson’s character strengths of optimism and grit.
Ujima
(Collective Work & Responsibility)
We believe the community and the families that make up the community are responsible for the success and failure of the community. We believe in mutual accountability and that we can achieve at high levels when we work together. Incorporates Seligman and Peterson’s character strengths of teamwork and social intelligence.
Nia
(Purpose)
We believe that education is the greatest force for social progress. Feeling accepted, valued, and empowered is a catalyst for creating change. Incorporates Seligman and Peterson’s character strengths of love and leadership.
Values Background
A delta is a symbol for change or difference. It is our core belief that our students at KIPP Change Academy will ultimately make a significant difference in their community and world beyond. In order to do so, the emotional, social, and academic needs of all of our students need to be met. Our values are rooted in the N’Guzo Saba which are the seven guiding principles that historian Dr. Karanga used to link the African-Americans to African history. These Swahili words are not just words; they are core beliefs that help to provide a framework to liberate an oppressed people. Each vertex of our delta is symbolic of our values – through self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), our students will be able to define the ultimate purpose beyond themselves (Nia) for their lives and work productively to fulfill that purpose. Our values will ground our staff in how we will serve one another, our community, and our families. These values will be consistently reflected and modeled by staff and will directly positively impact our students’ character. The research-based character strengths that will be developed based on our values are optimism, self-control, social intelligence, teamwork, grit, love, and leadership.
Additional Information
Transportation
School bus registration for the 2023-24 school year is available here.
Uniforms
Visit or call the school to order uniforms.
School Menus
See what’s cooking in our kitchen each month here!
Nurse’s Station
Families frequently use these two forms in conversations with our school nurse:
Health History in English and Spanish
Medication Authorization in English and Spanish
School Calendar
Our 2024-25 school calendar for families is available in English and Spanish.
Handbook
Our 2024-25 Student & Family Handbook (which includes our Family Engagement Policy) is available in English and Spanish.