Epic Charter Schools Sees Spike In Enrollment Amid Pandemic

In the wake COVID-19, Oklahoma's largest charter school system vowed not to change much and enrollment is way up.

Epic Charter Schools offers virtual learning. It's now the state's third largest school district.

The school admits safety concerns over in class learning has increased its enrollment projections for the fall.

A year ago, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant at an EPIC charter schools teacher’s home after allegations that the school created so called “ghost students” to receive more money from the state.

Now, Epic expects to have epic enrollment in the fall of 38,000 students. That’s a single year growth of close to 40%.

“We’ve been doing this for ten years. We know what has worked and what doesn't work,” said Epic Charter Schools Assistant Superintendent Shelly Hickman.

“Not all virtual is the same and not all virtual is equal,” added Hickman, who says Epic will eventually be vindicated of any wrong doing.

Hickman said parents wanting to meet their child’s teacher in person will still have that option under its back to school plan.

Oklahoma City Public Schools has 45,000 students.

It expects up to a third of its students could choose their new virtual learning plan in the fall.

Tulsa Public Schools is Oklahoma’s second largest school district with 41,000 students.