The top reported proficiency rate is 29% in Math. The lowest is 23% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Colcord
Colcord Public Schools is a unified district serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade in Delaware County, Oklahoma. The district operates two schools: an elementary and a high school. Its enrollment is modest for a PK–12 district, and the student body is notably diverse in a way that reflects the region’s demographics. The largest share of students identifies as American Indian or Alaska Native, followed by White students, then students of two or more races. Smaller populations of Asian, Hispanic, Black, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students round out the community. This is a district where Native American heritage is a dominant presence, and families who value that cultural representation may find a strong fit here.
On state assessments, Colcord’s results present a mixed picture and one that parents will want to examine closely at their child’s grade level. In English language arts, proficiency rates across tested grades sit mostly in the mid-twenties to low forties, with a notable weak spot in fifth grade where the share of students meeting the bar is very low. The reading and writing outcomes for eighth graders also fall in a low range. Math performance follows a similar pattern: third graders show a solid majority meeting the standard, but the rates drop off sharply in later elementary grades and remain low through middle school. Some grade-level results were suppressed, likely due to small group sizes, so the full picture is not available. Science results for grades five and eight were also suppressed. Overall, when compared with other districts in Delaware County, Colcord’s combined proficiency index sits above the midpoint, meaning it performs better than several nearby districts despite the unevenness. But the gaps within the district—especially the sharp drop between early and later grades—suggest that middle school academic support may be an area worth investigating further.
The district’s chronic absenteeism rate falls above the midpoint among county districts, which points to a notable share of students missing substantial school time. This is a factor that can affect both individual learning and classroom momentum. Per-pupil spending is in the middle range but on the lower half of county districts, which may influence the resources available for programs and support staff. The district brief did not turn up any recent major changes like a bond referendum, curriculum overhaul, or boundary shift, so at this writing the district appears to be operating without a significant recent disruption or new initiative.
The housing market around Colcord reflects a rural, relatively affordable corner of Oklahoma. Home values in the district’s ZIP codes are modestly above the state average but well below national medians. The weighted typical home value is below the $250,000 mark, and the year-over-year increase has been moderate, not the dramatic spikes seen in some parts of the country. A typical mortgage payment at current interest rates would be manageable for many families earning a median household income, and affordability compares favorably to national benchmarks.
For a parent or resident considering Colcord, this is a district with a distinct identity shaped by its Native American enrollment plurality and its rural setting. The academic data shows pockets of strength, particularly in early elementary reading and math, alongside clear challenges as students move into the upper grades. The graduation rate was not available in the data, so that important metric is a missing piece. Families who prioritize small-district familiarity, cultural diversity centered on Native American heritage, and a low-cost housing market may find Colcord appealing, but they will want to follow up directly with the school about how it supports students through the middle years and into high school.
See more original research from School Decision →