Assign Yourself
KIPP DIAMOND Academy asks students to be proactive. Rather than waiting for a teacher to give directions, students are expected to assign themselves. Whether coming to class with the correct supplies or standing quietly in line, KIPP DIAMOND Academy students are expected to be responsible for acting appropriately on their own.

Commitment to Excellence Contract
All faculty, students, and parents / guardians sign KIPP DIAMOND Academy's Commitment to Excellence Contract, vowing to uphold the school's academic and character standards. The contract outlines the school's hours of operation, homework expectations, and uniform requirements.

Credo
All KIPP DIAMOND Academy students and faculty subscribe to the school credo:

The Five Pillars
All KIPP Schools are based on the Five Pillars – expectations of what makes a successful academic program. The Five Pillars are: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and Focus on Results.

Paychecks
Paychecks are weekly reports recording students' character development at school. The faculty uses paychecks to communicate with parents about their children's behavior. They describe homework timeliness, teamwork, extra credit, and ganas. Paychecks are sent home weekly for parents' signatures and are then filed with student records.

Paycheck balances are calculated to determine students' eligibility for the end-of-year trips. Paycheck balances also can be used at the school store to purchase extra uniform shirts, school supplies, college paraphernalia, and snacks.

Tracking
Teachers expect students to “track” and the speaker in class and during school assemblies. This means giving undivided attention to whoever is speaking, whether it is the teacher, a classmate or a visitor.