Jerry Knight STEM AcademyWhy Choose STEM?
The Jerry Knight Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy is an advanced academic program designed to provide a rigorous and focused course of study emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The campus opened to sixth graders in August 2017. A grade level was added every year until it reach its goal of educating students in grades 6-8. Each year, new applicants are accepted for sixth grade positions.
Our Motto
The Jerry Knight STEM Academy: a place to imagine, explore and create.
Our Mission
The mission of the academy is to give learners a voice and choice to explore, create and innovate within real-world situations. Coursework is advanced and integrates project/problem-based learning with open learning environments.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Jerry Knight STEM Academy (JKSA) is to teach learners to explore, create and innovate by engaging learners in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with an advanced academics focus. Learners will be immersed in real-world problem-solving using the Engineering Design Process.
Design time will be built into the master schedule and will allow learners to work on project/problem-based learning, incorporating design thinking within an innovative learning environment. During their eighth-grade year, learners will be able to identify a real-world problem they are passionate about and develop innovative solutions as their capstone project. They will also be engaged with industry professionals through presentations and feedback protocols.
The Jerry Knight STEM Academy will ultimately prepare learners to pursue STEM interests and advanced academics in high school and postsecondary education. Roughly 60% of the future jobs which will be available for current elementary school students when they graduate will involve skill sets associated with science, math, engineering or technology.
Our Guiding Statements
- Learners will have voice and choice in project/problem based learning opportunities.
- Learners will learn and incorporate an engineering design process that integrates science, math, and technology.
- Learners will collaborate and use a variety of communication approaches when solving problems and creating products.
- Learners will be introduced to STEM careers and STEM skills/life applications.
- Learners will participate in state wide STEM competitions and extracurricular activities.