Little Elm STEAM Academy encourages our students to question, learn, and invent.
Little Elm STEAM Academy
It’s time to disrupt the one size fit all learning.
The STEAM Academy has created an unabashedly unique learning environment that is unmatched in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Our belief is that learning is best received via Project-based education where every student has a personal learning plan. We formulate plans for each student and create weekly lessons with a multi-faceted focus allowing students to create attainable goals to encourage achievement and accomplishments on a weekly basis. We also enlist student-led assessments to encourage their learning and self-evaluation of progress as they work towards their goals. Beyond academics, we foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can explore their passions, develop social-emotional skills, and cultivate their creativity. We understand the importance of a well-rounded education and encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities, artistic endeavors, and community involvement.
At The STEAM Academy, our commitment to providing an exceptional education goes beyond the traditional classroom. We continuously seek innovative approaches and stay abreast of the latest educational research and best practices to ensure our students receive the highest quality education. Our dedication to personalized learning, project-based education, and student empowerment sets us apart and shapes the transformative educational experiences that our students and their families cherish.
Strategies We Use In The Classroom
• Let’s discover the world! Observing is important in science. Talk throughout the day about what you see and what children are looking at: “Wow, I love that big red truck you are playing with! How many wheels does it have? 1, 2, 3, 4 wheels. Four wheels altogether.”
• Use STEM language in everyday routines. During snack time, encourage children to lift the heavy apple and light napkin. Show children a whole sandwich being cut into half.
• Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that encourage children to respond with more than a “yes” or “no” answer. Ask children to describe objects and toys around them. Encourage them to compare the size, shape, color, texture, smell, and weight of different objects.
• Use books. During reading time, use the STEM language, too. Count objects on a page out loud for infants, or ask toddlers if they can find a square or a triangle.
• Follow the child’s lead. Focus on your child’s interests to create STEM learning opportunities. Observe children closely and see what they are pointing to, looking at, or seem curious about. If the child is excited about playing with dolls, count the doll’s arms and legs, talk about the shape of the doll’s eyes, and compare the size of the doll to other toys. Is she bigger or smaller? Taller or shorter?
• Make discoveries together! Go outside and explore new objects. Talk about them and compare them. How many different types of leaves can you find? Can you find a small, medium, and large rock? Can you find a square object and a circular object?
• Sing about STEM! Songs with repetitive patterns like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” “Wheels on the Bus,” or “Los Cinco Hermanitos” can teach children about patterns.
• Make it fun! Children are naturally curious. Children learn best through play. Teach children spatial awareness skills by playing simple games like peek-a-boo. Teach them about the position of their own bodies in relation to others (e.g., next to, in front of, above, behind, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here’s what our daily rhythm is:
7:30a -8:30a: Social time, open exploration
8:30a - 9:00a: Morning Stretch and Yoga, Current events
9:00a - 9:30a: Collaboration Time
9:30a-10:30a: Independent and Small groups for Math, Reading
10:30a - 10:40a: Mind Break ( Self-Care)
10:45a -11:15a: Prep for cooking exploration
11:15a - 11:45p: Cooking Exploration
11:45a - 12:30p: Lunch
12:30p - 1:15p: Mind Break Self Care
1:20p - 3:20p Leader instruction in Science, Social Studies, Tech
3:25p -3:45p: Outside Exploration
3:45p - 4:00p: Recap of the day
4:00p - 4:20p: Open Exploration, Prep to go home
4:30p: School is closed
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Because we’re a multi-modal school, we practice a few different types of curriculum to ensure that every student learns in a way that works best for them. Our primary curriculum, however, is project based-learning. This allows our students to approach education by challenging real world problems and projects that impact them personally. Secondarily, we use inquiry-based learning where students ask questions and we work together to research and find the answers. Great question!
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We use a variety of technological tools such as Brainpop Jr. for animated educational resources, Khan Academy for STEM activities, as well as Scholastic F.I.R.S.T. and iStation Reading for foundational reading skill development. We also use Lego BOOST and MINDSTORM to build robots and teach students chemistry and measurements through cooking!
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This is a very important question that each parent should always bring up, so thank you! At Little Elm STEM Academy, every student is assessed and provided an IEP, or Individualized Educational Plan. It is important to note that this is NOT exclusively for our students with special needs; IEPs are used at our academy to ensure that every student receives the support they need to improve their weaknesses, refine their strengths, and develop additional talents and skills.
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Texas has a class size cap of 22 students when it comes to students in grades Pre-K through 4th and no defined cap for students in grades 5th through 12th. Because we believe in the importance of our students’ education, we have a student ratio of 1:11. Our average class size is 8. We completely understand the need for your child to be able to get the attention they will require to be successful, so thanks for asking!
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