The Vision
The Vision of ASTEC is to have scholars interacting in a classroom that focuses on the Core Values of Content, Character, Competency, and Community.
ASTEC focuses on four core values called the Four C's. They include:
• Content and instruction are research-based and integrate math, science, and technology into a liberal arts curriculum. Teachers use data-driven experiential teaching models that cross subject-matter boundaries. Teachers and scholars explore the relevancy of the material through classroom simulations.
• The Character traits of integrity, compassion, passion, and responsibility are essential elements for successful living. These traits are modeled by all employees and are recognized and rewarded when achieved by scholars.
• The Competency skills of teamwork, communication, and critical/creative thinking are embedded in the experiential teaching model of ASTEC.
• The value of Community reflects the beliefs, character, judgments, acts, and efforts of this vision.
ASTEC provides a safe environment where learners are encouraged to dream, explore and discover. Scholars understand that regardless of background or ability, when reaching for their highest potential, they can experience peace, prosperity, and personal accountability. The ASTEC community reflects the beliefs, characters, judgments, acts, and efforts of this vision.
The History
ASTEC began in 1986 when Dr. Freda Deskin started the Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter (ASTEC) program. Beginning with a few summer camps while she taught at the University of Oklahoma and later served as dean at Oklahoma City University, Dr. Deskin expanded the program into year‑round educational offerings.
In 2000, ASTEC opened as Oklahoma’s first public charter school start‑up with 100 sixth‑ and seventh‑grade students at Shepherd Mall (now Shepherd Center). Early operations included renting gym space from Baptist Temple Church (NW 30th and Villa Avenue) and bus transportation between the mall and the church. As enrollment grew, the school moved to a larger space on the east side of Shepherd Center and added a high school as the founding middle‑school students advanced; the first ASTEC High School graduating class was in 2006.
Continued growth allowed ASTEC to acquire space for the College and Career Center, high school offices, classrooms, an auditorium, and the Central Office. The ASTEC Fund purchased land on the south side of General Pershing Boulevard for a future campus, named the Deskin Campus in honor of Dr. Deskin. After years of fundraising, ASTEC Elementary School opened on the Deskin Campus in 2020. In 2021, the campus added athletic facilities, including a soccer field, a track, a futsal court, and volleyball courts.
With private investment bonds, construction of the new secondary school buildings and central facilities on the Deskin Campus began in 2024. The new Secondary School, Central Offices, gymnasium, and performing arts center were completed in summer 2026, uniting ASTEC’s sites on one campus for the 2026–2027 school year.
ASTEC continues to grow. This year, ASTEC expects PreK–12 enrollment to exceed 1,600 students.
Scholars who attend ASTEC are from areas throughout greater Oklahoma City.
ASTEC scholars thrive in a close-knit family environment. Scholars respect the voice they have been given to become the leaders they are meant to be.
