Harding Charter Preparatory High School

I am the parent of 3 HCP graduates and we have been there since very close to the beginning. While not perfect (no place is) it is as close as any high school in OKC gets. The academics are solid with teachers who really do care about the student. It is possible to call and actually talk with the administrators/teachers and they know who you are. Parental involvement is actually encouraged instead discouraged like at most high schools (I don't care what they say in the media, most high schools want the parents to leave them alone) and your constructive input is welcome. The parent group is active and has significantly contributed to the physical upkeep and repair of the school. It is a nice, nerdy school where the emphasis is on academics and bullying is just not tolerated by the students - the few times it started the other students just shut it down. All 3 of mine are now at top name out of state universities and are doing well. The writing teachers have all told them to thank their HS English teachers for making them so well prepared. I cannot recommend HCP highly enough!
--Submitted by a parent

Harding Charter is a great school. The class sizes are small and it is a safe school. The parental involvment is fantastic. The administration is great as well. I can not think of a better school in the nation that I would rather send my child. The teachers are top notch.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a senior at HCP. I started going to Harding as a freshman because I knew the high school I was going to attend wouldn't be challenging enough. I found it very difficult to keep my grades up the first year because I had never experienced having to work hard for something. Harding taught me that you can't have things handed to you if you want to succeed. The teachers have been very helpful with personal issues. I have had trouble with peer pressure and they have kept me on the right track. They know every student on a personal level and a teacher's biggest concern is a student's safety and success. I have never had an incident where a teacher has bullied me but I may add that if a student respects a teacher, then a teacher will respect the student. Parents that feel their kid is being worked too hard are right: THEY ARE. Its worth it in the long run though, so stick it out. As to give the school a bad rating for being challenging? Well, that is just plain silly. Isn't that what schools are for; push our educational limits? HCP didn't become ranked #68 in the nation for not pushing the limits. This is hands down the best school in Oklahoma as well as one of USA's best.
--Submitted by a student

The academics are decent, considering the state of education today. However, we pulled our child out because of bullying from a teacher that was allowed to continue.
--Submitted by a parent

This is school is excellent. I never had any problems whatsoever and my kids love the school, the teachers, principal and everybody who make that school is a wonderful place. The AP courses are pretty hard, that's because they prepare your kid to be ready for college. But there's nothing could help your kids more better than prepare them to compete in this tough world. Thanks for the effort to each one of you to make this school to be a better place for our children. I think this school is one of the best in Oklahoma. Go Harding!
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a Sophomore at HCP. I transferred there at the beginning of 10th grade, and didn't know anybody else. Almost immediately, I found the students there to be some of the nicest and most inclusive people I have ever met. While the course load is hard, it is hard only because they expect the best out of each student. If you're having difficulty with anything, including social or family issues, the teachers are always helpful and caring. The class sizes are small enough that the teachers know every student, and nobody falls through the cracks; however, the classes are large enough that, for the most part, you can find other people interested in the same things as you. The parents and alumni are extremely involved and help to make the school its best.
--Submitted by a student

This school is terrible. They work their students too hard and bullying is an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst school i have ever put one of my kids in. Im glad i changed my mind and chose to put her in Dove Science Academy. This school's academics are lacking, and it has a serious bullying issue.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. My son is a junior and he is getting an excellent college prep education and excited about his high school experience.
--Submitted by a parent

So, i just graduated with the best class to ever walk the HCP halls...Class of 2009... to be honest,everyone who goes and graduates from this school should brag about it. We were privileged to have gotten the chance to go there. Those who are still going there either hates or loves it right now. By the end of their senior year they will understand why they chose or were force to stay at this school. I think when we try to explain to other people what our school is about to other people,they dont understand. They dont understand how lives change,how tough the classes are, or how much drama and stress goes on.Each class has a certain difficulty level. Our school is the best school out there, although we dont have much. With the love from our staff,classmates, and beloved principal..We have it all...
--Submitted by a student