There are great kids and great teachers everywhere, but there’s something really special about Stillwater. It’s a high performing 6A district with a small town feel, convenient proximity to Oklahoma’s two major metro areas, and easy access to the energy, activities, and learning opportunities of a major university.
Stillwater Public Schools focuses on academic excellence and broadening student horizons with varied experiences and a supportive trauma informed approach. SPS consistently hears from incoming families that their students feel more connected to their schools and their peers than in their previous districts.
SPS is dedicated to giving teachers the tools and environment they need to succeed by working to maintain small class sizes, provide teaching assistants, protect planning periods, and offer plenty of professional development opportunities. For our support staff, SPS fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment, family friendly work schedules, and benefits for full-time employees (those who work 30 or more hours per week during the school year).
SPS is known for students that perform exceptionally well academically, consistently outperforming state averages and placing near the top in nearly every category. Talented teachers, engaged parents, a community connected to and supportive of education, programs like Take Flight dyslexia training, a strong Newcomers program for those who don’t speak any English, engaging curricula, and diverse electives empower our students to succeed.
We know the best way to get students excited about school is by allowing them to explore their interests, and we strive to offer a wide array of courses, activities, clubs, and student organizations. Whether a student is interested in agriculture, the performing arts, STEM, student philanthropy, sports, media, business, or esports, there’s a class or group to involve and engage them. Programs like strong Summer Academies, the Book Bus, PAWS for Pioneers, and the flexible Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy work to enrich the Stillwater student experience.
TRAUMA INFORMED APPROACHES
Oklahoma students have a high number of adverse childhood experiences. and we’re addressing that in our community. Recent work includes the addition of counselors across the district, including substance abuse counseling, professional development training from Dr. Barbara Sorrels, Executive Director of The Institute for Childhood Education, and enhancements to our Family Support Services. Our community is strongly engaged with these efforts through partnerships with local organizations, including a food pantry at our alternative academy, and generous donations to charitable drives supporting our students.
SPS is committed to providing educators with the professional development they deserve to succeed. Weekly Professional Learning Community meetings allow teachers to collaborate regularly for intervention and enrichment. Workshops and conferences like Nuts & Bolts and LETRS help our teachers hone their skills throughout their careers. Additionally, partnerships with Oklahoma State University provide our teachers with frequent mentorship opportunities, additional ongoing learning, and the chance to pursue advanced degrees conveniently and often at a reduced cost.