Before white settlement in Indian Territory, there were schools. Some of them, like the Cherokee schools, were founded and administered by the Indians themselves. In Tahlequah in 1851, two boarding schools were established. The majority of the teachers were Cherokees who had been educated in eastern colleges. Among the courses offered were Greek, Latin, French, and German. Other nations also established schools. After the Civil War, missionaries from different religious denominations came to the territory to establish missions for the Indians.
When the railroad arrived and more white families moved in, these new residents wanted a school for their children. Because, by law, the white settlers were not permitted to collect taxes, they set up a subscription school. Each family paid a monthly sum toward paying the teacher. This first effort turned sour when the patrons discovered they’d hired a professional gambler.
The Presbyterian Board of Missions agreed to send a missionary to build Tulsa’s first schoolhouse in 1884. By 1886 there were 75 students, both Indians and whites, attending the school, a one-room affair with two big stoves in opposite corners for heat.
In 1897 the Mission Board gave notice that they were closing the school but that the citizens could purchase it. J. M. Hall (who was prominent in settling Tulsa) and three other men borrowed money and became trustees of the property until Tulsa was incorporated in 1898 and tax money could be used to pay the debt. By 1906, bond moneys had been raised to build the city’s first elementary school, Sequoyah, and the first high school.
In 1890 the first Catholic services were held in a private home. It wasn’t until 1899 that Holy Family church had its own building. It was that same year that Sister Katherine Drexel founded the school associated with that church. Her mission was to aid Native American and African-American children. Today Holy Family School still serves a diverse population and holds a place of honor as Tulsa’s oldest private school.
In 1907 an enterprising group of businessmen—and, yes, J. M. Hall was right in the middle of this effort, too—talked a small Presbyterian college in Muskogee into moving to Tulsa. The school kept the name Kendall College until 1926, when it became the University of Tulsa.
As Tulsa grew into a metropolitan city, citizens found it irksome that they had no public institution of higher learning. In 1965 another private school opened—Oral Roberts University—as a charismatic, interdenominational Christian college. Finally in 1970, Tulsa Junior College, now Tulsa Community College, was established. Today, in addition to these schools, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, Langston University, and a number of regional schools, both public and private, maintain presences in Tulsa.
Today in Tulsa, approximately two-thirds of the population (25 and older) has had some college education, with about one-third holding bachelor’s or advanced degrees. With a variety of opportunities, both traditional and contemporary, including online learning and technical schools, Tulsans and their families have access to education as never before.
Overview
This section looks at public schools in Tulsa and nearby communities, private schools, colleges and universities, and specialized learning opportunities. Frankly, educators speak a different language, and a lot of it sounds the same. They all want “positive outcomes” and offer to provide “optimum learning opportunities to meet every child’s needs.” If any of the schools do not state that they are inclusive of all races, genders, and religions (or non-religion), this will be mentioned in the write-ups. This book simply offers a listing and description of the main school districts and major private schools.
You’ll need to do some research before making any decision. If you’re relocating, talk to Realtors. Of course, it’s best, but not always possible, to talk to other parents. Check online for the school’s mission statement and philosophy. Is it consistent with your goals for your child? In the case of a religious school, make sure you are comfortable with what your child will be taught. Will it conflict with your beliefs or values? Obviously, you’ll want to visit the school—and it’s helpful to make at least one visit without your child and one visit with. Ask about class size, teacher qualifications, school accreditation. How many of the teachers have national certification? How many have advanced degrees? In the case of high school, what advanced classes are offered, what percentage of the graduates goes on to higher education? Depending on your child’s grade level and situation, what does the school offer in the way of programs to meet special needs, including those for gifted students? What about arts, physical education, and extracurricular activities including athletics? What’s the transportation situation? And how about campus safety, drugs, gangs, bullying, etc.? Did you feel welcome at the school? In the case of private schools, be sure and ask about extra fees that are not included in tuition figures.
Good luck choosing a school district or school. It’s a big job and there are lots of options.