Innovation and improvement are the watchwords of the Oklahoma City Public Schools, and with a student population of more than 40,000, it is the second largest school district in the state and one of the few urban districts in the nation with a growing enrollment.

Innovation starts with educational programming. Choice is a key element, with specialty programs at all grade levels. At the elementary level, Spanish language immersion, international studies, and sciences and arts are offered, along with Montessori, mass media/communications and performing arts. At the middle school level, pre-international baccalaureate, performing arts and mass media/communications are offered. And three specialty high schools offer advanced academic programs such as the International Baccalaureate, visual and performing arts, technical and scientific curriculum, and bio-medical and health-career related areas.

MAPS for Kids
On November 13, 2001, the citizens of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Public Schools joined with Project KIDS and the MAPS for Kids campaign to give this city the best chance it's ever had to take control of our schools and improve the education of children in all of Oklahoma City's 24 school districts.

The comprehensive reform plan is designed to revitalize our city's schools so our children can receive the quality education they deserve. The proposal calls for academic reforms, such as guaranteeing every child can read on grade level before being promoted. It also calls for improving student achievement, restoring discipline in the classroom and making schools more accountable to students, parents and the community.

The plan calls for building seven new schools and renovating 65 others. At the end of the process, every single child in the Oklahoma City School District will attend class in either a new or fully renovated school.

Residents in Oklahoma City were asked to support the MAPS for Kids proposals by voting "Yes" on a temporary sales tax to raise more than $500 million for metropolitan area schools. Seventy percent of the revenue generated from the sales tax will go to Oklahoma City Public Schools, while the remaining 30 percent will be allocated to the 24 other school districts that serve children who live in Oklahoma City. This proposal required a simple majority of 50 percent of the votes to win. This initiative passed by 60.9 percent.

In the same election, those who live within the boundaries of the Oklahoma City Public School district were asked to support the MAPS for Kids proposals by voting "Yes" on a $180 million bond issue. This issue required a 60 percent super-majority and will raise property taxes slightly, but still leave the mill levy far below that of most suburban districts and those of Tulsa. This initiative passed by 61 percent.


There are also several excellent suburban school districts adjacent to Oklahoma City including Putnam City Schools, which was recently ranked as one of the top 100 school districts in the nation by Money magazine. Other top districts include Edmond Schools, Mid-Del Schools, Moore Schools and Norman Schools. The combined enrollment of these school districts is more than 80,000.

Get information and performance records on area schools here.