Oklahoma is the 28th most populous state in the U.S., with approximately 4,019,800 residents. The state also has one of the largest Native American populations, with natives making up 13.32%. Oklahoma boasts numerous top-rated schools that serve a vastly diverse population.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the state has roughly 698,696 students in over 500 school districts. Finding a “good” school may be challenging, with the ideal choice depending on the individual. The right school should cater to your children’s unique learning needs and interests.
This blog focuses on the ten best schools in Oklahoma today. We used ranking metrics such as academic performance, staff experience, student and parent reviews, and class sizes, among many other factors. The schools are rated in ascending order within every category.
Here are the ten top-ranked schools in Oklahoma that you should include in your search.
Best Elementary Schools
Westwood Elementary School
502 S Kings St, Stillwater, OK 74074
Westwood Elementary is a highly rated school in Stillwater under the Stillwater School District. The school serves roughly 607 students in prekindergarten through to fifth grade. It has received numerous state and national accolades, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017.
The school does an excellent job supporting the student’s academic growth, with most kids performing at or above their grade level. This is evident through their performance on standardized tests, where 76% attain proficiency in math, 72% in reading, and 71% in science. Overall, GreatSchools.org gives the school a perfect 10/10 rating.
Kids at the school have relatively larger classes, with one teacher for every 18 students. Nonetheless, the faculty is highly experienced, with 94% having over two years of teaching experience and all holding certifications. Westwood Elementary also has a part-time nurse, psychologist, and social worker on staff.
Parents at the school rate it highly, giving it a 5/5 star rating on GreatSchools.org. One parent appreciated that the school puts a lot of effort into diversity and inclusion. They also praised the “amazing” teachers and staff. The parent ends the review by recommending the school.
Bishop Public School
2204 SW Bishop Rd, Lawton, OK 73505
Bishop Public School is a top-rated elementary school serving pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade kids. It’s within the Bishop School District in Lawton and has a population of approximately 584 students. The school was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2011.
GreatSchools.org gives the school an overall 10/10 ranking, a testament to the quality of instruction provided at Bishop Public. 69% of the students at the school perform at or above grade level in science, 63% in math, and 56% in English. Besides the common core subjects, the students can enroll in specialized programs such as music, physical education, and computer.
Bishop Public boasts of a highly qualified faculty team, with 33% of the instructors having advanced degrees. Additionally, the team has a combined average of 12.3 years of teaching experience.
The school takes pride in its well-stocked library, with over 18,000 books that kids can borrow. Bishop Public School also runs a gifted and talented program that provides academically talented kids with the appropriate challenge and support.
Bishop Public has an inclusive and diverse school environment that appreciates the different backgrounds represented at the school. According to GreatSchools.org, 28% of the student body is white, 26% Hispanic, 21% Black, 18% multiracial, 5% Native American, and 1% Asian.
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McKinley Elementary School
728 S Flood Ave, Norman, OK 73069
McKinley Elementary is an award-winning public elementary school in Norman, OK, within the Norman School District. It serves roughly 411 students in prekindergarten to fifth grade. The school received a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
The U.S. Department of Education has designated the school a National Blue Ribbon School in three different years; 1988, 2005, and 2020. The kids’ performance on standardized test scores reinforces its status as a high-performance school, with 67% performing at or above grade level in math and 66% in reading.
McKinley Elementary School offers an enriched curriculum, with students opting for special programs such as instrumental music lessons and Spanish. Your academically gifted child may also enroll in the gifted program with a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum tailored to their unique needs.
The school enjoys relatively small classes, with one teacher for every eleven kids. It allows the faculty to provide personalized attention to each child. Additionally, the staff is highly experienced, with 78% having more than three years of experience and all holding certifications.
Parents at the school appreciate the teachers, support staff, and leadership for providing an excellent learning environment for their kids. One parent described it as a perfect fit for their family and recommended it to others.
Wayside Elementary School
3000 Wayside Dr, Bartlesville, OK 74006
Wayside Elementary School is a top-rated public school under the Bartlesville Public School District. It hosts approximately 600 students in preschool to fifth grade. Founded in 1958, Wayside has accrued numerous awards and accolades, recently being named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020.
Students at Wayside Elementary perform excellently in standardized tests. According to GreatSchools.org, 83% attain or exceed the proficiency mark set for their respective grade in science, 74% in math, and 63% in reading. Overall, Wayside receives a 10/10 rating.
Students also enroll in enrichment programs such as computer learning, physical education, art, and music. The school also runs the PLTW Launch STEM curriculum, with the school identified as a distinguished PLTW school.
The school has relatively large classes, with one teacher for every nineteen students. However, the faculty is highly experienced, with all teachers holding active certifications and 90% having more than three years of teaching experience.
Parent reviews at Wayside Elementary are overwhelmingly positive, with the school getting a 4.7/5 star rating on GreatSchools.org. Here’s what one parent had to say, “We have 3 children that go to this school, faculty and leadership here are amazing. Everyone goes above and beyond for the students.”
Best Middle Schools
KIPP Reach College Preparatory
8400 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73114
KIPP Reach College Preparatory is a tuition-free public charter school within the KIPP network of 270 schools nationwide. The school takes pride in providing college preparatory education to students from underserved communities. It serves roughly 285 students in fifth through eighth grade.
The school was acknowledged as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2012, further proof of the quality of education provided. 57% of students attain proficiency in standardized math tests and 52% in reading. GreatSchools.org gave the school a 10/10 rating.
