Education

Since before the turn of the 20th century, Oklahoma City residents have been determined to make the city an educational center. Today it has more than a half-dozen institutions of higher learning, including a major university located 30 minutes south of the city limits.

About a month after the Land Run of 1889, Mrs. L. H. North started a subscription school in a tent in the new downtown area. This was the city’s first primary school. Seats consisted of boards on nail kegs. No desks were available. The number of students reportedly ranged from 20 to 70. Class fees started at $1.50 a month and went up.

The first public school opened on Mar 1, 1890, after the Oklahoma Territory Congress set aside $50,000 for schools. The first school graduated six students. In 1890, the first legislature also gave the small city of Stillwater a college named A & M College, which later became Oklahoma State University. Edmond received a state teacher’s school and the territorial university went to Norman.

Today, whether you are looking for early education for your children or want to learn how to become a farrier, Oklahoma City and its surrounding suburbs has a school for you. There are Vocational and technical schools and four-year colleges within easy driving distance from all areas of the city.

This chapter gives an overview of the Oklahoma City public school system. The suburbs have their own systems. This chapter also briefly discusses private schools and homeschooling. Included, too, is information on the larger colleges and a list of smaller ones.

This chapter is not all-inclusive, but it is a place to start. You will find basic information that will help you narrow your search. Most colleges have Web sites that can be investigated. Those that don’t have Web sites will gladly mail information.