What STEM means at Washington Primary School
At Washington Primary School, STEM learning begins with belief in the limitless potential of every child. Rooted in the Kids at Hope philosophy and aligned with the mission of Washington Community Schools, STEM at the primary level nurtures curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning while laying the foundation for future success.
Our STEM direction emphasizes exploration, wonder, and hands-on discovery. Young learners are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and try new ideas in a safe and supportive environment. Through play-based and inquiry-rich experiences, students begin developing early problem-solving skills, communication, and perseverance while learning that mistakes are part of growth.
Washington Primary School is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. STEM learning supports both academic development and social-emotional growth by helping students build self-confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Children learn to work together, listen to others, and take pride in their efforts as they begin their educational journey.
Strong partnerships with families are central to our work. Through consistent communication and shared commitment, Washington Primary School creates meaningful connections between home and school. STEM experiences help families see learning come alive as students bring curiosity, excitement, and new ideas home each day.
By fostering a love of learning, strong character, and early foundational skills, Washington Primary School’s STEM direction prepares students for continued growth at Washington Intermediate School and beyond. Students leave primary school confident, curious, and ready, equipped with the mindset and skills needed to imagine, achieve, and master their learning journey.
What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
Dream Big from Day One
At Washington Primary School, students in kindergarten and first grade begin exploring their futures through joyful, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and imagination. Through the Kids at Hope Destinations framework, students are introduced to big ideas about their future, including education and careers, community and service, home and family, and hobbies and recreation. This approach helps students begin dreaming about who they want to become and understand how learning connects to their goals.
Future-focused learning comes alive through signature events such as Touch a Truck and the Teddy Bear Clinic, where students explore careers in technology, engineering, and healthcare in fun and age-appropriate ways. At Touch a Truck, students meet professionals and explore vehicles and equipment powered by microelectronics and modern technology. At the Teddy Bear Clinic, students step into the role of doctors and nurses while learning about medical careers and caring for others. Led by high school student presenters, these experiences create powerful mentorship moments and show young learners what is possible. Together, these early career connections help Washington Primary students build confidence, curiosity, and excitement for their future learning journey.
Learning by Doing
At Washington Primary School, students in kindergarten and first grade experience STEM through joyful, hands-on discovery in a dedicated STEM special and lab environment. Using age-appropriate Project Lead The Way (PLTW)modules, students explore science, technology, engineering, and math through playful building, experimenting, and problem-solving activities that build curiosity and confidence.
A key focus of the program is early exposure to microelectronics, helping young learners understand how technology powers the world around them. Through simple circuits, interactive tools, and guided exploration, students begin discovering how electronics, coding, and engineering shape everyday life. By making STEM tangible and fun from the very start of their educational journey, Washington Primary is building a strong foundation for future innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers.
Little Engineers in Action
At Washington Primary School, even our youngest learners are becoming engineers through an exciting early robotics pathway. Kindergarten students begin their journey with LEGO Discover, where they explore building, problem-solving, and teamwork through playful, hands-on challenges. In first grade, students advance to LEGO Explore, designing and coding simple models while developing foundational skills in engineering and computational thinking.
This growing robotics experience culminates in a district-wide Robotics Showcase each May, where students proudly share their creations with families, educators, and community partners. Students can also extend their learning through the school’s after-school STEM Club, which offers even more opportunities to build, create, and innovate. Together, these experiences build confidence, curiosity, and a love for STEM, laying the groundwork for future success in the district’s full K–12 robotics pathway.
Our Current STEM Focus
Our mission is to help schools define, grow, and share powerful STEM programs that align with local needs while meeting global standards. Indiana STEM exists to remove the roadblocks to certification and provide schools with a strategic partner committed to lasting, student-centered growth.
Washington Primary School
Washington Primary School is part of the Washington Community Schools district, located in Washington, Indiana. The school serves approximately 488 students in Kindergarten and 1st grade, providing a strong foundation for early learning. Washington Primary is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports academic growth and social-emotional development.
