What is a STEM education?

“We believe that students who are armed with a solid understanding of STEM subjects, along with Language Arts, Social Studies, and the Fine Arts – and most importantly, understand how these relate to the real world – will be equipped with the knowledge, relationships and experiences they need to excel in higher education, the workforce, in entrepreneurial settings, and, in life.”
--Dayton Regional STEM School Principal Brian Boyd

The Dayton Regional STEM School is inspired by three overriding principles:

  • Relevant: the work of school must connect to the real world and the personal interests of students.
  • Rigor: school must be challenging in ways that develop students’ understanding and skills.
  • Relationships: schools must be the right size and provide opportunities to connect students, parents, teachers and business partners in meaningful ways.

The Dayton Regional STEM School’s Mission will be realized through a number of instructional strategies shaped by the following values:

  • The School will serve as a dynamic teaching and learning community linked to the strong history of innovation and cutting-edge research conducted in the Dayton region.
  • Students and their families – along with community, educational institutions, and business/industry/research partners – will be active and full members of the learning community.
  • The School will support students as they:
    • Engage in a seamless, inquiry-based, individualized learning experience dedicated to using STEM across a liberal arts curriculum to solve problems
    • Set goals and work to obtain the skills, knowledge and experiences that will position them for future success, particularly in the STEM disciplines
    • Participate in authentic real world experiences with practicing scientists, engineers and technical professionals at WPAFB’s Air Force Research Laboratories and other research/industry sites
    • Participate in challenging and accelerated opportunities to demonstrate content mastery, as well as earn college credit while in high school, as an important springboard to every student attending college.