KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy ( KIPP Adelante ) offers students and parents in Southeastern San Diego an alternative to the low-performing schools in their neighborhoods a small, college-preparatory public school serving 360 students in grades five through eight. We are a public charter authorized by San Diego Unified School District and are open to all students on a first-come, first-served basis. KIPP Adelante was founded in the Fall of 2003 by Kelly Wright and is now led by Principal Elena Luna. The vision of KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy is to create a diverse community of college-educated individuals. We use the Spanish word Adelante , as part of our name to instill in our students and families that everyone will be focused on getting ahead for college and life. Our school is based upon the acclaimed KIPP ( Knowledge is Power Program ) model, which has achieved extraordinary success nationwide. KIPP schools share the common mission of preparing educationally underserved students for success in high school, college, and the world beyond. KIPP schools excel by focusing upon the five founding key principles, also known as the Five Pillars: