Getting ready to move:

• Information about your upcoming duty station and educational options in your new community
• Connection to a youth sponsor who can answer your child’s questions from a youth’s perspective
• Assistance with the steps to prepare for your children’s departure from their current schools

Once you arrive:

• Assistance with school registration and transition
• Help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
• Two way communication between the school and parent
• Connection with homeschool co-ops or support groups

During your assignment:

• Answers to your questions about schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.
• Parent education opportunities about college and career readiness, preparing for transition and the Interstate Compact 

To ease the transition, contact your SLO as soon as you get orders.

Finding a new school and registering your child can be confusing. 

We can help.
 

Our SLOs give you information on local schools so you can find the best fit for you and your family.   They can also help you with everything you need to register – and can answer other questions, too. Contact our office and to get more detailed information.

Research-based Characteristics of Quality Schools 

Most schools share fundamental characteristics that prepare students for the future. Research shows that the most effective schools are more alike than they are different. Here is some information about what to look for in quality schools:

• Five Key Features of Effective Schools
• Effective Schools Research Base
• What is Effective School Research? 
• The United States Department of Education provides detailed information about choosing a school and offers a great number of resources to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school for your child.

Children who live on Fort Sill attend school on post at Freedom Elementary (Pre-K-5^th Grade), Central Middle School (6^th-8^th Grade) or Lawton High School (9^th-12^th Grade).  Additionally, families who live off-post but utilize CYS before and after school care for PreK-5^th grade students may apply for a transfer to the on-post elementary schools. Transfers are approved on a space available basis and priority goes to single-parent soldiers and dual military families. Prior to applying for a transfer, children must be registered with CYS and enrolled in before and after school care. 

Pre-K Eligibility/Enrollment:

Pre-K is optional in Oklahoma, but enrollment in a Pre-K or Pre-School program is beneficial to children. Pre-K offered by a public school is free. 

Children entering Pre-K must be 4 years old before September 1 of the current school year. While the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children addresses Kindergarten and First Grade entrance age, it does not address Pre-K; therefore schools are not obligated to enroll a student who does not meet the age requirement, even if he/she was in Pre-K in another state.

Pre-K Sign-Up Flyer 2019-2020

Kindergarten and First Grade Eligibility/Enrollment

Kindergarten is mandatory in Oklahoma.  Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years of age and students entering First Grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children provides the opportunity for students to be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age, once that level is validated with an accredited school in the sending state. Keep in mind that not all private or church Pre-K and Kindergarten are accredited with their states.

Middle School/High School Student Enrollment

In addition to the required documents, it is helpful to bring a copy of each course syllabus (especially for moves during the school year) to facilitate appropriate class placement. Before leaving the current school, obtain copies of all end- of -course or end of instruction test scores if they are not included on the transcript. 

High School students who are coming from a school with “Block” or “4x4” scheduling where class periods are longer and a course is completed in a semester rather than a year should make every effort to complete the course if making a mid-year move to the Lawton Fort Sill area to avoid duplication or loss of credit. 

Fort Sill is located in the Lawton Public School District which is made up of 17 elementary schools (including Freedom Elementary located on Fort Sill), 4 middle schools and 3 high schools. Students living on Fort Sill are in the Freedom Elementary, Central Middle School and Lawton High School transportation districts.

If a particular school district is desired, make every effort to locate housing within that district and verify that the residence is in the preferred school district prior to signing a contract by calling the County Assessor’s office.

Freedom Elementary

To guarantee attendance at Freedom Elementary is to live on Fort Sill. Students who meet eligibility requirements CYS before/after school care generally receive favorable consideration for an intra-district transfer as long as space is available.  For an out of district open transfer, be sure to observe deadlines for open transfers.

I plan to live on Fort Sill. Where will my child attend school?

Families who live on Fort Sill are in the Freedom Elementary, Central Middle School and Lawton High School transportation districts.  Intra-district transfers (to other LPS schools) are an option for those who desire/need different courses. Keep in mind that transfers generally impact athletic eligibility.

