Booker T. Washington High School

I graduated in 2009, and my experience here was mixed. While I wouldn't go to any other school in the Tulsa area, if I could do it over again, I would NOT go back to BTW. The only thing I liked about this school was there was zero bullying from other students. No picking on anyone because they didn't wear the right clothes, or any of that nonsense. The staff at this school are completely apathetic. Counselors are supposed to help you, right? Well not here. My counselor told me not to apply to TU because she felt "I wouldn't succeed there." That's real good for an 18 year old's confidence. There's just no personal connection anywhere in this school. I don't know if that's the proper word choice. It just seems that everyone here (staff and most students) are more concerned with "school spirit" and football games, instead of empowering and helping each other grow. I had a few excellent teachers, but for the most part, they too were apathetic, and unhelpful.
—Submitted by a student

I'm an alum of BTW (Class of 1995) and the school has changed a lot over the years but I still believe it is one of the best high schools in the world and certainly the best in Oklahoma.

My son's counselor at BTW was not helpful with scheduling for his OHLAP program and the state had to 'overlook' the school's inept handling of his course in order for him to receive his scholarship. This was unecessary and we worked with the school diligently to see that he would be given the classes he needed. The counselor was indifferent and snide. I appreciate the state coming to our assistance. My son needed this scholarship and received it--no thanks to his counselor. Not ALL students are treated equally at BTW. There seems to be favoritism or a 'who's who' for the merit scholars and kids of middle class professionals who seem to get preference in class scheduling? We had to fight for our classes and rarely got what we wanted, were told 'there was plenty of time' or 'that the class was too hard --how insulting to my child!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school and received a quality education and mentoring from caring teachers! Top Notch!
—Submitted by a parent

Booker T Washington is highly focused on student success and college preparation. Its International Baccalaureate program is tops in the State and highly valuable for college-bound students. On the downside, they waste too much curriculum and energy on drivel such as diversity but overall they provide an outstanding education. Our oldest was given 37 hours of credit at a top national university after graduating from BTW's IB program.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a current sophomore, I have very much appreciated the quality of the academic and athletic experience. I do think the school could improve it's electronic communications with parents. There are schools in the area who do a good job of this with online tools, and I think BTW is a far better school than a Jenks or Berryhill. I hope the new principal will find better tools for parents to stay in touch with what is going on in the school, and in their student's classrooms. It shouldn't be as hard as it is currently.
—Submitted by a parent

It gives me pride to say I attend Booker T. Washington High School, rather than some other school like Edison or Jenks. BTW has built its reputation on excellence through education as well as athletics. BTW is the number one school in Tulsa and number 65 on Newsweek's Top Public High Schools in America, compared to Jenks (#865) and Edison (#465). We have the top test scores in Oklahoma. As I said, our athletics are top notch as well. In the past year we have won the following state championships: Girl's Basketball, Boy's Basketball (2nd), Boy's soccer, Girl's soccer (2nd), Academic Bowl, Rugby, and Boy's Tennis (2nd). Not to mention, BTW students have the most school spirit around. I love Booker T.
—Submitted by a student

BTW has an excellent academic program and has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbob School. The school is dedicated to educating all of its 1200+ students and preparing them for life choices.
—Submitted by a former student

I am a student a BTW, and my freshmen year was my first year in Oklahoma. I was pretty skeptical at first as to if BTW was all that everyone in Tulsa makes it up to be. But once I got to the school and really understood what it is to be a hornet I fully understand what it is to have pride in the school that you attend. Especially if you get to go to a GREAT school like Booker T. Washington high school.
—Submitted by a student

I am an alumni of BTW. My daughter has always wanted to attend BTW. She is having the best year ever there! I would recommend BTW to any child. At BTW the student embrace diversity daily. I think BTW is a truly exceptional school.
—Submitted by A Perry, a parent

Senior BTDUB 58th in Newsweek magazine's list of top 1000 schools in the United States of America IB Programme Advanced Placement courses Qualified teachers, flexible teaching styles Eight world languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian Championship basketball, football, soccer teams, tennis (boys and girls state champions), track (girls state champions) Nationally ranked academic bowl team, a physics team, a nationally competing science bowl team, a robotics team, a forensics team Competitive cheerleading and pom teams. Parent involment: 650 parents joined PTSA Named in a landmark study by Education Trust and ACT as one of ten high schools in America that is Doing Things Right Diverse population
—Submitted by a student

Wonderful School! The best of the best students!
—Submitted by a student

I am a sophomore at the outstanding BTW!!!! I love it here!!! It is sooo much fun like no lie!!!!! The teachers are great! They School and it's students are terrific!!! The school is so much fun! We have a time for work and a time for play! Especially during activity period. There you can either go to a talent show or go study or be some where with your friends!!! It is terrific!!!
—Submitted by a student

My child attended Booker T for two years and has since relocated to an out of state school district. I must add his school Pride for his beloved Booker T is what carries him on.... His educational experience is so outstanding that he is far beyond his peers and his upper classmen presently. His maturity and vast growth I owe mostly to the assistance of our extended family of the entire staff of this 'great educational' community. They have up held the legendary mission of this schools founder 'WELL' !!! KEEP UP THE GOOD HARD WORK !!!! YOU MAKE OUR FUTURE PROMISING WITH THE PRODUCT YOU PUT OUT
—Submitted by a parent

Booker T. is Awesome. You cannot get batter academics, with the 1200 AP and IB tests taken this year. They have every AP class for every possible AP test. I have not been disappointed. Athletics could be better. Parent invlvement is phenomenal. The level of openness to parental involvement is 10%.
—Submitted by a parent

The best school ever, the students drive their education choices. That is what makes the school so great. The extracurricular programs are excellent, with teachers and parents taking an active role.
—Submitted by a student

My child is a sophmore at BTW, she loves the school. The school offers many opportunities such as excellent AP and IB courses for the student who is looking to achieve in their High School years. For the student and parents who don't place much importance on studies and their future, they can take basic courses and barely pass from BTW just as with any other Public School. That is the great thing, you can accomplish as much as you want and what you put into it. I have been happy with my childs education,environment,teachers, etc. How the child approaches life and others has alot to do with what happens to them at any school and in life. Great school for achievers who can't or don't want to pay for private education but want to be challenged. Students and Parents, you hold the key! TJ
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at Booker T. Washington (c/o 2007)and feel that it is no different from any other high school as far as the 'drugs' and so on. Academically wise Booker T. is excellent. Finding a good teacher at Booker T. is farely hard. Booker T, is outstanding when it comes to opportunities for it's students, but preparing us for college and so on I would have to give the school a C+. I would recommend this school to any one who is very smart and is just looking for opportunities.
—Submitted by a student

I am a alum of Booker T Washington(c/o 2005)and I am very happy with the education that i recieved during those four years. The teachers were excellent, and the staff did everything to make it a safe and productive learning experiance.
—Submitted by a former student

I went there for a while and eventually transfered out. Everyone thinks it is a great school with great students, and the media shows you what they want to see about it. There are many 'druggies' that go there and do not care about their education. The only reason that they are great and have some intelligent students is because they get to CHOOSE their students. I am not alone about my opinions. Many other students have transferred out of that place. BTW is a horrible school.
—Submitted by a student