 |
|
Prior to INTEGRIS' involvement in the neighborhood school, it had been designated by the State Department of Education as High Challenge and Low Performing for the previous five years, and was in danger of being closed.
|
Western Village Academy, Inc. is Oklahoma's first elementary Charter School, established July 1, 2000. Located in Oklahoma City it is sponsored by the Oklahoma City Public School District and INTEGRIS Health. Charter status provides site-based management, financial oversight and decision making.
Located near Penn and Hefner Road in Oklahoma City, Western Village Academy is nestled amidst predominately low income but includes middle income family housing. The student population is 90 percent African American, 5 percent Hispanic, 4 percent Caucasian and 1 percent Asian. 89 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunches.
Prior to INTEGRIS' involvement in the neighborhood school, it had been designated by the State Department of Education as High Challenge and Low Performing for the previous five years, and was in danger of being closed. Juvenile crime rates in the area were at an all-time high. Student mobility and attendance rates were dismal.
 With the implementation of an arts-integrated curriculum, after-school, summer and Saturday-school programs, a school wide reading program, parent outreach initiatives and the addition of 300 mentors from the business community, the school's designation as low performing has been removed, and students are reaching new levels of success and stability.
Significant improvements to the facility have enabled the school to become a community center, serving the healthcare needs of the students and their families, and providing adult education opportunities.
|