We plan to live off-post. Can my child attend Freedom Elementary?

For any transfer, the receiving school must accommodate all of the students who reside within that school’s transportation district before considering transfers. Children whose parent(s) work on Fort Sill and utilize CYSS before/after school care (Centers or Family Child Care) are more likely to receive favorable consideration for transfers. However, using CYS Before/After Care does not guarantee a transfer.

Lawton  PK-12th Grade

http://www.lawtonps.org/

Administration   +1 (580)357-6900

Student Services   +1 (580)353-0171

Special Education Services   +1 (580)353-0334

Lawton Public Schools Online Registration Instructions

Oklahoma School Report Card

School Dress Code

School Transportation District Area maps can be found at: http://sites.csa.ou.edu/transportation/

Additionally, Lawton Public Schools has a tool (http://www.lawtonps.org/o/district/page/schoolboundaries-map) that can help identify transportation areas within the Lawton Public Schools district borders.

For detailed information about student transfers, go to: http://sde.ok.gov/sde/student-transfers

Types of Transfers:

Transfers are available on a space-available basis. If the receiving school does not have space, a transfer cannot be granted. Not all schools in the Fort Sill area accept student transfers.

As a general rule, students with an IEP must attend school in the district where they reside.

Lawton Public Schools Intra-District Transfers (between schools in the LPS district)

Intradistrict transfers are considered during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. 

• Students in grades Pre-K-5 can generally transfer from one elementary school to another as long as space is available at the requested school
• With LPS approval, students in grades 6-12 may transfer attendance rights, but not athletic eligibility from one middle or high school to another

Athletic Eligibility 70 O.S. § 8-103.2:

Students who are not residents of the district are not eligible to participate in school-related sports for one year from the first day of attendance at the receiving school. However, students who transfer PRIOR TO ENTERING 9^th grade are generally eligible to complete in high school without delay.

Does your child have 101 questions about your next duty station? Let a youth sponsor answer them!
 

Youth sponsors connect with children before arrival at a new duty station, provide them with information about their new communities and answer questions from a youth perspective – while being guided by adults in the CYS youth program and the schools.

Once you arrive, a youth sponsor will meet your child and can arrange community and school tours.

If you're preparing for a PCS move, contact your SLO today to sign up for a youth sponsor.

Sponsors for your middle school or high school teens are available either through the youth program or school. 

Army Youth Sponsorship Program

The Youth Sponsorship Club can help your teen learn about their new community and make new friends. Getting involved quickly helps children and teens fit in and feel less stress associated with their PCS move. All it takes to join the club is a visit to the School Age Center or Youth Center or contact School Liaison Officer.

Youth Sponsors Request Form

If you have a child with special needs, we can help you find the resources available in your school district. We can also connect you with your local installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs. Soldiers on active duty enroll in the program when they have a Family member with a physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder requiring specialized services so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process.

Respite Care Information: Army One Source: Exceptional Family Member Respite Care Program

Enrollment and Screening Information: US Army Medical Department: Exceptional Family Member Program

Contact Information: EFMP Manager +1 (580)442-6818 or +1 (580)442-4916. 

Highly mobile children are entitled to an expedited process, including: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) removed delays due to school district schedules for Families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continued Extended School Year for students moving in the summer. The United State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services outlines these requirements for State Directors of Special Education. 

The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers parent education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for their children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Military OneSource has a range of resources in caring for a family member with special needs: education, health care, legal, financial, points of contact (EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.)

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides directory of age-specific resources and States at a Glance for state education special education resources and parent resources.

DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal requirements, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.

DirectSTEP course listing 

DirectSTEP registration

Home schooling has become mainstream and widely-used. We offer resources and information to help you provide quality home-based education.

Home School Legal Defense Association provides information on home school law, and general support and information about homeschooling.

Home School Association: 

raworthen@att.net

Oklahoma State Department of Education
 

Home School Resources

Lawton Christian Home Educators

http://www.lawtonchristianhomeeducators.com/

Rande Worthen; Janet Worthen              

raworthen@att.net       

Oklahoma Christian Home Educators Consociation

https://www.ochec.com/Home

staff@ochec.com
+1(405)810-0386                

Oklahoma State Department of Education Home School page

http://sde.ok.gov/sde/home-school

Homeschooling in Oklahoma

http://www.homeschoolinginoklahoma.com

Homeschool PE/Fitness classes

CYS Youth Sports program

https://sill.armymwr.com/us/sill/programs/you1

+1(580)442-5420

We understand that military transitions for children include much more than school plans and enrollment. We have a number of resources to help make your move as easy as possible for the kids, including:

Military Kids Connect provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) addresses key transition issues military Families experience, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. All 50 states have signed the compact and are in varying stages of implementation and/or compliance. The compact applies to children of Active Duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired within past year.

If you feel that you have an issue that the Compact can help address talk with your SLO.  The SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to assist in resolving the issue.  If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.

Our support doesn’t end with elementary education. If you have children preparing for academic life after high school, we can help you find information about testing opportunities, scholarships and military-specific resources that can help you plan.

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and Government Academic Support G.I. Bill

The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so.  Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.

In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (pdf) apply.

Earn College Credit while still in High School

High school Juniors and Seniors (or home schooled students age 16/17) who meet minimum eligibility requirements are eligible for concurrent enrollment in college courses while still in High School (up to 6 hours per semester). All public higher education institutions offer tuition waiver scholarships for Seniors.  Some (Including Cameron University) also offer tuition waiver scholarships for Juniors as well, which means that a student could receive up to 36 hours tuition free.

Area School Counselors have detailed information and must approve concurrent enrollment.

Eligibility begins the summer after 10^th grade, with the required GPA and ACT/SAT score.

Students are eligible for a tuition waiver of up to 6 hours per semester, however the student is still required to pay the fees (generally $350-$400 for 6 hours)

Points to remember:

• A concurrently enrolled high school student can take no more than the equivalent of 19 colllege semester hours. Each high school course counts as 3 hours in the formula so without an exception to policy, a student could generally be enrolled in no more than 4 high school courses and 6 college hours per semester
• Concurrent courses taken during the regular school day are posted to the high school transcript and averaged with high school grades to determine final GPA and rank in class. Evening classes are not generally included in the high school GPA.
• Remedial (non-credit) courses to make up for deficiencies are not eligible for concurrent enrollment
• Minimum ACT subtest scores are required for enrollment in certain classes:
  • 19 ACT in English to take an English Class
  • 19 ACT in mathematics to take a mathematics (Some colleges/universities also require a placement test for enrollment in College Algebra)
  • 19 ACT in science to take a science class (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.)
  • 19 ACT in reading to take history, social studies, psychology, speech, etc.

In State Tuition for Military Dependents

In-State Tuition Public colleges and universities typically offer two tuition rates: one for state residents and another – much higher – for students from outside the state. In the past, this system put military families at a disadvantage. States set their own guidelines for in-state tuition eligibility, but most require that students or their families live, own property and/or pay taxes in that state. Military families, who move frequently and often are legal residents of a state other than the one in which they are stationed, could have a difficult time meeting that standard. Luckily, the playing field was leveled for military families in 2009. That year, the Higher Education Opportunity Act was passed, requiring public colleges and universities to grant in-state tuition status to dependent children of service members in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. Once a dependent child is enrolled and paying in-state tuition, they will continue to pay the in-state tuition rate as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service member is reassigned outside the state. This law has been a tremendous help to military families, who otherwise might struggle to afford college for their children. However, it’s important to know that the law only applies to children of service members on active duty for a period of more than 30 days. It does not apply to the children of retirees or veterans. - See more at: http://www.militaryfamily.org/kids-operation-purple/#sthash.yIYTjclO.dpuf

ACT and SAT Testing

National ACT and SAT testing dates are listed below. Students who are unable to test on one of the national ACT testing dates may take the Residual ACT test by appointment at the college or university they plan to attend. All 11^th grade public school students have the opportunity to take the ACT test one time at no cost. The test is administered at their high school. 

