Abidin Erez, SuperintendentDove Schools is designed as a Pre-K–12 system, intentionally structured to align early learning, STEM education, leadership development and character formation across a student’s academic journey, with college readiness built in as a cumulative outcome. From the earliest grades, instruction builds forward, connecting foundational learning to progressively higher levels of application and preparation.
What system design allows Dove Schools to coordinate programs across Pre-K–12 campuses?
The model is defined by both design and scale.
Dove Schools operates not as individual campuses, but as a unified academic system that architects long-term student pathways and convenes opportunity across the broader STEM ecosystem. Rather than introducing programs in isolation, the model connects early curiosity to progressively deeper application through aligned pathways across Pre-K–12.
That system-level approach is reflected in outcomes. Dove Schools has achieved 100 percent college acceptance, with graduates pursuing STEM and other pathways and earning admission to universities in Oklahoma and across the nation, including Harvard, MIT, Yale, Stanford, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania.
“At Dove Schools, STEM excellence, college preparation and character education are all central to our mission, and we intentionally build each of them into every stage of the Pre-K through 12 journey,” says Abidin Erez, superintendent.
A STEM Continuum by Design
How does Dove Schools build STEM capability progressively from kindergarten through high school?
STEM instruction begins in Kindergarten, where every student takes computer classes focused on coding and computational thinking. By third grade, science fair participation is mandatory, setting early expectations for inquiry, problem-solving and communication.
Each campus features a fully equipped MakerSpace, giving students hands-on access to advanced tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. With growing interests, students engage through STEM electives and clubs, including Strawbees, VEX robotics, drones, Math League, SeaPerch and other applied programs that emphasize collaboration and real-world relevance.
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At Dove Schools, STEM excellence, college preparation and character education are all central to our mission, and we intentionally build each of them into every stage of the Pre-K through 12 journey.
As students advance, the work deepens rather than resets. Middle school builds greater rigor and application onto the same foundation. In high school, opportunity expands through advanced pathways in engineering, biomedical sciences and computer science, along with clubs such as HOSA, Science Olympiad and Solar Car. Initiatives like Girls in Aviation extend learning into professional contexts, helping students envision future roles with confidence.
Personalization Through Pathways and Guidance
Within this structured continuum, Dove Schools emphasizes personalization. STEM electives, MakerSpaces, clubs and advanced pathways allow students to pursue interests aligned with their strengths. One-on-one college counseling begins in ninth grade, providing consistent guidance for course planning, pathway selection and applications.
Leadership development is embedded throughout this journey. Students lead clubs, organize events, represent their schools and participate in citywide and statewide leadership programs, ensuring that academic growth is matched with responsibility and initiative.
Character, Service and Community Impact
How do service learning and character education reinforce leadership across Dove Schools?
Academic rigor is matched by an equally intentional focus on character. Most Dove campuses are recognized as National Schools of Character by Character.org, reflecting an ongoing focus on ethical leadership.
Students participate in service-learning through fundraising for local charities and partnerships with food banks, homeless alliances, hospitals and senior living facilities. Through the Go Baby Go Project, students apply STEM skills to modify toy cars for children with disabilities, using technical knowledge in service of empathy. A required 100 hours of community service before graduation defines leadership and responsibility as essential outcomes.
Beyond campus, Dove Schools partners with regional STEM organizations and institutions. The system designs and hosts citywide STEM expos, drone events and math challenges in partnership with colleges and community organizations, creating authentic platforms for students to apply learning while engaging directly with higher education partners.
College readiness is supported through formal partnerships. Dove hosts annual college and career fairs that bring together all Oklahoma colleges and universities, along with select out-of-state institutions. Campus visits provide firsthand exposure to higher education environments. Signed MOUs enable concurrent enrollment, allowing students to earn college credit during high school. Through a partnership with Horizon, Dove Schools offers 29 Advanced Placement courses, expanding access to college-level instruction.
Students leave Dove Schools prepared for college, supported by a continuous Pre-K–12 experience that builds confidence for the next stage of their academic journey.
