KIPP Vida Preparatory Academy, proudly serving KIPPsters in grades TK-4th, recently celebrated a decade of impact in our South LA community.
The 10th-anniversary event was filled with joy and community pride and showcased our school’s dedication to nurturing young minds through high-quality education.
KIPP Vida’s roots go back to its original location at the corner of 51st and Western, just five minutes from its current site. When the school first opened its doors, it began with a vision of creating a strong community of learners in South LA.
In 2017, the school was fortunate to move into its permanent home, which has allowed KIPP Vida to continue growing and thriving. In 2020, the school finalized the construction of its beautiful play structure and outdoor multipurpose area, providing students with a dynamic space to learn and play.
The celebration featured inspiring remarks from a range of voices connected to the school. Current 4th-grade students Amari I. and Landon L. captivated the audience with their heartfelt speeches, sharing their experiences as KIPPsters and their sense of belonging at KIPP Vida.
School Leader Amanda Tran highlighted the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and impressive growth throughout the years. Since joining KIPP Vida in 2014 as one of KIPP Vida’s founding kindergarten teachers, Ms. Tran has seen the school evolve over the years, and this marks her fifth year as a school leader.
“When I joined the founding team, we were determined to fulfill the promise of creating a school that builds the leaders of tomorrow. In Spanish, ‘vida’ means life. It was and continues to be our mission to ensure that our leaders grow up to lead fulfilling, choice-filled lives, and create lasting change for our community,” said Ms. Tran.
Eva Beltran, a former KIPP Vida parent, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the school’s positive impact on her family during the celebration. Over the years, Eva's connection to KIPP Vida has deepened. She now serves as the school’s new Community School Manager, and both of her daughters are now thriving at KIPP Scholar Academy. Eva is also an active family ambassador for KIPP SoCal, working to strengthen community ties and advocate for high-quality education.
“It's my deep love for my family and our community that truly motivates me. This passion drives me to create positive change at Vida, aiming to benefit all families in the same way that Vida has positively influenced my own life,” said Eva.
KIPP SoCal Chief Academic Officer Kevika Amar emphasized that KIPP Vida truly focuses on ensuring every student is seen, safe to be themselves, and pushed to reach great heights, all while being loved and loving learning.
Beyond the speeches, the event offered moments of creativity and celebration by displaying vibrant student artwork and an exceptional musical performance. The performance, featuring current and former students, was a testament to the lasting connections and community spirit fostered at KIPP Vida.
The event also featured a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, as KIPP Vida had never hosted one before, adding a momentous moment to the celebration. As KIPP Vida looks to the future, this milestone reminds everyone of the school's unwavering commitment to providing joyful learning and educational excellence for generations to come.
Learn More About KIPP Vida Preparatory Academy in South LA
Thank You to Our Partners & Vendors
St. Johns Community Health • A Place Called Home • Expo Center • Tena Health • MLK Jr. Kindom Day Parade • The Heart Center • AltaMed • All People’s Community Center • South Central Family Health Center • World System Builder • CORE Response • LA County Department of Mental Health • The Office of Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. • The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell • All Chill • Smoke Flvr BBQ • Tortas Ahogadas Scorpion