Project-Based Learning

• Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an awesome way to learn. We have an hour of the day that is devoted to learning the skills you’ll need for your project and other times to be working on them as well. 
• Teachers guide new students in this process so you know exactly what you should be doing. 
• Students will do hands-on, interesting projects that allow them to learn through creating, designing, and building!  
• PBL looks different at the Middle, and High School levels. We believe it is our job to teach our new students and guide them toward becoming independent students that are capable of learning at high levels. Take a look at the links below to learn a little more about what PBL looks like at the different levels at STEM.
  • Middle School*
    • STEM middle school is where most students begin their journey with us. Because of this, we work to make sure that all students are given the tools they need to be successful within a Project-Based setting. 
    • All three grade levels (6-8) have their own identity and their projects are focused on this specific identity. Teachers guide these projects as well as teach different skills that our middle school students require as we create an “on ramp” for them to start developing the independence they will need as they prepare for high school. 
  • High School*
    • As with middle school, every grade level has their own identity; however, expectations of independence increase at the high school level. Students are given more freedom to explore topics and ideas in academia that are interesting to them. Students work together within Arcs or themes and do several group and individual projects throughout the year. 
    • This leads up to a Senior Project, which is one component of our Senior Capstone Experience. This is a full year project that, while almost completely independent, is guided and coached by their senior advisor teacher.