Private Tulsa School Targets Hispanic Community

How many private schools can you name that charge no tuition? Tulsaâ€™s San Miguel Middle is bringing comprehensive education to some that need it most. <br/><br/>News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says San

Wednesday, September 27th 2006, 3:45 pm

By: News On 6

How many private schools can you name that charge no tuition? Tulsaâ€™s San Miguel Middle is bringing comprehensive education to some that need it most.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says San Miguel targets the Hispanic community that lives in Tulsa's Kendall-Whitter neighborhood School near Admiral and Atlanta.

The school started a few years back with this group of kids. Now, eight graders are on their way to becoming San Miguel's first graduates. Principal Curt Adams couldn't be happier with their progress. He says most of his students come to school 2-to-3 years behind where they should be.

Adams says most students need help with their English and positive role models in the classroom. His students go to school 10 months out of the year. Their school day is long too, from 7:30 AM to around 5 PM.

Adams says that makes the school responsible for breakfast, lunch, and a snack. They also provide transportation to and from school. All that while keeping class tuition-free.

Curt Adams: "That's probably the biggest challenge that we encounter on a daily basis is that we try to do more with less."

Other Catholic schools around town are trying to help. At Marquette, students are collecting paper plates and napkins for mealtimes, as well as donating notebook paper and other supplies for San Miguel's classrooms.