For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,088 students in Coal County, OK.
The top-ranked public schools in Coal County, OK are Cottonwood Public School, Tupelo High School and Emerson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Coal County, OK public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Oklahoma public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 28% statewide average). Schools in Coal County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Oklahoma public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Oklahoma public school average of 57% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Coal County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cottonwood Public School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
38286 Lubbis St
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-3907
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-3907
Gr: PK-8 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Tupelo High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 South 7th
Tupelo, OK 74572
(580) 845-2381
Tupelo, OK 74572
(580) 845-2381
Gr: 9-12 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
111 Fox Ave
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-2351
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-2351
Gr: PK-6 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Tupelo Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
200 South 7th
Tupelo, OK 74572
(580) 845-2802
Tupelo, OK 74572
(580) 845-2802
Gr: PK-8 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #55.
Coalgate High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
111 West Cedar
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-2592
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-2592
Gr: 9-12 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #66.
Wallace Byrd Middle School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
108 West Cedar
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-3560
Coalgate, OK 74538
(580) 927-3560
Gr: 7-8 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Coal County, OK?
The top-ranked public schools in Coal County, OK include Cottonwood Public School, Tupelo High School and Emerson Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Coal County?
6 public schools are located in Coal County.
What is the racial composition of students in Coal County?
Coal County public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Oklahoma public schools average of 57% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Coal County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Coal County include: Wallace Byrd Middle School vs. Emerson Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School vs. Coalgate High School, Emerson Elementary School vs. Wallace Byrd Middle School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.