KIPP schools are tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. When parent demand exceeds enrollment capacity at a KIPP school, students are admitted based upon on a lottery.

Every KIPP school is approved to operate by a charter school authorizer—typically a district school board, university, or state department of education—that makes sure the school is living up to the commitments in its charter and complies with relevant federal, state, and local requirements. KIPP schools are primarily funded through public federal, state, and local dollars, along with supplemental funding through charitable donations from foundations and individuals.