OKA+ Schools at UCO Adds Two New Members to Network
April 10, 2026
Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma (OKA+) has added two new member schools to its A+ Schools Network for the 2026-27 academic year.
This year’s new schools are Ada Junior High School, part of Ada Public Schools, and Choctaw Elementary School, part of Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools.
To be accepted into the OKA+ Schools Network, schools commit to a set of eight A+ Essentials, which they learn about through ongoing professional development provided by educators and artists known as OKA+ Fellows.
"We are pleased to be adding these schools to our long-standing and ever-growing state network. We have established a tradition of excellence with our whole school transformation model," said Sandra Kent, executive director of OKA+ Schools Institute.
“Creating schools that work for everyone through arts integration is our mission. We are proud of our history of serving public, private and charter schools focused on collaboration and student success.”
Staff of these new member schools will begin their OKA+ professional development training at a “Year One Summit” in July. The training will include arts-integrated teaching methods accompanied by an understanding and application of the A+ Essentials framework. The research-based framework helps schools increase student achievement, improve attendance, make curricular connections and engage learners while bringing joy to classrooms.
“We applied for the A+ program because it helps us better support our students and teachers in practical ways,” said McKayla Plett, principal of Ada Junior High School.
“It allows us to address academic and behavioral needs early and gives teachers additional support to help students succeed. The A+ program aligns with our goals; we are thrilled to be a part of this program.”
Each school has committed to at least three years and will receive training, coaching and support at no cost to their school or district.
"We are so excited to bring the OKA+ Essentials to Choctaw Elementary. This partnership will undoubtedly elevate our school and take it to the next level. We can't wait to shake things up in a positive way and watch our students soar,” said Pam Cook, principal of Choctaw Elementary.
“We look forward to collaborating with OKA+ and are confident in their ability to empower staff to achieve our schoolwide goals.”
OKA+ Schools Institute provides quality, arts-integrated professional development to educators, networking among educational communities and partners, ongoing research opportunities and reliable data to support the work of creative schools, as well as specialty projects and opportunities for students, teachers and schools. The OKA+ Schools Network, the Institute's premier project, has provided the state’s only research-based, whole-school reform model since 2002 and supports schools throughout the state that have committed to it.
For more information, visit www.okaplus.org or call 405-974-3779.
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Cutline: Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma (OKA+) has added two new member schools to its A+ Schools Network for the 2026-27 academic year. This year’s new schools are Ada Junior High School, pictured, part of Ada Public Schools, and Choctaw Elementary School, part of Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools.
