Through the years, Wilson has served a diverse community of children from the surrounding historic neighborhoods and downtown areas. The school’s rich 100-year history, exciting curriculum, enthusiastic teachers and staff, engaged parents and supportive community have provided outstanding educational and extracurricular opportunities for the students!

In 1998 Wilson was designated as the State’s first specialty school for arts integration. Wilson became a partner school with the Partners in Education Program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc. in Oklahoma City, for professional development of teachers in arts integration.

In 2005, WAI was formed from the Wilson Neighborhood Committee to supplement the city’s MAPS for Kids funding for the renovation of the school. With a lead donation from Heritage Hills’ Historical Preservation, Inc., WAI raised over $850,000 in private and corporate donations and community grants to provide four dedicated arts classrooms that were essential to the continuing success of the arts integration program.

WAI continues to provide support for Wilson through its annual fundraiser. This support has included funding for professional development opportunities through the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as well as funding for curriculum and supplies, full-time drama and strings instruction, field trips, after school clubs, artists-in-residency programs and more. WAI was the foundational donor for a new outdoor classroom garden at Wilson through a partnership with Keep OKC Beautiful. In addition, WAI acts to preserve the history of Wilson and Oklahoma City, securing grants to restore murals and create a school history gallery and website. 

Come take a stroll through our website and experience Wilson’s vibrant community and rich history!