2018-19 Profile
1141 North Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Tel (405) 521-6436 Fax (405) 522-4586
School Code (CEEB): 372-684 www.ossm.edu
Created by legislative action in 1993, OSSM is Oklahoma’s two-year, public, residential high school for juniors and seniors with exceptional ability in science and mathematics. The 127 students (68 seniors and 59 juniors) represent 75 high schools in 29 counties throughout the state of Oklahoma and 2 international students. Standardized testing is reported for domestic students only.
All of the 26 faculty members hold master’s degrees; two-thirds hold a doctorate in their academic discipline.
Mission Statement
To educate students who show promise of exceptional academic development through a program of instruction and discovery that challenges them beyond the traditional high school model, imparting a superior foundation for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Admission
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.
Academics
GPA and Class Ranking
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.
Advanced Course Offerings
OSSM does not offer AP courses. OSSM’s college-level curriculum includes courses in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Endocrinology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Geoscience, Organic Chemistry, Data Structures, Computer Architecture and Assembly, Java Programming, Multivariate Calculus, Differential Equations, Number Theory, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, Physics: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, Modern Physics.
Each science class at OSSM includes three hours of lecture and a two- or three-hour laboratory session per week.
Special Topics and Directed Studies
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.
Grading Information
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.
Graduation Requirements
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.
The Mentorship Program
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.
Standardized Tests
ACT (juniors and seniors 2017-18)
English Math Reading Science Composite
31 30 30 30 31
SAT (juniors and seniors 2017-18)
EBRW Mean Math Mean Total Mean
674 705 1379
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) – Class of 2018– Tested as juniors 2016-17
EBRW Mean Math Mean
666 675
Advanced Placement (AP)
- 57 students took 152 AP exams, May 2018
- 74% of the AP Exams received scores of 3 or higher
College Acceptances – Class of 2018
*Bold denotes matriculation
The University of Oklahoma, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, University of Southern California, Case Western Reserve, Purdue University, Baylor University, University of Colorado at Boulder, Washington University in St. Louis, University of California – San Diego, Colorado School of Mines, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Texas – Austin, Trinity University, Arcadia University, University of Arkansas, Boston University, University of California – Berkeley, University of California – Davis, University of California – Los Angeles, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Emory University, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Missouri University of Science and Technology, New College of Florida, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Texas, Oklahoma City University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas – Dallas, University of Alabama, Albion College, Albright College, University of Arizona, Cameron University, University of Central Florida, Clemson University, Colby College, Colorado College, Colorado State University, Connecticut College, University of Denver, University College – Dublin, Duke Kunshan University, Duke University, George Mason University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Hendrix College, University of Houston, Iowa State University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola Marymount University, University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, University of Michigan, New York University, North Carolina State University, Northeastern State University, Northeastern University, University of Notre Dame, NYU – Shanghai, Oberlin College, Oklahoma Baptist University, Oxford College of Emory, Pomona College, Reed College, Regis University, Rhodes College, Rice University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, St. Lawrence University, Stanford University, Texas Christian University, Trinity College – Dublin, Tulane University, Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University
This publication is issued by The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics as authorized by the School President. Copies have been distributed electronically and in print upon demand. An electronic copy has been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
