Sarah Tirnanic is a self-proclaimed dreamer who is passionate about education. She is the principal of El Camino Elementary, the newest school in the Santa Fe South Public School District. El Camino is a tuition-free public charter school offering pre-K through first grade in the North Moore and South Oklahoma City area, with plans to add one grade level each year through fifth grade.
Tirnanic previously served as Santa Fe South’s elementary math curriculum director, a subject that has seen remarkable growth throughout the district under her tenure. While she excelled in the position, her goals extended beyond a single field of study and toward broader educational change.
“I had these bigger ideas about instruction and I wanted to bring them to life,” says Tirnanic. “I also missed the personal connection with students, families and fellow teachers. For me, this is more than just building an excellent school, it’s about impacting education in Oklahoma.”
Committed to every student’s success, Tirnanic praises Santa Fe South’s tiered instruction model, which meets students where they are by providing both supportive resources and advanced opportunities.
“Our district is really good at helping students who are below grade level improve and providing opportunities for kids who are at or above grade level to flourish and stay engaged,” she says. “At El Camino, we’re very intentional in promoting purposeful play, with clear expectations for play centers, as well as math and reading centers. We know students learn best in these supportive environments.”
Still enthusiastic about mathematics instruction, Tirnanic is committed to building strong mathematical conceptual understanding in every student.
“We utilize a hands-on, research-based curriculum that develops students into confident and capable mathematicians,” she says. “Through this approach, students don’t just learn procedures — they understand the why behind the math, make connections, and apply their thinking in meaningful ways.”
Alongside strong math instruction, El Camino is equally committed to teaching students how to read through the Science of Reading. This approach is grounded in decades of research and focuses on how the brain learns to read. It emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills such as phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
“Together, these approaches ensure that our students are not only meeting expectations but developing the deep understanding and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond,” says Tirnanic.
Tirnanic emphasizes the balance of high expectations with joyful learning.
“Our core values include joy and excellence — not that we do everything perfectly, but that we strive to do our best — and ganas, a Spanish word that refers to having grit,” she says. “We also value kindness and compassion. We teach our kids to care for one another and prioritize being a family- and community-centered environment.”
El Camino regularly hosts events to involve families, and they’ve been met with strong turnout and appreciation.
“We have family data meetings, literacy nights, and the district recently held an arts and music festival,” says Tirnanic. “Being a smaller school within a smaller district has helped us build strong relationships.”
She’s also quick to applaud the teachers and their commitment to their students. The staff includes experienced educators from within and outside the district, as well as a para-to-teacher partnership program with a local university. She also notes that there was 100 percent staff retention after the first year — speaking to the school’s supportive professional environment.
As Tirnanic looks to the future, her focus remains on providing a well-balanced, high-quality education. She and her staff are eager to become a strong presence in the community and are committed to making a lasting impact.
About Santa Fe South
Santa Fe South is a tuition-free public charter school with a straightforward mission: provide equal educational opportunity to all students. There are no admission criteria, and if enrollment exceeds capacity, a random lottery determines placement, ensuring every child has an equal chance. To apply to enroll, visit EnrollOKC.org.
Since its founding, Santa Fe South has focused exclusively on a south Oklahoma City corridor that encompasses approximately 20,000 children. Beginning next school year, El Camino will be located at its new address: 1111 SW 89th St. For more information, visit sfselcamino.santafesouth.org.
Parent Testimonial
Julissa Rubio says her children, Santiago and Michelle, have enjoyed El Camino Elementary since day one.
“Our experience at El Camino has been the best experience we could possibly ask for,” says Rubio. “It’s the most rewarding feeling when your children actually enjoy going to school, are so eager to learn new things, and are so excited to share about their day at pick up. Although we have had some learning curves, we have been provided with all the information and support needed that have
truly made our experience one
to remember.”
Rubio says what she loves most about El Camino is the clear and informative communications. The staff is very hands-on and responsive to any questions or concerns from students or parents.
“It truly feels like a family when we have teachers advocating for students and making sure that they are experiencing the best learning journey possible,” she says.
Beyond the warm community, Rubio has seen real academic results. Her children have grown in their speech and reading comprehension, and are able to more easily express themselves through their words and writing. They are less frustrated when something is a challenge and more comfortable asking questions.
“I would strongly recommend El Camino to any family,” says Rubio. “It’s truly the best elementary school for little minds. Teachers are advocating for not only students, but parents as well. I have never seen a principal so involved in day-to-day activities with students like we see with Ms. Tirnanic! The staff has a smile on their faces from drop off to pick up.”
