Before Oklahoma achieved statehood, there were no public school systems in the land that had been termed, "Indian Territory."​ Schools were run by tribal governments, churches, the U.S. government, or a combination of the three. Shortly after Oklahoma became a state in 1907, the small town of Jenks opened the first building of the Jenks Public School system.For more than 100 years, Jenks Public Schools has been providing students with a quality education in an environment known nationwide for high academic standards and innovation. Jenks Public Schools serves more than 12,000 students and it is the eleventh largest public school district in the state of Oklahoma. Jenks Public Schools is in the top 1% of schools in the State of Oklahoma, and the District's dedication to excellence has led to academic success as well as both local and national recognition. The District motto, "A Tradition of Excellence with a Vision for Tomorrow," serves as a guide for all Jenks educators as they help prepare today's students for the future.