KIPP to expand in Newark:

A NSL editorial praising the recent announcement by KIPP to expand in Newark:

One of the best charter chains in Newark, KIPP, is about to expand, which is great news for kids. These schools are achieving remarkable results, much better than the conventional schools by any measure, which is why families are scrambling to get in.

They want their kids to attend college, and these charter schools are delivering.

What it also means is that five years from now, close to half of Newark kids will be enrolled in charter schools – up from 30 percent today. That's the biggest percentage in any New Jersey city by far. And it will surely create challenges for the district, since under New Jersey law, the money follows the child. 

Some critics say that's reason to slow down this shift. But that answer is dead wrong, and would deny these kids a shot at a better life. The challenge is to reform the district so that it can cope with this change. Because for the thousands of parents pounding down charter doors, the expansion KIPP announced this week couldn't come soon enough. Their kids are growing up, and this is their shot.

KIPP charter expansion in Newark is good for kids

Kindergarten teacher Liz Niehaus talks with her students at KIPP Thrive Academy in Newark. The charter network this week announced its plans to expand. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

By Star-Ledger Editorial Board 
on October 16, 2015 at 7:45 AM, updated October 16, 2015 at 10:55 AM

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/10/kipp_charter_expansion_in_newark_is_good_for_kids.html