For a list of national testing dates, consult these websites:

www.act.org

www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/SAT

Military Career Resources

United States Military Academy

www.usma.edu

U.S. Air Force Academy

www.usafa.edu

U.S. Naval Academy

www.usna.edu

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

www.usmma.edu

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

www.uscga.edu

Army ROTC Scholarships

http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html

U.S Air Force ROTC Scholarships

http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships

U.S. Navy and Marine ROTC Scholarships

http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarships.aspx 

In State Tuition for Military Dependents

In-State Tuition Public colleges and universities typically offer two tuition rates: one for state residents and another – much higher – for students from outside the state. In the past, this system put military families at a disadvantage. States set their own guidelines for in-state tuition eligibility, but most require that students or their families live, own property and/or pay taxes in that state. Military families, who move frequently and often are legal residents of a state other than the one in which they are stationed, could have a difficult time meeting that standard. Luckily, the playing field was leveled for military families in 2009. That year, the Higher Education Opportunity Act was passed, requiring public colleges and universities to grant in-state tuition status to dependent children of service members in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. Once a dependent child is enrolled and paying in-state tuition, they will continue to pay the in-state tuition rate as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service member is reassigned outside the state. This law has been a tremendous help to military families, who otherwise might struggle to afford college for their children. However, it’s important to know that the law only applies to children of service members on active duty for a period of more than 30 days. It does not apply to the children of retirees or veterans. - See more     at: http://www.militaryfamily.org/kids-operation-purple/#sthash.yIYTjclO.dpuf

Scholarships/Grants for Military Dependents

Scholarship/Grant opportunities are listed by annual due dates. Check website for specific information

January

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship               

Eligibility: Woman who has served or is currently serving honourably in the US Army, US Army Reserve or Army National Guard OR the child of a woman who meets these criteria

http://armywomensfoundation.org/scholarships.shtml   

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Eligibility: Purple Heart recipient who is also a member of MOPH or his/her spouse or widow or direct lineal descendent (child, step child, adopted children or grandchildren)

http://www.purpleheart.org/Scholarships/

February

Army Scholarship Foundation (Child or Spouse)

Eligibility: Child or Spouse of a regular active duty, active duty Reserve or active duty National Guard OR child of former US Army member who received Honorable Discharge or Medical Discharge or died while serving in the Army

www.armyscholarshipfoundation.org/

Corvias Foundation Scholarships for High School Seniors

Eligibility: Graduating High School Student with parent stationed at Fort Sill. Living in Corvias Housing is NOT required.

 http://www.corviasfoundation.org/

Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children      

Eligibility: Dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty personnel, reserve/guard and retired military members, or survivors of service members who died while on active duty or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military.

http://www.militaryscholar.org/

March

Chief Warrant Officer John A. Keller CWOA Scholarship

Applicant must be the dependent child of a member in good standing of the CWOA or who was a member in good standing at the time of his/her death, be a senior in high school or currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning with an average of “C” or better

http://cwoauscg.org/keller-scholarship/ 

American Legion Auxiliary Children of Warriors National President’s Scholarship

Must be children, grandchildren or great grandchildren of veterans who served in the Armed Forces during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada/Lebanon, Panama or Persian Gulf

https://www.alaforveterans.org/scholarships/

American Legion Auxiliary Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members

(Candidate must have been Junior Members of the American Legion Auxiliary for the previous 3 years in addition to being a member for the current year)

https://www.alaforveterans.org/scholarships/

American Legion Units are located in the following communities near Fort Sill:

Apache (#225 – Rinker Mason)

Cache (#78 McDonald-Terry)

Duncan (#55 – Dobbs-Adams)

Fletcher (#306 – Chandler-Billyeu)

Fort Sill (#193 – Bateman-Zarling)

Marlow (#215 – Pierson-Froneberger)

Walters (#155 – Walters)

American Military Retirees Assoc.

