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The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
The Program:
The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) is
Oklahoma’s public, tuition-free, residential high school for juniors and
seniors with exceptional ability in mathematics and science. OSSM was
created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1983 and funded by the state to
accept the inaugural class in 1990. The school is governed by a Board of
Trustees which is appointed by legislative leaders and the governor. In the
history of the school, students have been admitted from all of Oklahoma’s 77
counties.
Goals:
OSSM’s goals are to provide an optimum learning environment
for exceptionally motivated students who excel in science and mathematics
and to serve as a resource for Oklahoma's school districts through research
and teacher training.
Location:
The campus is located on a 32-acre site near the state
capitol and adjacent to the research resources and libraries of the Oklahoma
Health Center. In the summer of 2000, the school completed a $25 million
building program to complete the campus. A partnership of over 130 Oklahoma
individuals, organizations, businesses, and government entities restored
historic Lincoln School for classrooms in 1992. Students live in the
school’s 61,000 square foot Dan Little Residence Hall that accommodates 144
students and 6 faculty families. Construction on the hall was completed in
early 1998; and in March of 1999, OSSM opened a new physical education
facility. During the 2001–2002 school year, OSSM celebrated the opening of
the Senator Bernice Shedrick Library and the Samson Science and Discovery
Center, which houses physics and chemistry laboratories and faculty offices.
Future plans call for construction of a 72-room addition to the residence hall
that will allow OSSM to double its enrollment.
Admission:
Admission to OSSM is a highly competitive process initiated by
a written application. In addition to the student’s high interest and
potential in science and mathematics, the Admissions Committee examines
multiple criteria including standardized test scores, previous grades and
course work, and academic recommendations. Semifinalists are interviewed by
a Review Committee before the final selection is determined.
Academic Program:
OSSM is committed to building a strong academic foundation for each student.
While in residence at OSSM, students are required to complete successfully
four and one-half units of science, two units of mathematics, one-half unit
of computer science, two units of English, two units of social science, two
units of a foreign language, one unit of fine arts, and two units of
physical education. Weekly, each science class features a 2- or 3-hour
laboratory experience. An academic week consists of five and one-half days
of instruction. Students must also receive satisfactory participation in campus
and community service.
Student Research:
Strengthening the academic base is the Mentorship Program,
which provides concentrated research opportunities in specialized fields
under the direction of professionals in the scientific and technological
community.
Faculty:
The faculty of OSSM is an
accomplished group of professionals with advanced degrees in their
disciplines. Doctorate degrees are held by approximately 80% of the faculty
and all members have extensive years of teaching experience.
Contact:
For more information about OSSM,, please contact us at
The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
1141 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405-521-6436 Fax 405-521-6442
http://www.ossm.edu
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