In central Oklahoma, education carries a personal touch. Families here want more than a school system; they want a place where their children are seen, known, and supported. Perkins-Tryon Public Schools meets that need by combining strong academics with a close-knit community feel.
This district brings together the towns of Perkins and Tryon and reaches across parts of Payne, Lincoln, and Logan counties. It serves 1,618 students who attend four schools: an elementary school for early learners, an intermediate school for grades three through five, a middle school, and a high school. Each day, eleven buses connect students to classrooms spread across 197 square miles, creating a shared experience for children from all corners of the district.
Perkins-Tryon is growing steadily. New businesses are opening, more families are moving in, and the local economy is expanding. The district’s 2025–2026 valuation stands at $103,956,260, a reflection of the community’s upward momentum. Through it all, the district stays committed to its mission: to strive for excellence and prepare every student for the future.
Academic Excellence with Purpose
The school builds its academic programs around the idea that learning should open doors for every student. Core subjects, including mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies, form a strong foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving. Beyond the basics, students explore STEM programs, the arts, foreign languages, and vocational training, giving them space to discover what excites them most.
This balanced approach helps students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities, whether their next step is college, technical training, or a career. The district’s goal is clear: to prepare well-rounded learners who are ready to succeed wherever life takes them.
Enrollment and Transfers
Perkins-Tryon welcomes students who live within the district and also considers transfer requests from outside families. Transfer approvals depend on space available at the requested grade level, based on the district’s established capacity numbers. Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure class sizes remain manageable and learning environments stay strong.
Transfers may be declined if space is limited or if attendance or discipline concerns are present. This thoughtful process allows the district to maintain its personal approach to education while making room for new students whenever possible.
Growing Enrollment and a Diverse Student Body
The institute has seen steady enrollment over the past several years, reflecting the district’s reputation as a trusted place for learning. Student numbers grew from 1,516 in 2021–2022 to 1,616 in 2025–2026, a sign of the community’s continued growth and confidence in the schools.
The district also serves a diverse student population. About 75 percent of students identify as White, 15 percent as Native American, 5 percent as African American, and 5 percent as Hispanic. This diversity adds to the richness of classroom discussions and helps students learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives.
Supporting Every Student
Perkins-Tryon believes that every child can succeed when given the right tools and guidance. The district takes an inclusive, equity-focused approach designed to meet students where they are. Personalized learning plans help teachers tailor instruction to individual needs, while a high-quality, inclusive curriculum ensures that every learner feels represented and challenged.
Teachers receive ongoing professional development and support, allowing them to bring fresh strategies into the classroom. Early intervention programs catch potential struggles before they grow, and students have equitable access to technology and resources. Data-driven decision-making keeps the focus on what works best for students.
Engaging with the Community
The school extends learning beyond the classroom by encouraging students to be active members of their community. The district supports a range of service opportunities that teach responsibility, empathy, and leadership. Students participate in food and clothing drives, coat giveaways, and recycling programs that help care for both people and the environment.
Volunteering at local food banks, joining school-based service clubs, and taking part in community clean-up projects give students hands-on ways to make a difference. Blood drives and other initiatives further strengthen ties between schools and the community, showing students that giving back is part of everyday life.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Perkins-Tryon provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities that encourage teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. Athletics play a central role, with programs in football, basketball, cross-country, volleyball, baseball, track, golf, and both fast and slow-pitch softball. Cheerleading adds energy and school spirit, bringing communities together for every game and event.
Beyond sports, students explore creative and leadership pursuits. The band offers musical development, FFA supports agricultural learning and leadership, Esports engages students in competitive gaming, and the HOPE Squad focuses on peer support and community well-being. These opportunities allow students to discover their passions while building skills that last a lifetime.
Leadership and Key Departments
Perkins-Tryon Public Schools are guided by a team of dedicated leaders focused on supporting students, teachers, and the broader community. At the top is the Superintendent who oversees the district’s vision and daily operations. The Special Education Director ensures that students with unique learning needs receive the support they deserve while the Director of Operations keeps the district running smoothly.
Other important roles include the Federal Program Director and the principals of each school, including the high school, middle school, intermediate, and elementary schools. This team works together to maintain a consistent, high-quality educational experience across the district.
Student Support Services
Perkins-Tryon Public Schools provide a range of services designed to help every student succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Academic support programs give students extra help when they need it, while counseling services guide them through personal and social challenges. Health services and social services ensure that students’ physical and emotional needs are met, creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
Behavior and emotional support programs help students manage challenges, and college and career readiness initiatives prepare them for life after graduation. Special education services ensure that every learner receives the guidance and resources necessary to reach their full potential.
Academic Initiatives
Perkins-Tryon Public Schools have embraced innovative programs to strengthen learning and ensure students reach their full potential. One of these initiatives is IXL, a personalized platform for math, English language arts, science, and social studies. IXL uses an adaptive system that adjusts question difficulty based on each student’s performance, all aligned with Oklahoma Standards.
For younger learners, Perkins-Tryon offers Waterford, an early education platform for pre-kindergarten through second grade. Waterford focuses on literacy, math, and science, providing lessons tailored to each child. This program builds a strong foundation in the early years, setting students up for success in later grades.
Commitment to Students and Families
Perkins-Tryon Public Schools focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and academically challenging environment where every student can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Faculty and staff work tirelessly to support learning and personal development, while the district values the strong partnership shared with families in nurturing lifelong learners.
Prospective families are encouraged to explore the district’s programs, extracurricular opportunities, and resources, all designed to educate the whole child. Students are prepared not only for academic success but also for leadership, citizenship, and meaningful participation in a diverse world.
The district’s leadership has earned statewide recognition. Donna Boles, intermediate principal, was named Elementary School Principal of the Year in 2015–2016 by the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals. Superintendent Doug Ogle has received multiple honors, including OASA Region Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2018, 2020, and 2023, and OASA Region Superintendent of the Year in 2025. Their guidance ensures that Perkins-Tryon continues to provide excellence for every student and family.
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“We believe in educating the whole child and preparing students not just for academic achievement, but also for leadership, citizenship, and meaningful engagement in a diverse world.”