Sergeant Major Douglas R Drum Memorial College Scholarship

Bernard E Dillon Vocational Skills Scholarship      

Sponsor must be a member of AMRA prior to submission of application

http://amra1973.org/Scholarship/ 

Fort Sill Patriot Spouses’ Club Scholarship

At least one parent must be a current member of the Fort Sill Patriot Spouses Club. Children (High School Seniors, current College Students) or Spouses of US Army personnel affiliated with Fort Sill at time of application who will be enrolled in a post-secondary program for upcoming academic year. In addition, children of civilian ID card holders affiliated with Fort sill at the time of application are also eligible.           

http://fortsillpatriotspousesclub.blogspot.com/p/scholarships.html

For more information, contact: fspscscholarship@yahoo.com

Geraldine K Morris Award

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who intends to enroll in a program leading to a nursing degree and is a citizen of the United States whose sponsor, parent, or legal guardian is a U.S. Army Engineer (active duty, retired or deceased) or current Department of the Army employee of US Army Corps of Engineers.

www.armyengineerspouses.com/ 

Army Engineer Memorial Awards

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who is a citizen of the United States and whose sponsor, parent, or legal guardian is a U.S. Army Engineer (active duty, retired or deceased) or current Department of the Army employee of the US Army Corps of Engineers

www.armyengineerspouses.com/ 

Heroes Legacy Scholarship

Dependent unmarried children (under age 23) of active duty personnel, Reserve/Guard and retired military members, or survivors of service members who died or became disabled while serving on active duty on or after 20 SEPT 2001 may apply.

http://www.militaryscholar.org/ 

Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund          

Current civilian federal and postal employees with at least three years of federal service, their children and spouses are eligible.

http://www.feea.org/programs/scholarships

Fort Sill Federal Credit Union                   

Student must have a Fort Sill Federal Credit Union account in good standing

www.fsfcu.com

Society of Daughters of US Army Scholarship    

Applicant must be daughter or granddaughter (including step or adopted) of a career warrant or commissioned officer who is currently on active duty or retired from active duty after at least 20 years of service or medically retired before 20 years of service; died while on active duty or died after retiring from active duty on 20 or more years of service             Society of Daughters of the United States Army

Request application from:

Mary P Maroney, Scholarship Chairman

11804 Grey Birch Place

Reston, VA  20191

Request must include parent or grandparent’s name, rank, component, inclusive dates of service and relationship to applicant

Folds of Honor

Applicants must be the spouse or dependent of a) an active duty or reserve soldier who was killed or disabled in the line of duty or currently classified as POW or MIA, b) a veteran who died of any cause after being classified as having a service-connected disability, c) a service member missing in action or captured by hostile forces in the line of duty, d) a service member forcibly detained or interned by a foreign power in the line of duty, e) a service member who received a Purple Heart (note: the medal alone is not sufficient)

https://scholarships.foldsofhonor.org/ 

April

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

Eligibility: Child/children or legally adopted child/children or a child of a spouse by a prior marriage or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States military and National Guard, and military reservists who were federalized and died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.

http://www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy

The Retired Enlisted Assoc. Scholarship               

Applicant must be the child or grandchild of a member in good standing (deceased or otherwise) of TREA or TREA National Auxiliary.

http://trea.org/scholarship.html  

AMVETS

Applicant must be child or grandchild of US Veteran

www.amvets.org/amvets-in-action/scholarship

May

Army Women’s Corps Veterans Association

Applicant must be a child, grandchild, niece or nephew of an Army Service Woman

http://www.armywomen.org/pdf/_10ScholarApp.pdf  

MG James Ursano Scholarship for Dependent Children               

Student must be dependent of a Soldier on active duty, a retired Soldier or a deceased active duty or deceased retired Soldier

http://www.aerhq.org/

Army Aviation Assoc. of America

The applicant must be a member of the AAAA, or the spouse, unmarried child, unmarried sibling, unmarried grandchild of an AAAA member or deceased member              

http://www.quad-a.org/

June

National Ranger Memorial Foundation Scholarship

https://www.rangermemorial.com/

TREA: The Enlisted Association TREA National Auxiliary Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating High School Senior, High School graduate or be currently enrolled in college, university or Vocational/Technical school as a full-time student; have a parent or grandparent who is currently a member in good standing of TREA: The enlisted association National Auxiliary or who was a member in good standing at the time of his/her demise.

