The Oklahoma Aviation Academy (OAA) is celebrating a major milestone as 59 students make up the academy’s first four-year graduating cohort, marking the culmination of a program that has rapidly grown into one of Oklahoma’s leading aviation and aerospace education pathways.
Founded in 2022 through a partnership between Norman Public Schools, community leaders and aviation industry partners, the academy was created to provide students with a world-class STEM education focused on aviation and aerospace careers. Since opening with 96 students, enrollment has expanded to more than 280 students, with projected enrollment expected to exceed 370 students in fall 2026.
“This senior class helped build the foundation of this program,” OAA Director Terry Adams said. “They took a leap of faith by joining a brand-new academy, and their leadership, resilience and commitment helped create opportunities that will benefit students for years to come.”
The academy offers multiple career pathways through the AOPA High School STEM Curriculum, including pilot and unmanned aircraft systems programs, a four-year engineering pathway and the Tango Flight program, where students help build Vans RV-12i aircraft.
Students in the program continue to earn significant industry credentials and postsecondary opportunities. This year:
Three students earned the FAA Part 107 Drone Certificate.
Three students passed the Aviation Maintenance General Exam through the partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center.
Ten OAA students were accepted into the University of Oklahoma School of Aviation.
The academy has also expanded experiential learning opportunities through partnerships with organizations including Boeing, Adventure Air, Athena Aviation and Civil Air Patrol. More than 60 students have participated in discovery flights, while several students are pursuing private pilot licenses and aviation-related internships.
OAA leadership credits the academy’s growth to strong community partnerships and support from Norman Public Schools voters, the OAA Board of Advisors, the University of Oklahoma and local industry partners. That support also helped secure funding for the academy’s new facility, scheduled to open in January 2027.
As the inaugural graduating class prepares for commencement, academy leaders say the students’ impact will extend far beyond graduation.
“These students created a legacy,” Adams said. “We are proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make in aviation, aerospace and beyond.”