The Ozark City School System is located in Southeast Alabama in the city of Ozark which is the home of Ft. Rucker and Army Aviation. There are five schools in Ozark: Thompkins Early Childhood Center, Lisenby Elementary, Mixon Elementary, D A Smith Middle School and Carroll High School and Career Center. Approximately 2600 students attend our schools. All schools in Ozark are fully accredited by SACS/CASI.
The Ozark City School System is committed to providing a positive learning environment that encourages all students to grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, morally, and socially; therefore helping make dreams come true for all the students. All schools set high standards by using research -based instruction with a challenging curriculum that actively engages the students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Not only are the students offered a quality education, but learning is FUN.
The students begin their journey in an award- winning kindergarten program with a dedicated and highly qualified teaching staff. This staff provides an exciting and balanced learning environment focused on delivering the highest quality instructional program that is based on current research and “Best Practices.”
The students continue their educational journey through the elementary grades where the faculty and staff are dedicated to the health, safety, and education of all students. The elementary curriculum is filled with academics but begins to branch out into physical fitness and the arts. Developing reading skills is a top priority in the elementary schools. The ultimate goal is to have 100% of all students reading on grade level by the 3rd grade. To help reach this goal, the teachers use programs such as Reading Recovery and the Alabama Reading Initiative. These programs, as well as others, challenge the students at every level.
The Ozark City School System has a comprehensive middle school and high school which offer a wide range of academic, pre-career, technology, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities. The schools are noted for their excellence in academic and career education areas. Students compare favorably with both state and national norms in all areas of educational achievement.
Some of the most notable features of these schools include 25 competitive sports teams; over 50 clubs and organizations; a band program which includes marching, symphonic, and jazz bands; advanced and honors level courses; a wide variety of electives; an award- winning JROTC program; award-winning cheerleader squads; a popular performing arts program; a strong career education program; up-to-date science labs; state-of-the-art computer labs; and a strong physical education program.
The Ozark City School System provides special programs to meet the needs of all the students. One of the greatest special programs is the Career Center. This technology-based career program provides award-winning classroom instruction and hands-on training in cosmetology, drafting, health education, electronics, building construction, turf management, business computer education, foods, fashion design, and accounting. Preparing students to be productive citizens in tomorrow’s job market is a major goal of the Career Center.
The Ozark City School System is dedicated to its children with special needs. Special education programs are available in all schools and meet all federal and state guidelines. Not only does the school system offer programs for students at risk, but comprehensive programs are in place for students who perform well above grade level.
The Ozark City School System has a jump on the future with its technology and educational innovations. Computer technology labs are available at every school. The school system also boasts of three state-of-the-art smart (Distance Learning) classrooms at the middle school and high school level. Virtual learning classes are also available. Every classroom houses computer work stations for instruction. The system has 917 total computers allowing for a better than a 1:3 ratio (One computer for every 3 students). The Driver Education program at the high school is on the cutting edge of technology. High technological laser disc projection simulators supplement actual driving experience and classroom instruction. Students in all the schools are being prepared to meet the demands of a high-tech society and job market.
Building for the future is part of the long-range strategic plan for the Ozark City Schools. A multi-million dollar construction plan was put into place in 2004 and continues today with classroom and gymnasium additions and renovations at all schools to improve the learning environments.
The Ozark City School System is proud of its dedicated faculty and staff. These highly qualified teachers provide quality instruction in all areas. Administrators, teachers, and staff go above and beyond what is expected to make sure students are successful.
Dreams can come true in the Ozark City School System where students are being prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.