Lawton Public Schools
Building Pathways that Prepare Students for Life

Students leave high school to pursue different paths, and preparing them for what comes next requires more than academic knowledge. They need to have a clear sense of the direction and the skills to adapt, communicate, solve problems and collaborate beyond the classroom.

Lawton Public Schools (LPS) puts that broader definition of readiness into practice through its Life Ready Center. The center brings students from the district's three high schools—Eisenhower High School, Lawton High School and MacArthur High School—together, allowing students across the district to access programs that might otherwise be concentrated at individual campuses.

Students explore career and technical education, agriculture, hands-on arts and advanced languages, gaining exposure to fields that can shape their academic and career interests. LPS also extends many of these programs into its middle schools, allowing students to begin exploring their interests earlier.

“The programs we offer give students meaningful choices and opportunities to explore their interests within the community,” says Dr. Neal Weaver, superintendent.

Turning Choice into Career Pathways

Through STEM and gifted programs, LPS fosters students’ curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and innovation. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit and, in some cases, graduate with associate degrees in fields like nursing. Career and technical programs offer certifications in areas including cybersecurity, computing and welding, allowing students to gain practical exposure to potential careers before deciding where their interests may lead.

The district also creates pathways into education. Through its Grow Your Own program, LPS educators can return to school and advance their education. At the high school level, students can explore the profession, gain practical experience and potentially work for LPS while still in school. Similar opportunities in welding, carpentry, culinary other fields allow students to explore different professions through experience.

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

LPS shapes educational opportunities around the needs of every student through collaboration across departments. The presence of Fort Sill, a large Army installation in the district, brings frequent movement among its military-connected students and creates distinct transition needs. The district gives particular attention to these students and provides the support they need to adjust and remain engaged in their education.

It also considers the needs of English language learners, special education students, gifted learners, Native American students and students in transition, with the goal of serving every student rather than teaching only to the largest group.

Student safety follows the same principle of coordinated responsibility. Teaching and learning teams, facilities, police and safety and security personnel work collaboratively, considering national best practices as they plan for school safety. The goal is to make safety a natural part of the school experience, allowing students to focus on learning and engagement by creating a welcoming environment.

Stakeholder Input into District Priorities

LPS treats stakeholder input as an ongoing part of district decision-making. Through conversations with teachers, principals, students, parents and community organizations, district leaders gather feedback, identify recurring needs and determine which priorities require immediate attention. Those themes are reviewed by leadership teams, assistant principals and principals as the district develops its next strategic plan. Together, these groups identify five areas of focus, creating a shared understanding of where the district should direct its efforts.

For the school year ahead, LPS’s primary work centers on building a positive culture and strengthening systems across the district. Student retention and student achievement are also identified as specific priorities within that work.

By connecting early exploration with specialized pathways, practical experience and responsive district planning, LPS prepares students not just to graduate, but to move forward with direction and the skills to pursue what comes next. That student-centered approach underpins LPS’s recognition as the Top PreK–12 Public School 2026.