The Powerful Story of Parkview Adventist Academy’s History

Parkview Adventist Academy (PAA) has a rich history rooted in faith, dedication, and a commitment to quality education. Established in 1899 as Oklahoma City Seventh-day Adventist Church School, it began humbly with just 13 pupils in a small room of Elder McReynold’s house near the first Adventist Church in Indian Territory, located at 217 N.W. 7th Street. The school quickly relocated to the church basement, where Mrs. Hattie Sorenson served as the first teacher. Elder and Mrs. Sorenson also served as the first conference superintendents during this time.

Growth soon brought more educators, including Mr. Venable of Keene, Texas, who used the McReynold’s house as a dormitory for girls, while the boys stayed in a small shed behind the church. Teachers like Mrs. Gregory and Miss Lauretta Rupert followed, earning just $20 a month and creatively managing playground activities in a nearby cornfield.

In 1930, the school moved into its first official building at 2620 North Western Avenue, where a teacher’s apartment was added upstairs. With limited space for recreation, part of the playground even included a cemetery next to the property!

By 1954, the school’s needs had outgrown its location, prompting a move to the countryside, directly across from the Oklahoma City Zoo. This new setting offered ample space for classrooms and a better playground. The faculty soon held a student contest to select a new name that reflected the beauty of their surroundings—Parkview Junior Academy was chosen for its view overlooking Lincoln Park.

In 1984-1985, Parkview expanded to a full 12-grade academy, prompting a final name change to Parkview Adventist Academy, as it’s known today.

1st and 2nd graders at Parkview stay busy learning life skills and all about Jesus!

From its humble beginnings in a small room to becoming a full academy, PAA’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to providing Christ-centered education. For over a century, Parkview Adventist Academy has shaped the lives of students, fostering a legacy of faith, learning, and community that continues to impact generations.