Oklahoma City Schools - What the Locals Really Think | Topiclo

so here's the deal with schools in oklahoma city - it's way more complicated than any "top 10" list will tell you. i spent three weeks talking to parents, teachers, and even a few students who were skipping class (don't tell anyone) to figure out what's actually going on in this city's education scene.

eagle eye view time lapse city and streets

let's start with the public schools because that's where most kids end up. the oklahoma city public school district is huge - like, we're talking 45,000 students huge. and just like any massive system, it's got some gems and some real head-scratchers.

*westmoore high school in south okc is basically the golden child of public education here. they've got an IB program that's legitimately competitive, and their test scores make other schools jealous. but here's the catch - the housing around westmoore costs about 20% more than the city average. parents are literally paying for those test scores with their mortgages.

overheard at a coffee shop: "my neighbor's kid goes to westmoore and they're doing calculus in 10th grade. my kid's school is still figuring out how to keep the roof from leaking."

now for the private school scene, which is its own weird ecosystem. heritage hall is the fancy one that everyone knows about - tuition runs about $18,000 a year, which is basically a second mortgage for most families. but they've got connections that can launch your kid straight into ivy league admissions offices.

body of water near high rise buildings during daytime

casady school and heritage hall basically fight for the top spot every year. casady's got this amazing arts program - like, we're talking state championship debate teams and theater productions that could rival some colleges. but the student body is about as diverse as a country club, which is something to consider.

random fact that blew my mind: oklahoma city spends about $8,900 per student annually, which is nearly $2,000 less than the national average. so when you hear about these amazing programs, remember that teachers are often buying their own classroom supplies and working second jobs.

putnam city north is another public school that deserves a shoutout. their STEM programs are surprisingly good for a public school, and they've got this weird tradition where seniors release thousands of rubber ducks in the school fountain. honestly, that alone might be worth the price of admission.

for the charter school curious folks, dove science academy* has been crushing it in math and science competitions. they're technically public but operate independently, which means they can be more innovative but also more stressful for the kids. parents joke that dove students are either going to cure cancer or have a nervous breakdown by age 16.

rent in okc is still relatively cheap compared to other cities - you can get a decent 2-bedroom for around $1,200 in good school districts. but here's the thing: the best schools are often in neighborhoods that are rapidly gentrifying. that cute house near the "good" elementary school? It might be a teardown project next year.

check out greatschools.org for detailed ratings, but take everything with a grain of salt. those numbers don't tell you about the amazing history teacher who stays after school every day to help struggling students, or the principal who knows every kid's name.

and before you move here for the "amazing schools," remember that oklahoma city's weather is basically bi-polar. one day it's 75 and sunny, the next there's a tornado warning and you're hiding in a bathtub with a mattress over your head. the schools have excellent emergency protocols though - silver lining?

local subreddit wisdom: "don't just look at test scores. visit the schools, talk to parents during pickup, and see if the kids look happy or like they're plotting their escape."

one more thing - the job market in okc is actually pretty solid right now, especially in energy and healthcare. so if you're moving here for work and need good schools, you're in luck. just be prepared for everyone to ask if you're a sooners or cowboys fan within five minutes of meeting them.

bottom line: there's no perfect school in oklahoma city, but there are plenty of good ones. it's all about finding the right fit for your kid and your family's priorities. and maybe being okay with the fact that they might learn to square dance in gym class. that's just how we roll here.

Oklahoma City Schools - What the Locals Really Think

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About the author: Zara Walsh

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