enrichment programs in OKC public schools

We are relocating to OKC and would like some informations and suggestions about the public schools that promote enrichment programs. Are there any recommendation of better schools ?

[Midtowner]

OKC has some excellent charter schools from grade school through high school. I'm not familiar with any of the grade school programs (I know I'm out there), but I'm familiar with some of the MS and HS programs -- bandnerd on this board would be the expert, she's a teacher at one of the Charter Highschools.

As for the suburbs, I'm sure they all have programs. My personal experience is limited to Edmond in the early 80's -- and it was subpar then. My parents yanked me from there and stuck me into a private school.

[bandnerd]

Hmm...well, most OKC public schools are dismal, in my opinion. And that's not just because I teach at a charter school, either. You can find API scores (like a report card for schools) at the Oklahoma Department of Education website. You can see how schools score in Math, Reading, Science, and History, I believe. Plus it gives you an overall score.

Some OKC elementary schools were "reading" schools a few years ago, meaning that's what they focused on mostly at that time. As the years pass, needs and attitudes change and something else becomes more important. Kind of like a flavor of the year deal.

Like Midtowner said, there are some great charter schools and private schools in OKC. Putnam City schools are also good schools, PCNorth probably being your best choice.

I'm not exactly sure what type of enrichment programs you are looking for, or for what grade level. We have A+ schools here, as well. It can all be found at the website. I can't remember it off the top of my head, but you can google it

Thanks Midtowner and Bandnerd!
We are looking at both Edmond and Deer Creek at this point. I have two elementary school kids that are enrolled in their GT programs here and we hope that we can find a school for them that encourages accelerated learning.
Any recommendations?

[Karried]

You're on the right track.. Deer Creek, Apple Valley and Edmond all have excellent school systems. They offer many enrichment programs.

Go to www.Greatschools.net - this is where you will find information on public schools as well as charter schools. You can read parent reviews and get a feel for socioeconomics ( ie percentages of free lunches, etc) in the school.

Once you have pinpointed the school you are interested in, get the contact numbers and call to speak with either the principal or a counselor. They can answer specific questions regarding individual courses and programs. Hope this helps a bit.. Good luck...

[Karried]

This looks like a person you might speak with for more information:

http://www.edmond.k12.ok.us/GT/index.htm



Glenda Choate, Gifted & Talented Consultant
1001 West Danforth Edmond, OK 73003
(405) 340-2268 fax: (405) 330-3380

glenda.choate@edmondschools.net

Here are some contact names at some Edmond schools: (sorry about the lightbulbs- they won't go away!)

Meet the G/T Specialists

Jane Benanzer Northern Hills

Lu Cunningham Angie Debo & Charles Haskell
Patricia Dannels Chisholm
Lisa Dean Clegern
Suzanne Frost Cross Timbers
Cindi Hodges John Ross & Ida Freeman
Linda Moore Will Rogers
Linda Skinner Russell Dougherty & Orvis Risner
Marcia Rains Washington Irving & Sunset

[Karried]

I should have specified - the first two names after the lightbulbs are the teachers/contacts.. anything after that is the name of the school(s) .. (you might not recognize that if you are not familiar with the area).

Thanks, Karried! I can use your resources a lot when I start communicating with the schools.

Thanks to all that replied, you've given me a lot of valuable information as the locals and nothing can beat that!