The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is an academic-emphasis, math- and science-focused, two-year residential school located on a 32-acre campus in Oklahoma City and available for free to any qualified Oklahoma student. The OSSM experience includes a unique academic focus and an uncommon academic rigor consisting of college-level courses taught by a mostly Ph.D. faculty.
The transformative power of an OSSM education produces academically mature graduates, many with research experience who often enter college not only STEM-ready but also with enough college credit to classify as sophomores. Our 33 graduating classes have demonstrated an unstoppable spirit that enables them to go anywhere and do anything.
More than 60% of OSSM students participate in independent research, receiving hands-on experience in their field of interest outside of the classroom. Mentorships have been a part of the academic program at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics since the first graduating class.
The proximity of OSSM to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation as well as other organizations in Oklahoma City allows students to have the opportunity to work alongside nationally acclaimed researchers, physicians, engineers, and business people.
Admission is a competitive process initiated by written application. Semifinalists are interviewed by a committee comprised of community leaders and faculty before final selection is determined.
At OSSM, students dive straight into a college-level curriculum designed to challenge and inspire. Courses include Biochemistry, Introduction to Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Endocrinology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Geoscience, Organic Chemistry, Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Multivariate Calculus, Differential Equations, Number Theory, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, and a full sequence of Physics courses (Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, Modern Physics).
Four leading Oklahoma universities—Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa—recognize the strength of OSSM’s curriculum and the achievements of its students and faculty. Through special articulation agreements, residential campus students may earn several general education credit hours upon enrolling as undergraduates, giving them a strong head start on their college journey.
Each science class at OSSM includes three hours of lecture and a two- or three-hour laboratory session per week.
OSSM offers opportunities for students to pursue academic interests to the highest levels. These courses regularly include topics in Theoretical Physics, Advanced Genetics, and Chemistry, as well as Literature, History, and Modern Politics. Directed studies are not counted towards graduation requirements and are not graded.
Due to the fact that all academic courses are advanced and/or accelerated honors-level courses, OSSM does not calculate grade point averages or class ranking.
The academic year is comprised of two semesters. Final grades are given after the eighteenth week of each semester. Students are required to sit for a comprehensive three-hour final in each course.
Due to the rigor of our college-level courses, we suggest the following grading scale be used to evaluate a student’s coursework:
87 -100 = A
77 – 86 = B
70 – 76 = C
<70 = No credit received
Students receive a Pass (P) for physical education and fine arts. Mentorships also receive a Satisfactory (S) or Pass grade.
OSSM students must successfully complete a minimum of sixteen (16) units: one unit of biology; one unit of chemistry; one and one-half units of physics; one unit of science electives; two units of mathematics (inclusive of calculus); two units of English; two units of history; two units of the same foreign language; one- half unit of computer science; one unit of fine arts; two units of physical education.
60 hours of community service and 60 hours of school service are also required.
