INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education announced that 20 schools are newly certified leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This year’s cohort includes four schools that renewed certifications and 11 additional schools making strides to create an engaging STEM culture.
“STEM certified schools are committed to providing high-quality, engaging experiences that not only support students in developing problem-solving skills, but also prepare them for careers in emerging industries,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Ensuring every student in Indiana can meet the challenges and opportunities of a constantly evolving workforce begins with high-quality STEM education, and these schools are leaning in to meet the needs of Hoosier students.”
Created in 2015, the STEM Certification program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certification exemplifies a highly innovative approach to education, employing much inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities. For secondary schools, earning STEM Certification requires heightened intention and coordination regarding vision, scheduling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. More than 100 schools statewide hold STEM Certification.
This year’s schools that have newly earned STEM Certification are:
- Boulevard Elementary School, Kokomo School Corporation
- Dillsboro Elementary School, South Dearborn Community School Corporation
- Greensburg Elementary, Greensburg Community Schools
- Hayden Elementary School, Jennings County School Corporation
- Ladoga Elementary School, South Montgomery Community School Corporation
- Manchester Elementary School, South Dearborn Community School Corporation
- Meridian Street Elementary School, Clay Community Schools
- New Market Elementary School, South Montgomery Community School Corporation
- North Decatur Junior/Senior High School, Decatur County Community Schools
- Otwell Miller Academy
- Our Lady of Grace School, Diocese of Lafayette Catholic Schools
- Paoli Junior and Senior High School, Paoli Community School Corporation
- Rossville Elementary School, Rossville Consolidated School District
- South Central Elementary School, South Central Community School Corporation
- South Decatur Elementary School, Decatur County Community Schools
- Southmont Junior High School, South Montgomery Community School Corporation
- Sprunica Elementary School, Brown County School Corporation
- Throop Elementary School, Paoli Community School Corporation
- Van Buren Elementary School, Clay Community Schools
- Walnut Elementary School, South Montgomery Community School Corporation
This year, four schools completed a rigorous application and review process, which must be repeated every five years to remain certified. This year’s schools that have renewed STEM Certification for an additional five years are:
- Cold Spring School, Indianapolis Public Schools
- Loogootee High School, Loogootee Community School Corporation
- Plainfield Community Middle School, Plainfield Community School Corporation
- Unionville Elementary School, Monroe County Community School Corporation
In 2023, a new designation was added to highlight schools that have demonstrated significant progress in creating an engaging STEM culture and empowering students to create and innovate through integrated STEM learning experiences. Schools designated as Developing in STEM Certification are:
- Charles N. Scott Middle School, School City of Hammond
- Elwood Haynes Elementary School, Kokomo School Corporation
- F Willard Crichfield Elementary, LaPorte Community School Corporation
- Fishback Creek Public Academy, MSD Pike Township
- Hammond Central High School, School City of Hammond
- Indiana Math and Science Academy North
- Linton-Stockton Elementary, Linton-Stockton School Corporation
- Mary Evelyn Castle Elementary School, MSD Lawrence Township
- Morton Senior High School, School City of Hammond
- North Decatur Elementary School, Decatur County Community Schools
- Salem Middle School, Salem Community Schools
Each of these developing schools continues to establish infrastructure for sustainable, high-quality STEM education and will receive intentional, strategic support from IDOE as they progress toward STEM Certification.
View a complete list of Indiana STEM Certified Schools here. Schools interested in pursuing STEM Certification can review the guidance here.
