The Academy of Seminole

Why The Academy of Seminole was nominated

The Academy of Seminole is a pioneering initiative in rural education. Designed as a free PK-12 life planning school, the academies aim to empower students by equipping them with the tools necessary for personal and academic success. Through a holistic approach to education, the Academies of Oklahoma focus not only on academic achievement but also on life skills, fostering well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world. We believe that every student has a right to a free, world class education; every student has a unique gift and set of strengths to contribute to our community, and every student can be empowered and inclusive. The Academy of Seminole is an early college/life planning school where we focus on meeting individual students where they are and helping each achieve their full potential. The Academy of Seminole provides a supportive environment where students can thrive. This commitment to excellence has led to phenomenal results. They lead all rural Oklahoma schools in college credit hours per student, all relevant test scores in math and reading, and the highest percentage of special needs students. TAOS consistently outperforms state & county averages. Elementary and high school performance has doubled or tripled in the last 3 years. Their students choose a college or career pathway, and every student creates a life plan that is presented at graduation. They are giving students in rural communities opportunities they don’t have access to in other schools.