KIPP Capital Region Public Schools Celebrates Construction of New High School
Albany, NY - KIPP Capital Region celebrated the construction of its new high school with an event at which faculty, staff, board members, students, and families, along with state and local representatives and community leaders, were invited to “leave their mark” by signing the structural beams of the school’s learning stairs.
KIPP Capital Region is the largest charter school network in Upstate New York, educating more than 2,400 students across seven schools. The KIPP Capital High School will be completed ahead of the 2025-26 school year and will be the first co-ed charter high school in the City of Albany. The three-story building, with a total of 95,980 square feet, will be able to accommodate 800 scholars in Grades 9-12 from throughout the Capital Region.
“The KIPP community is incredibly grateful for the support we have received from parents who want their scholars to remain in the KIPP system so they can continue to thrive, the City of Albany, local dignitaries, and community leaders for helping us push this project towards the finish line, and our partners at CS Arch and BBL Construction for working hard to make our vision a reality,” said Stephanie Valle, KIPP Capital Region CEO. “Ensuring that our scholars have a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow in is incredibly important to the overall mission of KIPP Capital Region and exactly what led us to the exciting point that we are at today,”
“Having served as chair of the KIPP Capital Region Board of Trustees since it was first established in Albany nearly twenty years ago, I can say that today marks an incredible milestone in the history of our network and ever-growing community,” said John P. Reilly. “Providing a choice for families from throughout the Capital Region is critical to the core values of our schools, and opening the doors to this new high school will only expand upon the opportunities that KIPP Capital Region can offer to our students from kindergarten to their senior year.”
“Today is a rewarding step for KIPP Capital Region and all future scholars who will enter the doors of KIPP Capital High School,” said Dunja Varciana, Principal of KIPP Troy Prep High School. This state-of-the-art space will help our team enhance access to necessary resources and tools that help our students thrive as they prepare for graduation day and beyond.”
“As an alumni and current board member of KIPP Capital Region, this is an incredible milestone to be a part of,” said Amari Duncan. “KIPP Capital Region provides valuable education opportunities for scholars from throughout the Capital Region in many different ways, and this new high school will help continue that great work for many years to come.”
“Today's Beam Raising is another positive step forward for the KIPP family of schools and the children in the city of Albany. I have always supported education choice and have been a frequent visitor to many of our schools in the region and the KIPP schools as well. I look forward to when the doors are open next school year which is just around the corner,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.
“A strong education system is the foundation of a strong community, and KIPP Capital Region Public Schools continue to be instrumental in providing our children with the tools they need to succeed. Once completed, this new high school will increase educational opportunities and help ensure that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to a high-quality education. Let’s continue to work together to help our students reach their full potential,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The three-floor high school was designed with a focus on safety and security, as well as flexibility and adaptability. The cafeteria and learning stair area will serve as a central hub of the building and can support large or small gatherings, complete with a platform stage and projection screen. Additionally, students will utilize general classrooms with mobile furniture to easily reconfigure the layout, art and science-specific classrooms, computer, media, and innovation labs, a modern gymnasium and fitness center, and a counseling suite.
"Our involvement in the KIPP organization started over twenty years ago when CSArch designed KIPP Tech Valley’s Charter School in 2003," said Executive Principal Dan Woodside, AIA, LEED AP. “As a trusted partner, CSArch worked with students, faculty, and community stakeholders to design a modern High School featuring flexible and diverse educational spaces that support KIPP’s vision to achieve a future without limits.”
“We are thrilled to be a part of KIPP Capital Region’s expansion with the construction of this new high school,” said Jonathan H. deForest, President/Principal of BBL Construction. “The project is moving along efficiently, and we look forward to cutting the ribbon upon the completion of this great new learning space.”
About KIPP Capital Region
KIPP Capital Region is a partnership of seven schools in Albany and Troy working together towards one common goal: every child grows up free to create the life they want for themselves and their communities. Affiliated with the KIPP Foundation, it is the largest charter school network in Upstate New York, educating more than 2,400 students from 25 school districts in the Capital Region, including Averil Park, Bethlehem, Shenendehowa, and Niskayuna. Each of the seven KIPP Capital Region schools has its own values and school culture, with shared regional approaches to partnering with families to ensure every child succeeds. Learn more about KIPP Capital Region at: https://www.kippcapital.org/