http://cwoauscg.org/

Chief Warrant Officer Association Scholarship

Applicant must be dependent child of a member in good standing of Chief Warrant Officers Association (or member in good standing at time of death).

http://cwoauscg.org/

US Warrant Officers Association Scholarship

Applicant must be a spouse, child, grandchild, dependent step-child of members in good standing of the USAWOA.

http://www.usawoa.org/scholarship-overview/

Check Website for due date

DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund               

Applicant must be a dependent child of a National Guard member who died in an operational or training mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn

http://www.ngef.org/get-involved/apply-for-the-drs-guardian-scholarship/

Kathern F. Gruber & Thomas H Miller Scholarships        

Applicant must be dependent children, grandchildren and spouses of blinded veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

http://www.bva.org/services.html

Academic Top Scholars

http://www.thanksusa.org/scholarships.html 

Families of the Fallen   

Applicant must be the surviving spouse or child of those killed in action and training accidents while serving the Army Aviation community

http://www.quad-a.org/

Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Applicant must be the dependent child of a US soldier who has become permanently disabled as a result of a mission or training accident, has been killed in action or has been classified as a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA)

http://www.fascholarship.com/

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

http://www.moaa.org/ 

Select “Educational Opportunities” from the drop down menu on the “Access Member Benefits tab.

National Assoc. of Uniformed Services (NAUS) Scholarship

Applicant must be the child or spouse of NAUS member in good standing

http://www.naus.org/membership/member-benefits/naus-scholarship-program/ 

Fallen Patriots Foundation

Eligible children (whether natural, by marriage or adoption) who have lost a parent in the line of military duty, during combat or peacetime. All branches and all components are covered.

http://www.fallenpatriots.org

American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Local Scholarships       

Check with local unit or school counselor for application and due date    Many Local American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary units offer scholarships for graduating seniors in addition to sponsoring delegates to Boys and Girls State.

American Legion Units are located in the following communities:

Apache (#225 – Rinker Mason)

Cache (#78 McDonald-Terry)

Duncan (#55 – Dobbs-Adams)

Fletcher (#306 – Chandler-Billyeu)

Fort Sill (#193 – Bateman-Zarling)

Marlow (#215 – Pierson-Froneberger)

Walters (#155 – Walters)             

Samsung American Legion Scholarship 

Scholarship is restricted to high school Juniors who attend the current session of either American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and are a direct descendant of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership

http://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung  

Folded Flag Foundation

Applicant must be spouse or child of a member of the US Military  who lost his/her life while deployed in combat or an employee of the US Government serving in a combat role, who lost his/her life in the defense of his/her country while deployed

https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org

Freedom Alliance Scholarship

Applicant must be the dependent child of a US Service member who has become 100% totally and permanently disabled as a result of an operational mission or training accident, has been killed in action, classified as a Prisoner of War or Missing in Action

http://www.fascholarship.com/

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Eligible applicants include children or surviving spouses of Active Duty member of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/Fry_Scholarship.asp

Regional Processing Center:

PO Box 8888

Muskogee, OK  74402-8888

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation  

See website for complete eligibility details

https://www.mcsf.org/apply/  

Here are some additional web resources to assist you with your child’s education:

Academic Resources:

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families makes live tutors available online 24/7 to help with more than 40 core subjects and standardized test preparation.

Homework Support: Army Child Youth & School Services provides Homework Labs in before/after school programs for elementary students at the School Age Center, and for middle and high school students at the Youth Center.

Khan Academy:

A personalized learning resource for all ages Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, SAT and more.    

Support/Resilience Resources:

School Support Services include information about other programs you can use for support and resilience-related issues.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are available to meet in-person on or off the military installation. The free nonmedical sessions are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings. Child Behavioral Specialists are located on the installation in Child, Youth and School Services programs, and in highly impacted schools located on and off the installation.

