Beginning
The Keep in School Shape (KiSS) Program began in 2016 as a simple experiment—one daily math problem, individually texted to students preparing for an upcoming class. The goal? To see if students would voluntarily review math during their break. And the response was overwhelming—not only did students participate, but they wanted more! Students enjoyed using the daily problem as a way to test their memory and reinforce what they had previously learned.
The Logo
The Keep in School Shape (KiSS ) logo underscores the connection between physical and cognitive fitness, emphasizing the key to student success—consistent practice. Just as regular exercise keeps the body strong, steady engagement in learning keeps the mind sharp. The KiSS Program logo serves as a reminder that small, daily efforts lead to long-term academic growth and achievement.
TM
Behind the Scenes
Because of the enthusiastic response from students, the KiSS Program began expanding and scaling up to become what it is today — a cost-effective way to conveniently provide more problems and more resources to more students during extended school breaks so that they return to their studies feeling more confident and more prepared.
Each daily activity is an online survey. Skip and display logic make it possible to give students autonomy to make decisions as they participate and to provide them with tailored and empowering feedback messages. Survey distribution options make it convenient for students to participate by allowing them to receive the daily link at a select time of day and to choose whether they receive it via text message or email.
Look and Feel
The KiSS Program looks like an app and feels like an app, but it isn't an app!
Skip and display logic inside of an online survey make it possible for the KiSS Program to seamlessly deliver different levels of problems, confidence ratings, similar problems, empowering feedback messages, hints, solutions, flashcards, and many more resources as part of each daily activity.​
The Science
True innovation is grounded in solid science. The KiSS Program is rooted in established theories of learning, and incorporates evidence-based strategies like retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and metacognitive reflection. By using well-timed nudges to present these strategies in a convenient, low-pressure format, the program helps students engage consistently without feeling overwhelmed. In doing so, KiSS not only strengthens memory and skill retention — it also nurtures a growth mindset and reinforces the belief that learning is always within reach.
Learn More
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers to common questions about the philosophy, structure, research, and practical implementation of KiSS. Whether you're curious about the learning science behind it or how to adapt it for your own students, you'll find helpful insights and links to supporting resources.