Reviving the Jones Academy Academic Program

$10 Million State-of-the-Art Elementary Academic Facility

On September 4, 2008, after many years, and the generosity of numerous donors and friends, Jones Academy dedicated its new Elementary Academic Building – a state-of-the-art facility for students in grades 1-6. The cost of providing such a facility is significant. In addition to its $10 million initial investment in the building, the Choctaw Nation provides $250,000 per year toward its operating expenses.

A State-Of-The-Art Education Facility

Much thought and planning went into the 40,273 sq. ft. facility’s design.
To conserve energy, the building is heated and cooled by a highly efficient geothermal HVAC system which takes maximum advantage of the earth’s stable ground temperature.

To protect occupants against Oklahoma’s severe weather, the building includes strategically located safe rooms capable of accommodating the entire building population.

Cultural esthetics were included. The building’s curved corridor represents the circle of education. The location of grades within the building wings is symbolic of the sun. The youngest grades are in the east wing, closest to the rising sun. Older grades are located progressively to the west representing movement of the sun as it grows older in the sky during the day.

Impressive Classroom and Facility Design Features

• Bathrooms inside the classrooms
• A lighting system proven to enhance learning
• Lights that sense when the room is empty and turn off automatically
• Independent temperature controls in each classroom
• A library with large windows, a story-telling room, and an outdoor reading porch with a view of the wooded hillside
• Access to outdoor classroom and garden areas where teachers will be able to incorporate nature into the curriculum
• Wireless technology provisions
• A half-gym accessible from indoors

Jones Academy Elementary Academic Facility News Release