Tulsa's school system began in a small, white frame building on the corner of 4th and Boston. It was built in 1895 by the Presbyterian Mission for Creek Indians.

At the turn of the century, Tulsa grew so rapidly that the Mission School was soon overcrowded.  Tulsa High School was built on the site of the Mission School and designed to accommodate 1,500 students.  It was opened in 1909. But since the young community was growing so quickly, its schools were outgrown almost before they were completed

September 22, 1916 was a red-letter day for Tulsa. Thousands of people made their way downtown to Sixth Street and Cincinnati Avenue for a celebration. On that day, the cornerstone was laid for Tulsa Central High School.

The city continued to prosper, and by the spring of 1919, the new school had reached a capacity enrollment. To ease the overcrowding, a south wing was added to Central three years later. And in 1922, Tulsans were proud to claim the second-largest high school in America.  For 23 years, Central was Tulsa's only high school. In 1938, top enrollment was more than 5,000 students. And by 1976, over 44,000 had received their diplomas from the school that had earned a nationwide reputation for outstanding athletic and academic achievements.  In 1976, after more than six decades of education, pride and heritage, Central closed its doors for the last time as a high school. But the great spirit of Central will continue for years to come. .

Public Service Company's pride and confidence in Tulsa has led to the renovation of this important landmark. And it stands today, much as it did sixty years ago, as a symbol of our city's progress and promise.

Photos courtesy Beryl D. Ford collection Tulsa Central High School

Text and photos adapted from the Central High School Class of 1943 web page

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