Education

By Christopher Payne, Union Public Schools

Currently, Oklahoma ranks 11th in the nation with more than 3,117 teachers who are National Board Certified. In a 20-year study, Georgetown University recently praised Tulsa as “an undisputed leader” in universal pre-K, citing positive effects on college enrollment and earning ability. Tulsa County serves 128,514 students (pre-K-12th) in 14 districts: Berryhill, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Keystone, Liberty, Owasso, Sand Springs, Skiatook, Sperry, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools. Graduation rates improved by 4% in the Tulsa area from 2017 to 2020, with 87% of high school students graduating on time after four years. Seventy-one high school seniors in northeastern Oklahoma were recently named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists.

In 2022, Tulsa Public Schools recaptured the title of largest school district in the state, serving 33,211 students in grades K-12 across 78 schools and charter partner sites. Booker T. Washington High School and Edison Preparatory School frequently top the list of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools in Oklahoma.” TPS has 45 schools offering free full-day pre-K programs. The district also offers a wealth of language enrichment options at 11 schools, including one- and two-way language programs (English and Spanish), as well as language immersion (French and Spanish). Seventy-nine seniors from 10 schools recently graduated with the district’s Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages. TPS has seven lottery magnet schools that require student application and