ABOUT US

Street School serves students in grades 9-12 as a non-profit agency through a partnership with Tulsa Public Schools. Street School’s goal is to help students, not only graduate, but to also prepare them for college/technical school and/or the workforce. 

PROGRAMS

Academics

The World as Our Classroom approach provides students the opportunity to learn through real life experiences and reinforces classroom learning. Field trips, wilderness adventures, internships, and community service learning outreach programs are ongoing for the entire school year. Through these experiences, students gain knowledge and develop skills in team building, communication, and leadership while learning about their world.

Therapeutic Counseling

Academics can quickly become secondary due to a variety of circumstances. Counseling is a critical part of the Street School program and each student is assigned a counselor that is a licensed professional. Students meet weekly with their assigned counselor for therapy and connections to essential community resources, college applications and opportunities beyond high school.

  • Mentoring

    Students at Street School have the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program. Volunteers are matched with students to offer guidance, emotional support, and encouragement to help them succeed academically and in life.

  • Internships

    Designed to give students real-world work experience and prepare them for life after graduation, the internship program is part of the school's broader commitment to helping students develop professional skills and explore career interests.

  • Blocked Schedule

    Street School operates on a 6-week blocked schedule with 2 classes per day. This allows students to complete their graduation requirements earlier in the year. The blocked schedule also allows staff to monitor any issues that students might encounter early on.

  • Small Class Sizes

    Smaller class sizes allow for a more personalized learning enviornment. With no more than 13 per class, this is particularly beneficial for students who may struggle in a larger, more traditional school setting.

  • Career & College Readiness

    Resume-building, interview preparation & guidance on post-graduation plans. Understanding the application process, complete financial aid and scholarship forms & explore their skills and interests.

Join us in transforming lives.

  • Staff

    Our team of dedicated staff provide the encouragement and support needed for student success.

    Meet Our Team

  • Board of Directors

    Community volunteers who provide invaluable oversight and expertise to support Street School’s mission.  

    Meet Our Board

HISTORY

We are Oklahoma’s longest and most successful alternative education program. See how far we’ve come.

  • 1973

    Street School began as a “drop-in” center in 1973 in a building near 3rd and Cincinnati in downtown, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Today, the original building houses Juniper, a local favorite restaurant.

  • 1978-1985

    Our program was accredited by TPS.

    We added professional counseling staff.

    Executive Director: Janice Updike-Walker

  • 1985-1995

    Criteria was set for statewide Alternative Education programs.

    Street School moved to our current location on Yale Avenue.

    Executive Director: Richard Palazzo

  • 1995

    Street Party, our annual Gala, was founded and the first event was held at Woodland Hills Mall.

  • 1995-2003

    During this time, Street School made incredible strides. We received the Outstanding Youth Service Award and the Dropout Prevention Award, our population reached a new high of 130 students, and Mitch Dittus was chosen as our new Executive Director.

  • 2003 - 2023

    Lori McGinnis-Madland, Ed.D. served as President & CEO.

  • 2004 - 2012

    Street School won the Oklahoma Award for Outstanding Achievement in Alternative Education, the Crystal Star of Excellence Award by the National Dropout Prevention Network and the OKCNP ONE Award for Education.

  • 2015

    Street School earns its first 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator. This rating has been received every year since.

  • 2018

    Street School’s 2nd location opens. Total population reaches 210 students.

  • 2023

    Jana Emerson, LCSW is named President & CEO.