Tulsa’s One Room Schoolhouse

Why We Founded Guardian Academy

As we watch corruption take over our public schools, it becomes clear that it is no longer a safe place for our children to go. The anti-scriptural indoctrination given daily is simply too heavy for a child to bear alone.

As more parents are becoming aware of this dangerous atmosphere, they are making the brave decision to withdraw their children from public education.

When Homeschooling Isn’t an Option

We firmly believe the parent is the original and God-appointed teacher for their child. But for some parents, homeschooling is not an option. They need a place they can trust, a school where their children can learn and be safe.

Guardian Academy is that refuge. We believe that education begins with God’s Word. By adding reading, writing, math, science, and history, we can ensure that our students grow into thoughtful and intelligent adults who fully understand who God is and who they are to God.

Principle Method of Instruction

We use the principle method for instruction. It is most comparable to a one-room schoolhouse.

Students from Kindergarten through fifth grade receive their core lessons together. As the older children master learning objectives, they are encouraged to offer insight and encouragement to the younger students.

Students in sixth through twelfth grade also follow this format. Of course, original instruction is given by our experienced teachers. However, many studies have shown students benefit from peer assistance. It fosters an early sense of community and compassion.

This method applies the 7 Principles of Christianity to every concept taught. Some of those 7 principles include everyone individually created by God, everyone created to self-govern, and the sacred conscience. These are drawn directly from Scripture and help students understand why they are learning and how that pleases God.

The Challenge with Public Schools

One-room schoolhouses were the original design for American schools. In public schools today, it is not practical, due to overcrowding and structure, to follow this format.

Public school students must reach the end of instruction at the same time, whether they are ready or not. If a student hasn’t mastered a concept, they simply receive a lower score and move on. If a student masters a concept before their peers, they must often wait until the others finish before learning more.

Education Based on Mastery

At Guardian Academy, a student’s education is formed based on mastery. Each student learns at their own pace until they master each concept.

They do not compete with other students. This allows their strengths and weaknesses to become apparent, and we are able to provide what each student needs to succeed.

As students progress through their studies, their individual talents begin to take shape. We see this as an opportunity to nurture them by offering heavier emphasis on subjects that support their talents.

Fine Arts and Chapel

Guardian Academy also places high value on reading and writing skills, as well as fine arts. We believe these are essential building blocks that lead to confidence in the adult world.

Although we at Guardian Academy are serious about our core academics, we also insist on beginning every day by spending time with God. Chapel is a special time before classes begin where both teachers and students can set the pace for a God-centered approach to each day.

Our Team of Teachers

We currently have two highly trained and experienced teachers and a team of seasoned parents to keep things running smoothly. As we grow, we will bring more highly skilled teachers to facilitate multiple one-room schoolhouse scenarios within our school building.

All of this is possible because of kind donors like you who have a heart for the academic well-being of our young people. You recognize how important it is to give our future generations a sound education with God at its foundation. Your contribution is shaping our future.

We invite you to partner with us by helping meet the financial needs of our mission.

What are your days and hours of operation at Guardian Academy?

Guardian Academy operates M-F from 8am-2pm. Drop-off opens at 8 am, Chapel starts at 8:30am, then we dismiss at 2 pm.

How is our school year structured?

Guardian Academy operates nine months out of the year, with three trimesters (three months of instruction per trimester) and a one-month break in between each.

What curriculum do you use?

We have several resources we pull from to help with every child being unique in the way they learn. Here is a list of what we will be using… ACE, The Holy Bible, The Principle Approach, Rod & Staff, Saxon, Notgrass, God’s Design, My Father’s World, Warrior Notes, Hillsdale College, and Oklahoma School for the Deaf.

May I visit and tour our campus?

To protect the kids attending Guardian Academy, we ask that all visitors call and set up a time to come visit. Parents and guardians are welcome to visit any time as long as they sign in and do not interrupt instruction.

Do we serve special needs children?

Guardian Academy currently does not have a licensed Special Education teacher. However, we welcome every child, knowing each child is unique. We welcome these children on a trial basis and plan to work alongside the parents for a plan that best fosters their full education.

What grades do we offer?

Guardian Academy serves pre-k thru 12th grade.

What is your tuition?

Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $4,500, which is payable through nine monthly installments at $500 a month. There is a non-refundable enrollment fee due upon acceptance, $100 for pre-k thru 5th and $200 for 6th thru 12th. We have donor/sponsorship funds available that will be distributed on a case-to-case basis.

Do you really put all grades together in one room? How does that work?

Yes. This worked exceedingly well when schools first started in America. Two of the many benefits are nurturing healthy peer relationships and having a daily view of their accomplishments and future goals. Students help and encourage each other on their unique paths. They also learn to be mentors just like the ones who helped them eventually. Incidentally, many subjects like History and Science repeat content over the years. In a mixed age group, older students are able to pick up details they missed before, and younger students will set learning goals for the future.

How will my student advance?

Advancement is based on mastery. When a student demonstrates they have completed mastery of a concept/standard, they immediately start learning the next one. They do not have to wait for others before learning more, and they can take longer if they need to. The teacher will always challenge them to stretch their knowledge.

Do you have real grades and credits?

Yes. Grades will be accumulated through weekly small tests after homework shows test readiness. For 9-12 grades, credits will be calculated and tracked. Upon completion of our required credits, the student will earn a legal diploma.

Are you accredited?

We are not accredited at this time.

Are you a charter school?

No. We are a private, incorporated 501c-3 non-profit.