Our Approach

KIPP Heartwood Academy derives its name from the redwood tree. The living tissue, or core, of a redwood tree is called the heartwood. When a redwood tree is damaged, it rebuilds itself from its heartwood. KIPP Heartwood Academy students understand that no matter what happens, they will always have their core— education, values, family, and culture—to support them. Moreover, redwood trees grow in a circle, where they each have a role in keeping the others healthy. In this way, our restorative justice practices and a social-emotional approach to learning help our school community stay interconnected.