Tulsa Schools Guide: Public, Private, and Charter Options

Schools are one of the biggest factors in choosing where to live in the Tulsa metro. The quality varies significantly by district, and the neighborhood you choose essentially determines your school options. Here is an honest look at what is available.

Public School Districts

Jenks Public Schools (A-rated)

Consistently ranked among Oklahoma's top three districts. Strong academics, competitive athletics, and high graduation rates (95%+). The Jenks High School campus is massive and well-funded. If public school quality is your number one priority, Jenks is the safest bet in the Tulsa metro.

Bixby Public Schools (A-rated)

Growing fast and investing heavily in new facilities. Test scores are on par with Jenks, and the district has attracted excellent teachers thanks to competitive pay (for Oklahoma). Bixby tends to have newer school buildings since the district is expanding rapidly. A great choice if you are buying new construction in south Tulsa.

Union Public Schools (B+ rated)

The largest district in the Tulsa metro, covering much of south Tulsa. Union is solid across the board with strong STEM programs and a well-regarded fine arts program. It is not quite at the Jenks/Bixby level in raw test scores, but the gap is small and the value is excellent since homes in the Union district are more affordable.

Broken Arrow Public Schools (A/B rated)

The second-largest district in the metro. Strong overall with particular strength in vocational and technology programs. BA schools are well-maintained and the community is supportive. A good option for families looking for suburban schools with their own identity separate from Tulsa.

Tulsa Public Schools (C+ rated overall)

TPS is the elephant in the room. The district overall has lower ratings, but it is not monolithic. TPS has excellent magnet programs (Booker T. Washington is ranked among the top high schools in the country), and individual schools vary widely. Families in Midtown and Brookside who want to stay in TPS often aim for the magnet programs or specific higher-performing elementary schools.

Private Schools

Tulsa has a strong private school scene. The most well-known options include Cascia Hall (Catholic, college prep, grades 6 through 12), Holland Hall (Episcopal, PK through 12, consistently ranked top in OK), Metro Christian Academy (nondenominational, PK through 12), and Tulsa's various Catholic elementary schools. Tuition ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 per year depending on the school and grade level.

Charter Schools

Oklahoma has a growing charter school sector. In Tulsa, notable options include Tulsa Honor Academy, KIPP Tulsa, and Collegiate Hall. Charter schools are free (publicly funded) and operate independently from the traditional district. Quality varies, so research specific schools before committing.

The Takeaway

If public schools drive your decision, buy in Jenks, Bixby, or Union. If you love Midtown or Brookside and can budget for private school, Holland Hall and Cascia Hall are excellent. And if you are open to charters, there are solid options emerging across the city. The school situation in Tulsa is better than its state-level reputation suggests, especially in the suburban districts.