March 16, 2025
Dear Scholars and Parents:
The faculty and administration are pleased that you are applying to join one of the top schools in Oklahoma. Origin is known for a legacy of academic success with a mission to ensure that all scholars develop into high-quality, academically prepared global citizens.
Origin Scholars School is a rigorous school. The Visual and Performing Arts Program are strenuous and require a significant amount of time, preparation, and rehearsal. The Project Lead The Way Program is also an intense academic program requiring much effort and time. Please understand that these programs will differ from previous school experiences for most students. Transitioning from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) to Middle Years Program (MYP) to Career-Related Program (CP) or Diploma Program (DP) and finally to our Higher Education Pathway is a major life change for students everywhere, but even more intense for Origin Scholars School students. However, when you are accepted to Origin Scholars School, you enter the Cubs family and will receive access to what we believe is an unlimited opportunity to develop your potential.
OSS BELIEVES
Our school seeks to admit bright and promising scholars from a broad range of socioeconomic, cultural, and Oklahoma community origins. We look for scholars who have the potential to develop academic competence, artistic talent, creativity, and leadership. We employ a variety of measures to predict a scholars' preparedness to succeed at Origin Scholars School. While academic successes gauged by test scores and grades are an important factor, subjective measures are utilized to measure a scholars' willingness to take on the challenges of the Origin Scholars School experience.
We seek to promote a diverse set of student interests through a rich variety of experiences and worldviews. Learning to live in a diverse world transcends classroom interaction and promotes a community of reflective, principled, and caring learners. The scholars selected for admission to our school is one that we believe will work to develop their own capacity as a leader and global citizen in our community.
Due to the nature of the college preparatory curriculum, scholars--with parental support-- must be prepared to complete accelerated and rigorous work at each grade level. It will be the scholars' primary responsibility to organize their time wisely and participate in any intervention plans provided to reinforce areas of deficiency.
EXIT POLICY
Origin Scholars School is not a traditional neighborhood school. Attending the OSS is a privilege. Scholars are admitted through a rigorous application process. Since the OSS does not have an attendance boundary, every accepted student enters on a special transfer approved on a year-by-year basis. Transfers may be revoked immediately or at the end of the current school year if it is determined that the student violates the Student Transfer Contract, Student Code of Conduct, or becomes chronically absent as defined by state law in Oklahoma.
EXCLUSIVITY OF ACADEMIC COMMITMENT
Applicants attending Origin Scholars School agree not to participate in any outside vocational curriculum programs, including but not limited to programmes such as Metro Technology, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Concurrent Enrollment and E3 online courses.This commitment is made in recognition of the rigorous and unique nature of the major courses offered at Origin, including: Health Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Technological Studies, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Educational Fundamentals, Classical Music, Classical Literature. Performance Arts, Visual Arts and Visual and Performing Arts.
HONORS
Applicants in our Honors (HN) courses at Origin Scholars School provide scholars with lyceum-level academic experiences within our mesial years curriculum. These rigorous courses are designed to challenge students intellectually, develop advanced critical thinking skills, and build in-depth subject knowledge. Successful performance on HN examinations (scoring a 3 or 4) offers scholars the valuable opportunity to earn college credits before graduation.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Our HN program spans a comprehensive range of disciplines, allowing scholars to pursue advanced studies in subjects aligned with their interests and academic goals. Each HN course follows a nationally standardized curriculum developed by the College Board, ensuring our scholars receive the same high-quality education as their peers nationwide.
EXAMINATION POLICY
All sholars enrolled in Honors courses at Origin Scholars School must take the corresponding AP examinations.
This requirement serves multiple purposes:
Validates the high school-level rigor of scholars' academic experience
Provides an objective measure of content mastery
Creates opportunities for earning valuable college credits
Prepares scholars for the assessment formats they will encounter in the high school years programme and in higher education
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The HN program represents a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence.
Through participation in these courses, scholars:
Experience college-level academic expectations while still in a supportive high school environment
Develop the advanced study skills and intellectual discipline necessary for collegiate success
Demonstrate to college admissions committees their willingness to embrace academic challenges
Position themselves for potential advanced standing upon college enrollment
Our dedication to maintaining a robust HN program reflects Origin's mission to prepare scholars for success in higher education and beyond by fostering intellectual growth, academic achievement, and a lifelong passion for learning. At the OSS our commitment to the HN program reflects a dedication to academic excellence and college readiness.
PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT (Pre-AP)
The Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) program at Origin Scholars School is designed to prepare scholars for the rigor and expectations of future Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. Tailored for middle and early high school scholars, Pre-AP offers a challenging, skill-building curriculum that strengthens critical thinking, analytical writing, and subject mastery across disciplines.
Pre-AP courses serve as a bridge between foundational learning and college-level academic experiences, helping scholars develop the confidence, discipline, and intellectual readiness needed for success in AP and other advanced programs.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Our Pre-AP program introduces scholars to rigorous academic experiences across a wide range of subjects, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for future AP success. Each Pre-AP course is designed to challenge students with engaging content, critical thinking opportunities, and foundational knowledge aligned with national standards. This ensures that our scholars receive a consistent, high-quality education that prepares them to thrive in advanced coursework.
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Global Languages
Eine Arts
Each course is designed to:
Deepen content knowledge
Strengthen academic habits
Foster inquiry and collaboration
Introduce scholars to AP-style thinking and assessments
ASSESSMENTS & READINESS
While Pre-AP courses do not culminate in formal AP exams, scholars engage in rigorous assessments that mirror the structure and expectations of AP testing. These assessments help:
- Measure content mastery
- Build test-taking strategies
- Prepare scholars for future standardized and college-level exams
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Through participation in Pre-AP, scholars:
- Gain early exposure to advanced academic expectations
- Develop essential skills for success in AP and honors-level courses
- Build a strong academic portfolio for high school and college admissions
- Cultivate a growth mindset and a passion for lifelong learning
The Pre-AP program reflects Origin Scholars School’s commitment to academic excellence, early preparation, and scholar empowerment. It is a vital step in ensuring our scholars are equipped to thrive in AP courses and beyond.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Applicants in our Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Origin Scholars School provide scholars with college-level academic experiences within our lyceum years curriculum. These rigorous courses are designed to challenge scholars intellectually, develop advanced critical thinking skills, and build in-depth subject knowledge. Successful performance on AP examinations (scoring a 4 or 5) offers scholars the valuable opportunity to earn college credits before graduation.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Our AP program spans a comprehensive range of disciplines, allowing scholars to pursue advanced studies in subjects aligned with their interests and academic goals. Each AP course follows a nationally standardized curriculum developed by the College Board, ensuring our scholars receive the same high-quality education as their peers nationwide.
EXAMINATION POLICY
All scholars enrolled in Advanced Placement courses at the OSS must take the corresponding AP examinations.
This requirement serves multiple purposes:
Validates the college-level rigor of scholars' academic experience
Provides an objective measure of content mastery
Creates opportunities for earning valuable college credits
Prepares scholars for the assessment formats they will encounter in higher education
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The AP program represents a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence.
Through participation in these courses, scholars:
Experience college-level academic expectations while still in a supportive high school environment
Develop the advanced study skills and intellectual discipline necessary for collegiate success
Demonstrate to college admissions committees their willingness to embrace academic challenges
Position themselves for potential advanced standing upon college enrollment
Our dedication to maintaining a robust AP program reflects Origin Scholars School's mission to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond by fostering intellectual growth, academic achievement, and a lifelong passion for learning. Origin’s commitment to the AP program reflects a dedication to academic excellence and prepares scholars for the challenges of post-secondary and higher education.
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY(PLTW) & INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE(IB)
All scholars are required to participate in both Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs as part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded, future-focused education.
PLTW engages students in hands-on, project-based learning in STEM fields, fostering innovation, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Pursuing the full PLTW Certificate must also complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write a 2,000-word Extended Essay (EE), and fulfill 150 hours of Capstone (CS).
IB cultivates global awareness, critical thinking, and academic excellence through a rigorous, inquiry-driven curriculum recognized worldwide.
Pursuing the full IB Diploma or IB Certificate must also complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write a 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE), and fulfill 150 hours of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
This dual participation ensures that every scholar benefits from both technical and global competencies, preparing them for success in college, career, and life.
COURSE OFFERINGS
This advanced curriculum is enriched with age-appropriate PLTW programs:
PLTW Launch & IB Primary Years Program (PK2-5): Provides our youngest learners with hands-on, problem-based modules that introduce engineering concepts, biomedical science, computer science, and mathematics through dynamic investigations and projects.
PLTW Gateway & IB Middle Years Program (5-8): Expands on foundational STEM skills with specialized units that connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications, complementing our middle school IB curriculum.
PLTW Algebra 1 Advantage: A supplemental curriculum that bridges abstract mathematical concepts with real-world applications through 11 investigations, 16 problems, and 18 projects, strengthening our students' algebraic foundations.