Military OneSource has access to free nonmedical counseling that’s anonymous and available online, on the phone or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Ready and Resilient Workshops for youth and educators are offered through the SLO and Youth Center programs. These workshops provide educators and students with the same tools Soldiers receive through their Ready and Resilient training. As Master Resilience Trainers SLOs strive to develop a common language around resilience for educators, youth and their parents.

For information on how to attend a class contact your local SLO.

College and Career Readiness Resources:

College and career readiness includes the content knowledge, skills and habits that students must have to be successful in postsecondary education. It also includes training that leads to a sustaining career. A student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without needing remedial or developmental coursework. These links have tools that will help you plan for your child’s college and career readiness:

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) provides STEM opportunities for military connected youth. The website provides information about AEOP programs available to youth, scholarship opportunities, news, and ways to get involved.

Military.com Scholarship Finder Military.com provides a search engine to help you find money for your child’s higher education needs. Search over 1000 scholarships intended for military youth. They also have a Military Scholarship Handbook.

School Support Services Scholarship Database Listing of crowd sourced scholarships for military connected youth. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order and provide information on deadlines and qualifications.

 Financial Aid
 

Provides a description of federal student aid programs from the U.S. Dept. of Education  and how to apply for them.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school.

Get Ready for College - College Planning, Financial Aid

What is a Unique Military Child Identifier? Numerous states have enacted a voluntary report-only self-identification of military children within their public school systems. This data collection would allow monitoring of critical elements such as academic progress and proficiency, special and advanced program participation, mobility and dropout rates. Requirements and method of collection vary from state to state.

Impact Aid

Many local school districts across the United States include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the Federal Government.  They must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes. 

Congress has provided financial assistance to these local school districts through the Impact Aid Program. Each year Military members and Federal employees complete a Survey Form. The amount of Impact Aid – or federal assistance –received is determined by the number of eligible parents/guardians who complete the survey form. It partially compensates school districts affected by federal activity for local tax losses resulting from tax-free federal installations.

Impact Aid Fact Sheet (we will provide a hand out to link to)

Impact Aid Website

Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)

At overseas/international locations where there is not a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, NDSP supports a variety of options for your children, ranging from public or private schools to homeschool programs.  NDSP has a team of education specialists who are available to provide transition and educational support and coordination for all students, including those with special needs. Sponsors are encouraged contact the NDSP as soon as possible for specific school information. 

Email

Phone Number +1 (571)372-5863 or +1 (571)372-1897

Where will my child go to school?

There are 17 public and 4 private schools of varying size that serve Fort Sill Families. Check school web sites for more information when choosing a school district. If you have children who need before/after school care, check on the availability in your area prior to selecting housing in a school district without child care that may not meet your needs. In the areas outside Lawton, most child care does not open early enough to accommodate morning PT. 

What do I need to enroll my child in school?

All area schools require the student's official birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence (utility bill in parent's name, rental contract, Fort Sill housing contract, etc.) within the district. Some area schools also require the student's Social Security number. For students in 1st-12th grades, you will also need withdrawal papers, records from previous school (or contact information so official records can be requested), copies of report cards, transcript, test scores, etc. 

When do I enroll my child in school?

If you arrive during the summer, check your school's website for enrollment information. Lawton Public Schools utilizes online enrollment process for kindergarten-12th grade. Pre-K students must visit their elementary school to secure a space before completing online enrollment.

What documents do I need to enroll my child in school?

• Official state issued birth certificate
• Immunization record **
• Proof of residence (contract from on-post housing, rental contract, utility bill in parents’ name, etc.)
• Student’s social security card

Previous School information needed:

• Address, phone number and fax number of most recent school attended
• Withdrawal form from most recent school attended (only required during the active school calendar)
• IEP or 504 Plan if student requires special accommodations (placement may change upon assessment of special needs)

** for a complete list of Oklahoma immunization requirements, visit: https://www.ok.gov/health2/documents/IMM_Parents_School_Vaccines_Requirements_OK_English.pdf

When is my child eligible to attend elementary school?

