Shapiro STEM Academy is committed to combining academic excellence with the joy of learning to help children grow, explore and discover through hands-on and inquiry based collaborative learning and in some instances in a multi-age setting. Where else but in schools are individuals grouped solely on age? Life is a multi-age experience and our goal is to maximize the benefits of interactions and cooperation among children with different experiences and who are at varying stages of development.
Some may be wondering how our school is different than others. As we move forward as a STEM-based school, this means we are keeping all the things our school highly values such as school wide Conscious Discipline, Brain Based Learning, Common Core State Standards and Instrumental Enrichment (PK-1) while weaving in STEM with the Next Generation Science Standards.
STEM refers to the interconnection of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an “interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons where students apply their knowledge in context that make connections between school, community, work and the global enterprise.”-Tsupros, Kohler, & Hallinen, 2009
Knowledge of STEM disciplines is connected in the real world and therefore integrating them helps students become inquisitive and innovative learners who apply their knowledge to problem solve, think critically, evaluate evidence, collaborate, and adapt to an ever-changing world. Since most of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the next decade will require a background in STEM, students who have gained these skills and ways of thinking will be better prepared for the technological world.
Our hope and passion is to partner with families to support students to be community-minded learners who are critical and creative thinkers, responsible for their actions, and aware of their effects on others.
Courtney Willert
