- MCALESTER HS — Grades 9–12 · 982 students
- WILL ROGERS ES — Grades K–2 · 535 students
- PARKER INTERMEDIATE CTR — Grades 5–6 · 437 students
- Karla Brock Early Childhood Academy — Grades PK–PK · 229 students
- Puterbaugh Upper Elementary — Grades 3–4 · 378 students
- Randy Hughes Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 447 students
- ALVA MS — Grades 6–8 · 228 students
- ALVA HS — Grades 9–12 · 279 students
| Metric | McAlester Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $9,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Near average |
About McAlester Public Schools
Zip code 74501 in Mcalester, Oklahoma is served by McAlester Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of McAlester Public Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, McAlester Public Schools spends approximately $9,000 per student per year, placing it near the Oklahoma state average of approximately $9,000 and significantly below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts with constrained budgets face challenges with class sizes, program breadth, and facility upkeep. Ask specifically about available services when enrolling. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 8 schools serving grades K–12, McAlester Public Schools qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 2,956 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
With a rating of 8/10 (above average), McAlester Public Schools ranks among Oklahoma’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Oklahoma is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
McAlester Public Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Oklahoma. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 74501
Children in zip code 74501 are assigned to McAlester Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 74501, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact McAlester Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Oklahoma districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Mcalester
For families considering a purchase in the Mcalester area, district assignment matters financially. Because McAlester Public Schools serves zip code 74501, homes in and around zip code 74501 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Oklahoma, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support McAlester Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 74501.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with McAlester Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 74501 data.