The top reported proficiency rate is 34% in Math. The lowest is 15% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Velma-alma Es
Velma-Alma Elementary is a small rural school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the town of Velma, Oklahoma. It is part of the Velma-Alma school district. Families considering this school will want to understand two key dimensions: the school’s performance on state assessments and the town’s economic and demographic trajectory.
On state testing, the picture is mixed and somewhat incomplete. In the most recent assessment year, third-grade math proficiency was low, while fourth-grade math reached the midpoint of performance. Third-grade English language arts results were also low. Results for fifth-grade math, fourth- and fifth-grade English language arts, and fifth-grade science were suppressed, so no public proficiency data exists for those grades and subjects. When combining all available test results, the school’s overall proficiency level sits above the midpoint relative to other districts in Stephens County. Parents should note that Oklahoma changed its cut scores for math and English language arts assessments in this testing cycle, which means these results cannot be directly compared to prior years. A parent may want to discuss with the school how these lower third-grade scores fit into the larger instructional picture and what supports are in place.
The school itself is small, with a total enrollment that reflects the size of the community. The student body is predominantly white, with a notable share of students who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and a smaller share who identify with two or more races. Hispanic students make up a small portion of the enrollment. Enrollment is fairly evenly distributed across the elementary grades, with pre-kindergarten being the single largest grade. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, receive special education services, or are English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about these dimensions of student support.
Velma is a small, rural town in Stephens County with a long history in both agriculture and oil. The economy remains tied to mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, along with transportation and educational services. The town’s population has been in a long-term decline from its peak decades ago, and recent estimates continue to show a shrinking number of residents. Homeownership is common. The town has a nine-hole golf course that dates to its 1960s-1970s boom period and hosts an annual Old Settler’s Picnic and Rodeo. Walkability is limited, and daily life is car-dependent, with State Highway 7 connecting Velma to Duncan, the county seat. No major new housing developments or growth initiatives were found in publicly available information.
The district itself did not have any recent, publicly reported changes that would be of lasting relevance to parents, such as bond measures, boundary changes, or new program launches. The school’s offerings are not listed in the available data, so a parent may want to check the school website or contact the office to learn about any specialized programs, enrichment activities, or support services.
Velma-Alma Elementary fits a family looking for a small-town, rural school setting within a district that sits mid-range on academic proficiency among its Stephens County peers. The low third-grade results and the missing data for multiple grades and subjects are areas a parent will want to explore further with the school. The town’s shrinking population and oil-dependent economy are relevant context for families thinking about long-term community stability.
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