About ASTEC
The Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter (ASTEC) Schools became Oklahoma’s first start-up charter school in 2000, founded by Dr. Freda Deskin. The school began with just 100 middle school students and quickly grew to include a high school with a combined enrollment of 750 students, plus a “waiting” list of several hundred.
ASTEC is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) schools where students have technology as a core subject every day in engaging classrooms where the liberal arts are fully integrated. In addition to these core subjects, ASTEC values character, manners, proper etiquette, social and cultural awareness, a strong work ethic and entrepreneurship.
All students who enter ASTEC Middle School are required to take 9-weeks of character education, manners and etiquette. The administration, faculty and staff reinforce these positive behaviors throughout the school year. The results of this practice are profound and is one of the first things visitors notice: well-behaved, polite and respectful students.
As a health and wellness conscience school, ASTEC Charter Schools, with sponsorship from Mr. Harold Hamm and Continental Resources, became the first school in Oklahoma and the Midwest to become one of Dr. and Mrs. Mehmet Oz’s HeathCorps schools.
Student Focus
ASTEC’s approach is based in understanding that each child has unique talents and abilities that need nurturing and support. Our teachers are experienced in facilitating and fostering every student’s personal development. ASTEC is committed to the whole student, This includes academic excellence, cultural and social growth, health, mental and physical resilience, as well as the development and the practice of honesty, civility, public service and respect for others.
ASTEC Charter Schools serves a highly diverse, inter-city population of middle and high school students. The educational experience ASTEC provides continues to produce excellent results. For example:
- 92% of students who graduate enroll in college
- 96% of students attend school daily.
- ASTEC’s API (Academic Performance Index) scores compare favorably to other open-enrollment schools.
- ASTEC does not test students for admittance, require only students eligible for AP courses or ask students to leave if test scores are low. We believe all students can grow from where they are.
ASTEC Charter Schools foster a culture that prepares students for college, specialized training and careers by offering course electives in entrepreneurship and work ethics and careers, exposure to the workplace, personalized schedules and one-on-one students counseling.
Our students have many opportunities to be exposed to cultural and social skills. Student participate in rowing and kayaking teams on the Oklahoma River, FIRST Robotics teams, HealthCorps, a variety of summer camps, Future Cities, athletics, local events that include local museum and theater productions and much more.
ASTEC Charter Schools has created a true school community that values mutual respect in the pursuit of excellence. Students feel cared for and safe and know that expectations for them at ASTEC are high.
Opportunity
We believe that the best environment for learning is one that is safe and one that provides an expectation of success, regardless of background or ability. We share an expectation for students to reach their highest potential and experience a meaningful life while practicing personal accountability.
We hope you will further explore the strong sense of community and ASTEC’s “family” culture, where our accomplished and dedicated employees share a common commitment to provide students with the individualized attention they need to maintain a passion for learning.
An Invitation from our Founder
ASTEC is a different kind of school experience. I encourage you to learn what makes us unique. Learn about our academic, social and cultural offerings, our accomplishments and our goals. The best way to get to know ASTEC is to visit us in person. All who do, report their amazement of what they see and hear in our schools.
Explore ASTEC! is a one-hour, get-acquainted tour of ASTEC Charter Schools that allows the business and civic community a behind the scenes look at our school. Morning tours include breakfast with me in our Central Office Conference room. These tours give visitors a first hand look at how children in a public school setting can thrive through innovations in education. You will witness ASTEC’s technologically-advanced, hands on classrooms where students are engaged and respectful, along with our HealthCorps wellness and nutritions program and our fresh food approach to student dining and I’ll share our unique leadership structure, our employee merit and bonus pay plan and how our faculty are engaged in weekly professional development and coaching sessions. We always allow time for your questions.
To schedule or recommend a person to take a tour, please contact Jennifer Gehay by phone (405)947-6272 or email her at jgehay@asteccharterschools.com. I look forward to meeting you personally, and appreciate your interest in our schools.