Coal County Schools & Education
Coal County, Oklahoma
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
53/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,318
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,520
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
State avg 28/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#7
of 77 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Coal County
School Verdict
Coal County performs at an average level with a school score of 53/100 and a solid graduation rate of 87.7%.
Funding Context
Coal County spends $8,318 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Coal County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 91% above the Oklahoma average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 28% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Coal County, Oklahoma
Small-Scale Education with Deep Investment
Coal County operates just 6 public schools across 3 districts, serving 1,066 students. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. There are no charter schools, keeping all students within the local district framework.
Exceptional Quality and High Per-Pupil Spending
Coal County stands out with a school score of 55.2, significantly higher than both state and national averages. This success is backed by high per-pupil spending of $8,318, which far exceeds the Oklahoma average of $6,520. The graduation rate of 87.7% also beats state benchmarks.
Coalgate Leads Local Enrollment
The Coalgate district is the largest in the county, managing 3 schools and 700 students. Tupelo and Cottonwood serve the remaining student population with 219 and 147 students, respectively. These small districts ensure that local administration remains very close to the student body.
Purely Rural Education with Personal Attention
Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, providing a classic countryside educational experience. The average school size is 178 students, ensuring low student-to-teacher ratios and high visibility for every learner. Emerson Elementary in Coalgate is the largest campus with 374 students.
Discover Top-Rated Rural Schools
If you are looking for a rural home with some of the best school scores in the state, Coal County is a hidden gem. High investment per student and strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for families. Focus your home search in the Coalgate area for the best access to local school resources.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Coal County
Total Enrollment
1,066
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Coal County
COALGATE
TUPELO
COTTONWOOD
6 Public Schools in Coal County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMERSON ES | COALGATE | PK–6 | Primary | 374 |
| COALGATE HS | COALGATE | 9–12 | High | 217 |
| TUPELO ES | TUPELO | PK–8 | Primary | 148 |
| COTTONWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL | COTTONWOOD | PK–8 | Primary | 147 |
| WALLACE BYRD MS | COALGATE | 7–8 | Middle | 109 |
| TUPELO HS | TUPELO | 9–12 | High | 71 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,318
State avg $6,520
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Coal County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Coal County?
How much does Coal County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Coal County, Oklahoma — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Coal County, Oklahoma?
Coal County operates just 6 public schools across 3 districts, serving 1,066 students. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. There are no charter schools, keeping all students within the local district framework.
How do schools in Coal County perform academically?
Coal County stands out with a school score of 55.2, significantly higher than both state and national averages. This success is backed by high per-pupil spending of $8,318, which far exceeds the Oklahoma average of $6,520. The graduation rate of 87.7% also beats state benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in Coal County, Oklahoma?
The Coalgate district is the largest in the county, managing 3 schools and 700 students. Tupelo and Cottonwood serve the remaining student population with 219 and 147 students, respectively. These small districts ensure that local administration remains very close to the student body.
What is the school experience like in Coal County?
Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, providing a classic countryside educational experience. The average school size is 178 students, ensuring low student-to-teacher ratios and high visibility for every learner. Emerson Elementary in Coalgate is the largest campus with 374 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Coal County, Oklahoma?
If you are looking for a rural home with some of the best school scores in the state, Coal County is a hidden gem. High investment per student and strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for families. Focus your home search in the Coalgate area for the best access to local school resources.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.