The school has highly qualified staff, with all faculty members holding certifications. The school also has a part-time nurse to cater to the kids’ health needs. The school’s relatively small size allows instructors to forge deep and lasting relationships with the students.
The students have numerous opportunities to express their interests and talents outside the classroom. Your child may join extracurricular activities such as band, choir, and drama classes.
A former student at the school is full of praise for the teachers, terming them outstanding. They say the instructors provided an exciting learning environment that was contagious.
Pioneer Public School
3686 OK-92, Chickasha, OK 73018
Pioneer Public School is a distinguished middle school within the Pioneer School District in Chickasha. The school serves roughly 389 scholars in prekindergarten through eighth grade. The U.S. Department of Education named the school a National Blue Ribbon School in 2021.
The school offers a comprehensive and enriched curriculum with special programs such as computer learning, art, music, and Spanish. In common core subjects, students perform at or above grade level. 75% of the scholars attain proficiency in science, 74% in math, and 66% in reading. GreatSchools.org gave the school an excellent 10/10 rating.
Your child may also get numerous extracurricular opportunities if they enroll. The school has multiple clubs and organizations, including the SADD club and the student council. They may also register in the various athletic teams at the school, including softball, track, baseball, and basketball.
Parents at the school love the institution, giving it 4.9/5 stars on GreatSchools.org. One parent highlights caring teachers who help students in every way they can as one reason they love the school. Another parent mentions helpful staff who take their responsibilities seriously.
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Sadler Arts Academy
202 W Broadway, Muskogee, OK 74401
Sadler Arts Academy is a top-rated public magnet school in Muskogee, OK, that’s part of the Muskogee School District. It serves roughly 363 students in grades K-8. The school has received numerous honors and accolades, including the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2016.
The school provides an opportunity for scholars to learn through creative instruction, with art as a primary focus for motivation and learning. Students at the school excel in standardized test scores, with 80% attaining proficiency in science and 76% in reading and math.
Sadler Arts School features a vibrant, diverse community with students drawn from different backgrounds. The school celebrates its diversity, with 38% of the student body being white, 29% multiracial, 13% Native American, 12% black, and 7% Asian.
Parents and former students rave about the school, most recommending it to others. One parent indicates that their daughter was well-prepared for college due to the solid foundations established at Sadler Arts Academy.
Best High Schools
Lomega High School
18319 N2700 Rd, Omega, OK 73764
Lomega High School is a public school within Lomega School District in Omega, OK. The school has approximately 63 students in its high school section. It offers its students a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, with GreatSchools.org giving it an overall 10/10 rating.
The school boasts of a 100% four-year high school graduation rate. 54% proceeded to a college or vocational training institute, with 100% enrolling for a second year. The metrics speak highly of students’ college readiness as they move to tertiary institutions.
The average ACT score at the school is 21. Lomega High also allows its students to earn college credits while still in high school through dual enrollment programs. Approximately 6% of the students participate in the programs.
The school’s small setting allows students to receive personalized and tailored instruction, improving their learning experience. The school has one teacher for every eleven students. All full-time faculty members are certified, with 79% having more than three years of teaching experience.
Reviews of the school praise the school’s basketball program, providing students with an excellent chance to develop their talents outside the classroom.
Classen High School Of Advanced Studies
3100 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Claasen High School of Advanced Studies is a public specialty high school within Oklahoma City Public Schools District. It has a population of roughly 550 students in ninth to twelfth grade. The school offers a unique yet rigorous college preparatory program where students choose between a visual and performing arts program and an International Baccalaureate program.
The International Baccalaureate program features a two-year program that prepares students to participate effectively in a rapidly evolving world. The program comprises eight subject clusters: language and literature, arts, mathematics, sciences, physical education, and design. 16% of students participate in the program.
Visual arts majors must undertake two arts programs per year in addition to their college preparatory curriculum. Majors include music, art, piano, guitar, band, strings, and theatre arts. The school boasts a 93% graduation rate, with 62% of graduates pursuing an in-state college or vocational training program.
Besides the IB Program, students at the school have other opportunities to earn college credits through dual enrollment classes and advanced placement programs. The school has 20 AP classes on offer, with 49% of the students participating. Former students at the school appreciate the college preparatory program, indicating that they have had an easier time in college due to the instructions received at the school.
Mulhall-Orlando High School
100 Main St, Orlando, OK 73073
Mulhall-Orlando High School is a top-rated public school within the Mulhall-Orlando School District. The school enjoys a small school setting with only 62 students in grades 9-12. It does an excellent job preparing students for college, with GreatSchools.org giving it a 10/10 ranking.
The school also takes pride in a 100% graduation rate. Students take the ACTs for their college entrance examinations, with the school having an average score of 23. Students at the school can earn college credits through dual enrollment classes.
The small student population allows the school to offer small class sizes, with one teacher for every eight students. It will enable the teachers to provide personalized attention to each child and develop meaningful relationships with them.
Students at the school can participate in various co-curricular activities, including the FFA and band. They can also enroll in the school’s athletic teams, including baseball, basketball, and softball.
A parent at the school praised it for providing one-on-one attention to their two kids, preparing them for success. The parent also notes that the teachers and coaches are excellent.
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Finding The Right School For Your Child
Oklahoma is home to numerous highly-rated public schools. From small rural schools to large specialty schools in cities, the schools serve a diverse population of K-12 students with different learning needs and interests.
The schools on this list can provide an excellent baseline for your search for the ideal learning institution for your little one. It’s essential to ensure that the school you pick will match your family’s learning needs, interests, and expectations.
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