The Mission & Vision in Action
Our mission is to empower and inspire every student to gain knowledge and skills beyond
the traditional educational setting which will create well-rounded, contributing members of society, capable of a thriving career in the 21st century. The school will be built upon an academically rich, STEM-centered learning environment with a focus on active learning and critical thinking skills. We believe that all decisions must put students first, by using teacher-driven innovation and continuous improvement, which allows us to adapt and evolve with the ever-changing world. Our vision is to create purposeful change that positively impacts the lives of our students and the community we serve.
Their Voices, Our Impact
Brooklyn Moore, student
Had I not been in STEM, I know whole heartedly I wouldn’t be who I am today and to be honest…I probably wouldn’t be anywhere I should be. The STEM program made a point to introduce and highlight a new way of learning, communicating, and making life-long friendships and decisions. Not only was the program hands-on, but intentional as well as personal.
Grace Finney, student
“The STEM academy was the best thing that has happened to me. It got me to where I am today. All the stem labs were so much fun, I enjoyed school so much more. I learned stuff from cooking to getting my CPR certification to learning how escape rooms were built. Now I’m a part of NHS and I definitely don’t think I would be here without the STEM program and those teachers who helped me with not only school but my personal life.”
Stella Hazelbaker, student
I was given so many experiences and opportunities that boosted me as a student, a person and all together! As far as the social aspect of STEM goes, I made so many friendships that I still love and cherish to this day, being a part of the original 100 kids, most of us felt like family back then and have grown up together now.
Skylar Langston, student
“It gave so much insight into opportunities for the future, the labs showed off jobs and careers we had never even heard of before that, and the way they incorporated it into the program was always in some sort of enjoyable way, letting you find a passion for whatever it was you wanted to do.”
"To see your child excited and ignited to learn and help others while also challenging themselves was so encouraging to me and my husband." - Natasha Elam, parent
"To see your child excited and ignited to learn and help others while also challenging themselves was so encouraging to me and my husband." - Natasha Elam, parent
Aaron DeBouver, student
“The STEM program truly helped me pick the career of my dreams. I started out as a person who didn’t know what was to come of the future. All I really knew was the basic firefighter/police officer jobs that were available. STEM showed me there was a lot more to life than those basic jobs. Not only did it help me figure out what i want to do as a future worker, it gave me some of the best memories that I will cherish forever.”
Jackson Hasbrouck, student
“I still talk to many of the people from my STEM cohort and have found it easier to talk to people in general as labs were constantly forcing me out of my comfort zone and making me meet new people. By far the best part however, was how the teachers and contributors were passionate about what they were doing.”
V.C., parent
“The program helped to strengthen our daughter’s confidence and allowed her to develop friendship within the STEM community. Through STEM she had the privilege to participate in activities outside of school which also helped her with overcoming her fears of exploring the unknown and getting out of her comfort zone. She really enjoyed growing with the STEM academy.”
Madelyn Rachels, student
“The STEM program allowed me to find a love for STEM topics and better prepare me for high school. I discovered that i wanted to enter the medical field through the STEM academy and will now be attending the Florida State University in the fall for nursing.”
“This academy not only made me more confident in what I can do educationally, but it made me more confident socially.” - Savannah Faulkner, student
“This academy not only made me more confident in what I can do educationally, but it made me more confident socially.” - Savannah Faulkner, student
"My all time favorite lab was the zoo. I loved working with the animals and it's helped set my course of possibly being a vet." - Blake Dean
"My all time favorite lab was the zoo. I loved working with the animals and it's helped set my course of possibly being a vet." - Blake Dean
“Learning in a 75 minute class helped a lot in truly understanding the material that was given to me. Switching back to a 45 minute period has effected me, my grades, and how I learn.” - Liana DiGioia
“Learning in a 75 minute class helped a lot in truly understanding the material that was given to me. Switching back to a 45 minute period has effected me, my grades, and how I learn.” - Liana DiGioia
Amaris Matias, student
“I have learned a lot from within STEM especially on how to not only be a better student but to also help other students. I find that STEM has helped not only myself but various other students come out of their shell and interact with others.”
Diana Smith, parent
“The teachers were the most amazing thing about this academy because they were so dedicated to making this the best program out there. They cared about their kids and knew them all. They put in so much time and effort to make this program successful; you could feel the love they had for it and all the students - like nothing else I have ever seen before.”
Sophia Hazelbaker, student
“I got to have more interactions than just learning. My teachers were also my lab teachers. So I would say having them as our fun lab teachers and academic (still fun) teachers created a more dynamic relationship.”
Elly Stewart, student
“I found my passion and even what I want to do and achieve as I get older. The STEM academy has helped me see so many things and opportunities that I didn't even know were possible or even existed.”
"It is because of the STEM academy that I was inspired to come so far and not only graduate with my high school diploma but also my AA from Daytona State." - Triniti Belflower, student
"It is because of the STEM academy that I was inspired to come so far and not only graduate with my high school diploma but also my AA from Daytona State." - Triniti Belflower, student