These PLTW programs, fully aligned with IB objectives, prepare students for the rigorous Diploma Programme while developing the practical skills essential for success in STEM fields.
Diploma ProgramS or Certificate Programs (11-12)
During their 11th and 12th grade years, focus exclusively on their PLTW & IB coursework with or without concurrent enrollment in other programs. This policy ensures students can fully dedicate themselves to the demanding requirements of the PLTW & IB curriculum.
For scholars with strong STEM interests, our IB curriculum incorporates elements from PLTW's specialized high school programmes:
PLTW Biomedical Science: Principles enhance IB Biology and Chemistry studies
PLTW Computer Science: Approaches complement IB Computer Science and Design Technology
PLTW Engineering: Concepts and methodologies inform IB Mathematics and Physics coursework
This integration provides IB students with the problem-solving frameworks and real-world applications that distinguish PLTW while maintaining the academic rigor and global perspective of the IB Programs.
EXAMINATION POLICY
As part of their IB & PLTW requirements students must take a variety of internal and external assessments throughout their senior year leading to the completion of the IB Diploma, IB Certificat, PTLW Diploma e or PLTW Certificate. For more information, please visit www.ibo.org & www myptlw.org.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
This integrated approach offers students:
1. A rigorous academic foundation recognized by top universities worldwide
2. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world applications
3. Hands-on STEM experiences that bring abstract concepts to life
4. A global perspective combined with practical skills valued by employers
5. Preparation for success in higher education and careers in an increasingly complex world
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY
At OriginScholarsSchool, we enhance this world-class curriculum through strategic integration with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a leading provider of STEM-focused learning experiences designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application skills. Successful performance on PLTW examinations (scoring a 500 or 600) offers scholars the valuable opportunity to earn college credits before graduation. Applicants in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Program is a recognized academic curriculum that challenges scholars through rigorous coursework across six subject areas: English, world languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and approved electives. Pursuing the full PLTW Diploma or PLTW Certificate must also complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write a 2,000-word extended essay, and fulfill 150 hours of Capstone (CS):
Innovation and Problem-solving
Design Process
ExperimentalExperimental Design
Software Development Process
Project Management
Professional Documentation
Technical Writing
Ethical Reasoning
Teamwork and Collaboration
Independent Problem Design and Execution
Problem Identification and Justification
Research and Development
Identification of Design Requirements
Project Proposal
Design, Prototyping, and Testing
Design Review
Presentation of the Process and Results
MEDIUS & LYCEUM EXPERIENCE
Students from 5 through 10th grade participate in the Grammatica Years Program (GYP) and Primordium Years Program (PYP), or by participating in the Medius Years Program (MYP) by attending the Origin Scholars School's, studying honors-level core subjects and world languages.
*Exception to the above rule is if student enrolled after grade 8 or transferred in mid-year grade 8
This advanced curriculum is enriched with age-appropriate PLTW programs:
PLTW Launch (PK3-5): Provides our youngest learners with hands-on, problem-based modules that introduce engineering concepts, biomedical science, computer science, and mathematics through dynamic investigations and projects.
PLTW Gateway (5-8): Expands on foundational STEM skills with specialized units that connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications, complementing our middle school IB curriculum.
PLTW Algebra 1 Advantage: A supplemental curriculum that bridges abstract mathematical concepts with real-world applications through 11 investigations, 16 problems, and 18 projects, strengthening our students' algebraic foundations.
For students with strong STEM interests, PLTW's specialized high school curriculum program:
PLTW Biomedical Science
PLTW Computer Science
PLTW Engineering
This provides students with the problem-solving frameworks and real-world applications that distinguish PLTW Program.
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
As part of their PLTW requirements, students complete various internal and external assessments throughout their junior and senior years, including:
- Written examinations in each subject area
- Laboratory work and investigations
- Research projects and the extended essay
- Design portfolios that showcase PLTW-inspired approaches to problem-solving
The successful completion of these assessments, along with meeting all program requirements, leads to the awarding of either the full PTLW Diploma or PLTW Certificate.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
This approach offers students:
1. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world applications
2. Hands-on STEM experiences that bring abstract concepts to life
4. A perspective combined with practical skills valued by employers
5. Preparation for success in higher education and careers in an increasingly complex world
Through PLTW, the OSS provides students with a truly world-class education that balances academic excellence with innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
As part of their PLTW requirements students must take a variety of internal and external assessments throughout their senior year leading to the completion of the PLTW Diploma or PLTW Certificate.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (VPA)
The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Origin Scholars School is a nationally recognized curriculum designed for artistically gifted students. This prestigious program combines rigorous artistic training with comprehensive academic preparation, creating well-rounded graduates equipped for success in both artistic and scholarly pursuits.
