City Leaders Explore New John Rex Middle School

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 2, 2018) – The John Rex Charter School (JRCS) unveiled its middle school in the Myriad Botanical Gardens on Aug. 2. Administrators and community leaders shared plans for the middle school addition, sixth through eighth grades. The middle school is the only active, public school in a botanical garden in the country.

“Our families have repeatedly asked the school to create a path for their children from pre-K all the way through high school. Today, we are moving one step closer to our dream,” said JRCS Head of School and Superintendent Joe Pierce. “Having a quality school in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City and revitalizing this neighborhood have been a lifelong vision for school leaders. We are thrilled to expand our launch pad of learning and discovery in the gardens.”

JRCS, downtown Oklahoma City’s only public charter school, is the product of a unique public-private partnership. Teachers use community resources such as the downtown library and art museum in the area as part of the educational environment. A $1 million grant from Inasmuch Foundation helped fund the addition of the middle-school grades, where classes begin this month. Inasmuch Foundation also committed a capital improvement grant up to $700,000 for enhancements to the garden’s educational spaces.

Seventy-five middle school students will start classes Aug. 8.