• Pre-Kindergarten – child must be 4 prior to September 1 (Pre-K is optional)
• Kindergarten – child must be 5 prior to September 1 (Kindergarten is mandatory)
• First Grade – child must be 6 prior to September 1

Where will my child attend school?

Students who live on Fort Sill attend Freedom Elementary, Central Middle School and Lawton High.  Students who live off-post attend the elementary, middle or high school located in their transportation district. For other school districts, if the home is near the edge of the district, call the County Assessor’s Office (listed below) to determine school district for that home. Keep in mind that in rural areas that it is not uncommon to have irregular school district boundaries. If you have a particular neighborhood school or school district in mind, make every effort to secure housing in that transportation area.

Oklahoma High School Graduation Requirements

Oklahoma requires a total of 23 Credits for graduation

Oklahoma Academic Standards

School Transportation District Area maps can be found at: http://sites.csa.ou.edu/transportation/

Additionally, Lawton Public Schools has a tool (http://www.lawtonps.org/schoolarea/ ) that can help identify transportation areas within the Lawton Public Schools district borders.

Where do I go to enroll my child in school?

Public School Enrollment

Lawton Public Schools has an enrollment center which is open year round (except school holidays). The enrollment center is your first stop, regardless of where your children will attend school. For the surrounding schools, go to the school office during the school year and check the school website for enrollment information

Lawton Public Schools (including Freedom Elementary):

LPS Enrollment Center

102 E Gore Blvd, Room 52

Lawton OK, 73507

Phone: +1 (580)353-0171

Fax: +1 (580)355-1057

Office Hours: 8 a.m. -3 p.m. Monday-Friday (except school holidays)

Online Registration Information

Does my child’s school require uniforms?

All Lawton Public Schools elementary schools along with Tomlinson and Central Middle Schools utilize a modified dress code (see website: http://www.lawtonps.org/). All private schools require uniforms.

What is the “best” school?

The school districts in the Fort Sill area range from very small (200 total students) to very large (15,000 total students). The “best” school is the one that meets a student’s academic, extracurricular and social needs. There is no “perfect” school. All schools have strengths and challenges. It is important to do your research (based on facts, not hearsay) and choose based on the total package.

What are the high school graduation requirements in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma High School Graduation Requirements
23 units, including:

• English - 4 units (English I, II, III, IV or other English course approved for college admission)
• Mathematics - 3 Units at Algebra I level or above (High school math courses taken prior to 9th grade do not count toward these 3 units but DO count as pre-requisites for higher math courses. Example Algebra I completed in 8th grade would make a student eligible for Geometry or Algebra II in 9th grade)
• Laboratory Science - 3 units  (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or other Lab Science course approved to meet college admission requirements)
• History/Citizenship - 3 units (US History, 1/2 unit US Government, 1/2 unit Oklahoma History, + 1 unit approved to meet college admission requirements) Military students who have successfully completed a state history course in high school can be exempt from Oklahoma History
• Foreign Lang. Technology - 2 units (2 units of the SAME foreign/non-English Language OR 2 years of Computer Technology)
• Fine Art/Speech - 1 unit (Music, Art, Drama or Speech)
• Electives - At least 7 units including Personal Financial Literacy and CPR/AED instruction

My student only needs 2 credits to graduate from high school. Does he/she need to take a full course schedule?

Oklahoma law requires students to be enrolled in a full schedule, regardless of the number of credits needed for graduation. For students who are “ahead”, there are often opportunities for mentoring programs which provide work experience. Students who meet minimum ACT requirements may also consider concurrent enrollment at a local university and earn up to 6 hours per semester of college credit tuition-free. Arrangements are made through the school counselor.

The area technology center offers ½ day technical training programs that complement a student’s traditional education.

For students who are not interested in the social aspects of high school, the SCORE (School of Career Opportunities and Real Education) program at the local technology center offers the opportunity to complete only the credits needed and graduate when those courses are completed. A new session begins every 6 weeks. For more information, call +1 (580)250-5589