High School

1740 W. 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74107

KIPP Tulsa University Prep Mission

KIPP Tulsa prepares students from educationally underserved neighborhoods in Tulsa with the academic, character, and life skills necessary for success in college and the competitive world beyond.

Vision

At KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School, we believe in choice-filled lives. We equip students with the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to access a competitive world. We are creative, curious, courageous and critical thinkers. We expose the immense potential lying within and beyond ourselves. We live happy, joyful, love-filled lives. We face adversity with resilience, realistic optimism, and a growth mindset. Our alums will strengthen our community and challenge inequity. They will be masters of their own fate and lead lives of choice.

1. High Expectations

We set high expectations and personalize learning based on a student’s needs, skills, and interests.

2. Positive Student Culture

Success in life depends on both academics and character, and we empower students to improve the world around them.

3. Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders

Great schools require great teachers. We empower our educators to lead, and we invest in training to help them grow.

4. Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Environments

Our schools provide physical and emotional security, so our students love school and maximize their learning.

5. KIPP Through College

Our counselors support students and alumni as they navigate the social, academic, and financial challenges they might encounter in college and beyond.

KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School’s Educational Model

Evidence of the instructional vision are found in the way teachers prepare for instruction and execute rigorous lessons, the way students engage with content, and the way students are assessed and given feedback on their thinking. Key characteristics of this vision in action include:

KTUP is an AP for All high school in which all courses are aligned to AP and CCRS standards, while also ensuring required OAS standards are adequately met.
Students are engaged in inquiry- and discussion-based classrooms in a scaffolded manner that prepares the type of critical and conceptual thinking required to be successful on the ACT and in college courses.
KTUP uses curricular tools that have been proven to drive results with similar student populations, including interim assessments, unit plans, weekly maps, and daily lesson plans.
KTUP enacts a comprehensive data-driven instruction model using extensive data analytics tools, dedicated professional development days, and intentional intervention systems.

School Leadership

The school leader, Chris Mahnken, is responsible for the implementation of all aspects of this charter and for the day-today operations and management of the school. As a KIPP founding school leader, Mr. Mahnken went through a highly selective recruiting process before being accepted to the prestigious Fisher Fellowship. The Fisher Fellowship is an intense year-long fellowship where experienced educators focus on creating their school visions, enhancing their leadership skills, and observing strong school models from across the country. Mr. Mahnken as also participated in two additional KIPP School Leadership Programs to prepare for the role of founding school leader: Leadership Team and the Miles Family Fellowship.