Native American charter school approved in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma education officials have approved a proposed charter school with a core mission of serving indigenous students.

The Oklahoman reports that the Thursday approval by the state Board of Education comes just months after the Oklahoma City Public Schools board denied the application over questions regarding budget and leadership.

The approval gives the Sovereign Community School permission to open next year, creating a public charter school that plans to eventually serve 500 mostly Native American students through culturally sensitive curriculum and other support services.

More than 1,100 Native American students are spread throughout the Oklahoma City district’s nearly 90 schools. Advocates for the proposed charter say it can be difficult helping those students connect with their cultural identity.

The school hopes to move into the former Mayfair Elementary School in northwest Oklahoma City.