Stephen Decatur Elementary
What STEM means at Stephen Decatur Elementary
At Stephen Decatur Elementary, we envision a future where every student is empowered to learn, lead, and succeed through innovative STEM experiences that foster responsibility, safety, and respect. Rooted in the MSD of Decatur Township mission of being Student Invested, Community Connected, our school is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student’s unique strengths and needs are valued. Through meaningful STEM opportunities and personalized support systems, students will develop the academic knowledge, confidence, and durable skills needed to become Tomorrow Ready learners and leaders.
At Stephen Decatur Elementary, STEM learning will inspire students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve real-world problems through hands-on inquiry and technology-rich instruction. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across all content areas, students will engage in authentic learning experiences that strengthen literacy, creativity, communication, and innovation. Our one-to-one iPad environment and blended learning approach will provide individualized opportunities for growth while preparing students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Guided by Decatur Township’s values of Respect, Teamwork, and Excellence, Stephen Decatur Elementary will cultivate a culture where all learners feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their highest potential. Students will develop resilience, perseverance, and leadership through collaborative projects, extended learning opportunities, and enrichment experiences that encourage curiosity and discovery. Through High Ability clusters, inclusive co-teaching practices, and support for multilingual learners and students with exceptional needs, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to rigorous and engaging STEM learning for every student.
As a community-connected school, Stephen Decatur Elementary will continue building strong partnerships with families, Community in Schools, and local organizations to support the whole child and create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. By connecting academic learning to real-life applications and community impact, students will become compassionate problem solvers, responsible citizens, and innovative thinkers prepared for future success in school, career, and life.
What makes our STEM program stand out
Inspiring Future Innovators Through STARBASE
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Decatur Township elementary students participate in immersive, hands-on STEM learning experiences through the district’s partnership with STARBASE Indianapolis. Students engage in engineering design challenges, molecular modeling, scientific investigations, CAD activities, and collaborative problem-solving experiences that bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life in meaningful ways.
This partnership helps students build creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. Through engaging STEM opportunities, Decatur Township is inspiring curiosity and preparing students with the durable skills needed for future success in school, careers, and beyond.
Cross-Curricular STEAM
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All students are engaged in STEAM experiences that connect science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through hands-on, cross-curricular learning. Students explore scientific concepts through creative design, build prototypes using a variety of tools and materials, investigate real-world problems through experimentation and data collection, and develop technology skills through collaborative projects.
These experiences encourage creativity, communication, critical thinking, and innovation while helping students make meaningful connections across subjects. By integrating the arts alongside STEM learning, Decatur Township empowers students to explore, create, and problem-solve in ways that prepare them for future success both inside and outside the classroom.
Robotics Club
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Decatur Township elementary students have opportunities to engage in hands-on robotics experiences that inspire creativity, innovation, and teamwork while building foundational STEM skills. Through robotics clubs, engineering activities, coding experiences, and VEX IQ competitions, students explore computer engineering, problem-solving, and technology in exciting and meaningful ways.
These experiences help students develop critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and communication skills while introducing them to future career pathways in STEM fields. By providing students with opportunities to design, build, program, and compete, Decatur Township’s elementary robotics programs empower young learners to become confident creators, innovators, and problem-solvers prepared for tomorrow’s world.
Stephen Decatur Elementary School is part of MSD Decatur Township, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school serves approximately 496 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, offering a welcoming and engaging learning environment for students and families. Stephen Decatur Elementary is committed to supporting academic growth, collaboration, and student success while creating a positive school culture where all learners are encouraged to explore, achieve, and thrive.