Though the school’s mission is not easily achieved, KIPP Heartwood Academy is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that all students are on track for success in college and in life by the time they leave the school at the end of the 8th grade. The school’s mission drives the school in providing its students with a well-rounded, exemplary education.

KIPP Heartwood Academy students quickly learn the school’s mantra: No Shortcuts. No Excuses. Hard work and absolute determination are key to achieving success. From the time they enter the school, KIPP Heartwood Academy students are taught that simply being accepted into top high schools and colleges is not enough. Instead, KIPP Heartwood Academy students need to think critically, problem solve, be organized, exhibit self-discipline, and become leaders. Moreover, KIPP Heartwood Academy students learn the value of citizenship and leadership by making positive change every single day in their own lives, in the lives of others, and in the world. From saying “thank you” to someone who holds the door to working one’s hardest to excel in class to collecting food to feed the hungry, KIPP Heartwood Academy stresses the value of being an active change agent in one’s own life and in one’s community.

KIPP Heartwood Academy believes in a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. Upon enrollment (for students and families) or hiring (for faculty and staff) all three parties sign a learning pledge called the “Commitment to Excellence,” which ensures that each will do whatever it takes to help the student learn.

I fully commit to KIPP Heartwood Academy in the following ways:

•	I will arrive at KIPP Heartwood Academy everyday by 7:15 A.M. (Monday - Friday).
•	I will remain at KIPP Heartwood Academy until 5:00 P.M. (Monday - Thursday) and 4:00 P.M. on Friday.
•	I will come to KIPP Heartwood Academy on appropriate Saturdays at 9:00 A.M. and remain until 1:00 P.M.
•	I will attend KIPP Heartwood Academy during summer school.
•	I will come to school everyday prepared to learn.
•	I will not take shortcuts. Everyday, I will be the best student and person I can be.
•	I will always work, think, and behave in the best way I know how, and I will do whatever it takes for my fellow teammates and me to learn. I will give 100% everyday.
•	I will take charge of my own learning by participating in class, listening to my teachers and teammates in a respectful manner and asking questions if I do not understand.
•	I will complete all my homework every night.
•	I will ask my teachers for help when I need it both in class and outside of class until 9:00 P.M.
•	I will call my teachers if I am unable to come to school or have a problem getting to school.
•	If I make a mistake, I will always tell the truth and accept responsibility for my actions.
•	I will always behave as to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.
•	I will always follow my teachers’ directions.
•	I will always treat my teammates, teachers, parents, and visitors with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
•	I will respect everyone at KIPP Heartwood Academy regardless of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, disability, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. I will always act in a professional manner when speaking with someone at KIPP Heartwood Academy.
•	I will follow the KIPP Heartwood Academy dress code.
•	I will be a good neighbor by participating in community service projects.
•	I will uphold the high expectations of KIPP Heartwood Academy at all school related events on and off campus.
•	I am responsible for my own behavior, and I will accept responsibility for my actions.

We fully commit to KIPP Heartwood Academy in the following ways:

•	We will make sure our child arrives at KIPP Heartwood Academy everyday by 7:15 A.M. (Monday – Friday).
•	We will make arrangements so our child can remain at KIPP Heartwood Academy until 5:00 P.M. (Monday – Thursday) and 4:00 P.M. on Friday.
•	If our child needs to stay for Homework Help until 6:00 P.M., we will make arrangement for him/her to stay.
•	We will make arrangements for our child to come to KIPP Heartwood Academy on appropriate Saturdays at 9:00 A.M. and remain until 1:00 P.M.
•	We will make sure to pick up our child on time.
•	We will ensure that our child attends KIPP Heartwood Academy summer school.
•	We will do all we can to support our child and the commitment he/she has made to attend KIPP Heartwood Academy.
•	We will partner with the teachers and staff of KIPP Heartwood Academy to help our child excel in school, both academically and behaviorally.
•	We will always help our child in the best way we know how, and we will do whatever it takes for him/her to learn.
•	We will check our child’s homework every night, sign his/her agenda, and let him/her call a classmate or teacher (until 9:00 P.M.) if there is a question/problem with the homework. We will try to read with our child every night.
•	We will read carefully and sign (if necessary) all the papers the school sends home to us.
•	We will always make ourselves available to our children and the school and address any concerns they may have. We will meet regularly with teachers to discuss our child’s progress.
•	If our child is going to miss school, we will call the school in advance and notify teachers as soon as possible.
•	We will allow our child to go on KIPP Heartwood Academy field trips.
•	We will make sure our child follows the KIPP Heartwood Academy dress code.
•	We understand that our child must follow the KIPP Heartwood Academy rules so as to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.
•	We will respect everyone at KIPP Heartwood Academy regardless of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, disability, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. I will always act in a professional manner when speaking with someone at KIPP Heartwood Academy.
•	We will help our child prepare for college and life by supporting him/her and encouraging him/her to adhere to his/her “commitment to excellence.”
•	We, not the school, are responsible for the behavior of our child.

KIPP Heartwood Academy’s character goals are aligned with the school’s values of honor, excellence, absolute determination, responsibility, and team.