About KIPP Pride High School
Founded in 2005, KIPP Pride High is a free, non-profit, high-performing, college-preparatory public charter school providing an academically rigorous and joyous school experience to 9-12 Grade students in Halifax.
Our high school students are prepared not only to succeed at the colleges of their choice, but, more importantly, are supported to use their knowledge, skills, and character to strengthen their communities and fight against injustices. While our students enter our building to learn, they exit prepared to serve and lead.
We choose our high school motto, “Non scholae sed vitae discimus” (which translates to “We learn not for school, but for life”) because we expect all of our graduates to achieve a level of social and behavioral maturity in addition to excellent academic performance.
Developing independence and critical thinking skills, exploring talents and interests, deciding on a career path, and pursuing additional schooling are just some of the challenges that we help students to face. We guide and nurture students by promoting excellence in all aspects of school life, valuing and respecting the diversity of our school community, and addressing the needs and goals of all students.
Learn more: How opening a high school on a rural peanut field altered the arc of a NC town
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Shenelle Spady
Ms. Shenelle T. Spady is a native of Hampton, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Morgan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Virginia State University and a post-graduate degree in K–12 School Leadership from High Point University.
Ms. Spady began her career as an elementary school teacher, serving students in Petersburg Public Schools (Virginia), Prince George's County Public Schools (Maryland), and Fulton County Schools (Georgia) before making North Carolina her permanent home. She spent 13 years with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, where she served as a teacher, curriculum facilitator, and program director, developing a strong foundation in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and advancing academic excellence for all students.
In the 2022–2023 school year, Ms. Spady joined KIPP North Carolina as Assistant Principal at KIPP Pride High School. During her four years at Pride High, she played an instrumental role in the school's transformation, helping lead Pride High to become one of the top-performing high schools in the region. She is also a proud graduate of the KIPP NC Principal in Residence Program, a leadership development program designed to prepare exceptional school leaders to serve students and communities across the KIPP network.
As Principal of KIPP Pride High School & Early College, Ms. Spady believes that transformational leadership begins with authentic relationships, unwavering high expectations, and a deep belief in the limitless potential of every student. She is committed to ensuring that every student graduates prepared for success in college, career, and life while fostering a school community where excellence, belonging, and opportunity are at the center of every decision.
About Us
Located in Halifax, KIPP Pride High School serves the students and families of eastern North Carolina. For the past decade and a half, Pride High has launched hundreds of students’ trajectories to college and career. Unique among all high schools in the area, Pride High prepares ALL our students for college and career, not just some. There are no special applications to fill out for entry, there are no special GPAs you have to have to apply.
At Pride High, we believe in each and every student and the life potential each of them holds that we must help ignite. Every aspect of Pride High is designed to cultivate the skills, mindsets, and knowledge students need to successfully navigate the demands of college and career.
Latest census data show that, because of Pride High, the percentage of area residents holding bachelor’s degrees has doubled over the past decade. (You can read more about us here.)
Pride High is accredited by AdvancED and offers a comprehensive college preparatory course of study, including AP coursework across all content areas and opportunities to enroll in dual enrollment at Halifax Community College.
Early College Program
KIPP Pride High School now offers an early college program!
KIPP Pride Early College is a new opportunity at KPHS that allows students to take tuition-free college classes and earn an associate degree while in high school.
KPEC requires a separate application in addition to the standard new student enrollment application and registration. If you are interested in being considered for the Early College program, please complete the form here.
Additional Information
Transportation
Visit or call the school to inquire about busing.
Uniforms
Visit or call the school to order uniforms.
School Menus
See what’s cooking in our kitchen each month here!
Newsletter
Read our latest newsletter 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 2025-26 school calendar for families is available in English and Spanish.
Our 2026-27 school calendar for families is available in English and Spanish.
Handbook
Our 2025-26 Student & Family Handbook (which includes our Family Engagement Policy) is available in English and Spanish.
Exceptional Children Program
To learn more about our Exceptional Children program and services, click here.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Families are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the United States. This act contains a specific definition of homelessness that includes a broad array of inadequate living situations, including:
- Living with a friend, relative, or other people
- Hotel or motel
- Shelter or transitional housing
- Car, park, or other public places
- Campground, storage unit, abandoned building, or other inadequate homes
- Youth living on their own, runaway youth, or youth kicked out
The living situations above do not include all situations that may qualify. If you or someone you know is in transition and would like to speak with someone about the program, please contact the McKinney-Vento Liaison for KIPP Pride or Lisa Phillips, the Coordinator of the NC Homeless Education Program, at (336) 543-4285.