WALIPP TSU Preparatory Academy was the first all-male public school in the country. WALIPP TSU Preparatory Academy was conceptualized by founders Audrey Lawson and Reverend Bill Lawson. They were deeply concerned about the plight of urban minority males and wanted to do something about it. They wanted to create an all boys school that focused on quality education, mentoring, and character building. Yet, such public schools were illegal! This would not stop Reverend Bill Lawson who worked strategically with Senators Hillary Clinton and Kay Bailey Hutchison in order to pass legislation that allowed single-gendered campuses to be legal.

It was because of this legislation that all male campuses such as the famed Urban Prep Academy in Chicago or even our local programs such as KIPP: Polaris and Pro Vision were allowed to offer education to an all male student body.

Listen and watch the video clip of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison substantiate WALIPP TSU Preparatory Academy being first!