The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in Math. The lowest is 12% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Norwood Public School
Norwood Public School serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade in the rural community of Hulbert, Oklahoma. It is the only school in the Norwood district, a small entity that ends at middle school; families who live here must arrange for high school elsewhere, likely in a nearby district such as Hulbert's own secondary school or a neighboring town.
The student body is small and diverse in its composition. A notable share of students are American Indian or Alaska Native, and a roughly equal portion identify as white. Another substantial group is of two or more races. Smaller numbers of students are Hispanic or Black. Economic data, such as the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, was not reported, so a family would need to check directly with the school about financial support programs.
State testing results for the most recent year show that, across the grades that were tested, the school's overall proficiency rate falls above the midpoint when compared with other districts in Cherokee County. However, the individual grade-level numbers vary widely and are generally low. In mathematics, proficiency rates in grades four, seven, and eight were in the range of about a quarter to just under a third of students reaching the state standard. In grade five, math proficiency was markedly lower, and results for grades three and six were suppressed because the number of students tested was too small to report publicly. In English language arts, the pattern is similar: grade four and grade eight had roughly one in five or one in three students proficient, while grades five, six, and seven showed lower rates, with grade seven particularly low. Science results were reported only for grade five, where proficiency was low, and grade eight results were suppressed. A parent should note that Oklahoma adjusted its cut scores for reading and math in recent years, which makes comparisons to earlier years unreliable, and that small class sizes mean many results cannot be released, so the picture is incomplete.
The school offers no programs data in available sources, so it is unclear whether there are extracurriculars, special education services beyond the typical, or enrichment opportunities. The district reported no recent major changes such as bond measures, curriculum overhauls, or staffing shifts, based on publicly available information.
Hulbert itself is a small, rural town that has experienced population decline over the past decade. Housing values in the area are modest relative to national averages, and the local economy is supported by employers such as a regional health center, an electric cooperative, and a few retail businesses. The town has limited walkability; its built environment is low-density and centered on a highway corridor. Civic amenities include a public library, a park with a walking trail and splash pad, and a senior citizens' center. For recreation, residents are within a short drive of Sequoyah State Park and Fort Gibson Lake. The county seat, Tahlequah, is roughly ten miles east.
Because Norwood Public School serves only through eighth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. A parent considering this school should investigate what high school options are available after eighth grade, whether within the same consolidated district or through open enrollment elsewhere. The school's small size and rural setting may appeal to families seeking a close-knit environment, but the testing data suggests that academic achievement in both math and reading is an area where the school is working to improve, and interested families would benefit from asking about specific instructional supports and how the school addresses skill gaps.
See more original research from School Decision →