KIPP Delta Public Schools announced the addition of three new grades to its schools in Blytheville Friday, completing its plans to bring a rigorous K-12 college-preparatory charter school option to families in Blytheville and throughout Mississippi County.
This plan will take effect for the 2019-20 school year.
The expansion of grades will include kindergarten, first grade, and second grade at KIPP Blytheville College Preparatory School (BCPS). That school, located in the Central Campus on Moultrie Drive, currently serves grades 3-6. Meanwhile, KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High School (KBC), located on Byrum Road, will continue to serve students in grades 7-12.
KIPP Delta opened its first school in Blytheville in 2010, using space in the former Franklin School building. In 2012, BCPS moved to its new campus on Byrum Road. That campus was later named in honor of the late Sen. Steve Bryles. In 2014, KIPP opened its Blytheville high school, KBC, to continue serving its founding class.
In 2016, following continued expansion, KIPP purchased the former Central Elementary School campus from Blytheville Public Schools. That campus was renovated and is now home to BCPS.
Last spring, KIPP celebrated its inaugural graduating class. The 36 members of that founding class amassed $7.8 million in college scholarships, including 11 full rides, and are now attending college in eight different states.
“We are proud of the success we have had in Blytheville, but we also believe our best years are yet to come,” said Scott Shirey, KIPP Delta’s executive director. “I am filled with optimism for what is in store for our KIPPsters, and for the entire Blytheville community. We are truly building momentum toward a better tomorrow.”
The Blytheville growth is part of an overall regional restructuring being undertaken by KIPP Delta, which also operates three schools in Helena and a school in Forrest City. This restructuring will potentially also include the consolidation of KIPP Delta’s middle school in Forrest City with its middle school in nearby Helena. That consolidation must be approved by the Charter Authorizing Panel and the Arkansas State Board of Education.
The Blytheville expansion was previously authorized by the Charter Authorizing Panel as part of a multi-year plan.
“We feel the strong facilities and strong team we have in place in Blytheville has us set up for success and growth in the years ahead,” said Shirey. “Ultimately, this expansion is all about investing in our strengths, ensuring a sustainable financial model, and, most importantly, serving students in the best way we know how.”
Blytheville’s KIPP schools are part of a national network of college-preparatory, public charter schools guiding students on the path to and through college, careers, and life. KIPP schools are free, and enrollment is open to all students.