Harding Charter Preparatory Elementary: A New Beginning for Underserved Students

“In every crisis lies opportunity.” This adage proved true for Oklahoma City's Harding Charter Preparatory School District. Following the pandemic, the district observed a concerning trend: 80% of incoming middle schoolers were performing in the bottom quartile nationally.

"Of the 39 public elementary schools in Oklahoma City, only five were considered high quality," Superintendent Steven Stefanick said. Recognizing an urgent need, the district seized the opportunity to create a new elementary school - the first in the district - to prepare their youngest students for success in middle school and beyond.

Harding Charter Preparatory (HCP) Elementary is a free, public charter school open to all. Student enrollment is based on a first-come, first served application process. If the number of applicants exceeds available spots, a lottery system is used to determine admission. 

With an initial enrollment goal of 85 students, HCP Elementary quickly exceeded expectations. "We found more interest than we anticipated," Stefanick said.

The school, which opened in August 2024, reached its maximum enrollment with 112 students in Pre-K through second grade. According to Stefanick, the school plans to add a grade each year until the 2026-27 school year, ultimately serving Pre-K through fourth grade. 

Located intentionally in the underserved northeast side of Oklahoma City, HCP Elementary aims to provide high-quality education to an area that has historically lacked access to strong public schools. "We know that this community has been underserved for generations," Stefanick said.

The school’s commitment to quality is evident, with many staff, including founding Principal Lana Ingram, coming from one of the few high-performing elementary schools in the city.

"Data shows there aren't many high-quality schools in Oklahoma City, so I thought, ‘why not start another one where I can make a difference for more children?’" Ingram said.  

Now in her fifth year as a principal, she is committed to creating a thriving environment where every student can succeed. “All families should have the ability to send their children to a high-performing school, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status,” Ingram continued. 

When asked how HCP Elementary plans to create a high-quality school, Ingram pointed to three key elements: a staff of high-quality educators, a well-researched curriculum that meets and exceeds state standards and a commitment to cultivating a culture of high expectations, encouraging students to strive for greater achievement and believe in their ability to succeed. The teachers and administrators meet weekly to review and track student progress, ensuring every child is given the individual attention and resources they need to succeed.

The results are already showing. "Many parents tell us their kids didn’t want to go to school before," Ingram shared. "Now, they’re excited, their confidence has grown and we’re seeing them thrive both academically and socially."

Part of what sets HCP Elementary apart is its open access gifted and talented program, offering all students the opportunity to engage in enrichment activities typically reserved for a select few.

"Research shows that when you make school exciting and relevant for kids and give them rigorous instruction that previously has been reserved for ‘gifted’ students, it works for all students," Ingram explained. “All of our students are gifted in so many ways. To provide that opportunity for all students is what makes Harding so special.” 

Opening a new school also comes with its challenges, says second-grade teacher Alicia Goode. “Academically, it’s been a bit challenging because students are coming in from different schools, at different levels and having learned different methods,” Goode said. “But we meet each student where they’re at and provide the support they need to catch up to grade level and exceed expectations."

"I'm truly passionate about working here,” Goode continued. “Our team of teachers and staff shares a positive and supportive atmosphere, which undoubtedly contributes to our students' overall experience. We strive to instill a love of learning in every child's life." 

This emphasis on support and individualized attention is already paying off, as HCP Elementary begins to make a difference for families who have long needed better educational options.  

Kindergarten parent Aries Reed shared, "When we moved to our current location, I wasn't confident in our assigned school. I began exploring other options and was starting to lose hope until we met Mrs. Ingram. She encouraged us to apply to Harding, and we did. Since then, I've met wonderful parents, the teachers and staff have been incredibly supportive. It feels reassuring to know that my kids are being well cared for."

Ingram says it's stories like these, from happy families sharing how much their children have grown in just a few months, that inspire her staff. "Since we opened in August, we’ve already created a culture where kids love learning and are excited to be here."

As HCP Elementary looks to the future, it remains committed to providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their background. The school’s success is a testament to the power of community, collaboration and a shared belief in the potential of every child.