ARTISTIC MAJORS
Students in the VPA Program specialize in one of the following artistic disciplines:
Band: Instrumental music performance focusing on wind, brass, and percussion instruments
Dance: Classical and contemporary movement forms, choreography, and performance techniques
Drama: Acting, directing, theatrical design, writing, production
Guitar: Classical and contemporary guitar performance and musicianship
Piano: Classical and contemporary keyboard performance and composition
Strings: Orchestral string instrument performance and ensemble work
Visual Art: Drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and other visual mediums
Vocal Music: Solo and choral vocal performance across various genres
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students admitted to the VPA Program commit to:
Major-Specific Coursework: A minimum of two major courses per semester throughout all four years of study in their designated artistic discipline
After-School Participation: Regular involvement in rigorous rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions outside standard school hours
Senior Culminating Project: A recital, performance, or exhibition that demonstrates artistic mastery and growth
Academic Excellence: Completion of a college-preparatory curriculum alongside artistic training
The comprehensive nature of this program demands dedication, time management, and passion for artistic growth from each scholar.
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
In addition to intensive artistic training, VPA students complete a rigorous academic curriculum that includes:
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Subject Area |
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Credits Required |
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English Language Arts |
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4.0 |
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Classical History Language and Arts |
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4.0 |
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Cultural History Language and Arts |
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3.0 |
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World Language |
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3.0 |
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Science |
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4.0 |
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Social Science |
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4.0 |
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History & Civics |
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4.0 |
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Social Studies |
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4.0 |
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Mathematics |
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4.0 |
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Physical Education (PE) |
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3.0 |
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JROTC |
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4.0 |
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Health |
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3.0 |
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Electives |
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4.0 |
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Fine Arts-(VPA Majors) |
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8.0 |
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Earned Credits |
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56 |
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4 years of English
4 years of Classical History Language and Arts
3 years of Cultural History Language and Arts
4 years of Science
4 years of Social Science
4 years of History & Civics
4 years of Social Studies
4 years of Mathematics
3 years of World Languages
Physical Education and Health requirements
Electives that complement and enhance artistic
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Beyond credit accumulation, graduates must:
Community Service: Complete 100 hours of documented community service
Senior Project: Successfully present a senior capstone project or performance
Portfolio Development: Create and maintain a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating growth and achievement
Standardized Testing: Meet state-mandated testing requirements
College Preparation: Submit applications to a minimum of three post-secondary institutions
VPA-SPECIFIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students in the Visual and Performing Arts Program must additionally:
Major Coursework: Complete a minimum of 8.0 credits in their designated arts major (fulfilled through the two courses per semester requirement)
Public Performances/Exhibitions: Participate in a specified number of public performances or exhibitions based on their artistic discipline
Adjudicated Assessments: Successfully complete annual adjudicated assessments demonstrating artistic progress
Senior Showcase: Present a comprehensive senior recital, performance, or exhibition representing the culmination of their artistic development
Arts Portfolio: Develop a professional-quality portfolio or audition package suitable for college applications and career opportunities
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
All scholars must maintain:
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.57
Satisfactory attendance according to school policy
Adherence to the academic integrity policy
SUPPORT SERVICES
To ensure all scholars can meet these rigorous requirements, the OSS provides:
Academic advisors specializing in arts education
College and career counseling
Tutoring and academic intervention
Artist-in-residence mentorship opportunities
Master classes with professional artists
LYCEUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All scholars enrolled in the Lyceum Scholar program are required to successfully complete participation in two comprehensive academic programs as essential components of their graduation requirements. These mandatory programs include Project Lead The Way (PLTW), which provides hands-on, real-world learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which offers a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that develops critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship skills.
The integration of both PLTW and CTE programs ensures that Lyceum Scholars receive a well-rounded, academically challenging education that prepares them for success in higher education and competitive career fields. Participation in these programs is not optional and must be maintained throughout the scholar's academic tenure to meet graduation standards. Scholars who do not fulfill the requirements of both programs will not be eligible to graduate with Lyceum Scholar designation, emphasizing the commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive preparation that defines our institutional standards.