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.
Exploring Possibilities
At Washington Upper Elementary, students in grades 5–6 are building a strong foundation for future success through engaging and future-ready learning experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. Through the Kids at Hope Destinations framework, students explore key areas of their future, including education and careers, community and service, home and family, and hobbies and recreation. This process helps students begin imagining the lives they want to build and understand how learning today connects to their goals.
Future-focused learning comes to life through an annual Career Day, where students engage with community professionals from a wide range of industries. Students learn how STEM skills are used in real careers, ask questions about pathways and training, and gain insight into emerging fields. These experiences empower students to dream big, build confidence, and develop a future-focused mindset as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
Engineering Every Day
Washington Upper Elementary delivers powerful, hands-on STEM learning through a structured, daily STEM rotation model that immerses students in real-world problem solving and engineering design. Fifth-grade students build a strong foundation through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) modules, exploring engineering, technology, and design thinking through interactive challenges. In sixth grade, students advance into a daily STEM rotation that integrates PLTW Automation and Robotics with an emphasis on microelectronics, giving students consistent, high-impact exposure to advanced STEM concepts.
Through this immersive model, students design, build, test, and refine solutions using real tools and engineering processes. They develop confidence in computational thinking, robotics, and electronics while strengthening collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By engaging in STEM learning every day, Washington Upper Elementary is preparing students to enter secondary STEM pathways with strong technical skills and a deep understanding of engineering and technology.
Engineering with Purpose
Washington Upper Elementary brings robotics to life for students in grades 5–6 through its dynamic VEX IQ Robotics program. Students design, build, and program robots while developing engineering, coding, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, team-based challenges. As they prepare for competition and showcase events, students learn to think critically, test ideas, and refine their designs using the engineering design process.
Beyond the robot, students grow as leaders and community contributors. Robotics teams participate in a variety of service opportunities, using their skills to support school and community initiatives. The program culminates in a district-wide Robotics Showcase each May, where students proudly demonstrate their robots, coding skills, and engineering solutions for families, educators, and community partners. Together, these experiences build confidence, collaboration, and a passion for innovation, preparing students for 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 Upper Elementary School
Washington Upper Elementary School is part of the Washington Community Schools district, located in Washington, Indiana. The school serves approximately 350 students in grades 5 and 6, fostering a supportive and engaging learning community. Washington Upper Elementary is dedicated to building strong academic foundations, promoting student confidence, and encouraging a love of learning.
What STEM means at Washington Upper Elementary School
At Washington Upper Elementary School, STEM learning is a powerful tool for uncovering potential and preparing every student for future success. Aligned with the mission of Washington Community Schools and grounded in the Kids at Hope philosophy, STEM at Upper Elementary reflects our unwavering belief that every child is capable of success, without exception.
Our STEM direction focuses on exploration, skill development, and confidence-building as students prepare for the transition to junior high. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, students engage in meaningful problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These experiences help students apply knowledge, take ownership of their learning, and build the perseverance needed to face new challenges with confidence.
Washington Upper Elementary is a community of “treasure hunters,” committed to identifying and nurturing the unique talents within every student. STEM learning supports this work by providing opportunities for creativity, innovation, and discovery while reinforcing academic, social, and emotional growth. Students learn to communicate effectively, work productively with others, and reflect on their growth as learners and emerging leaders.
Our supportive and engaging environment encourages students to explore ideas, test solutions, and learn from both success and challenge. STEM experiences are intentionally designed to help students develop independence, resilience, and a strong sense of self as learners, skills that are essential for success in junior high and beyond.
By fostering confidence, competence, and curiosity, Washington Upper Elementary School’s STEM direction ensures students are prepared for the next steps in their educational journey. Students leave Upper Elementary equipped with the skills, mindset, and belief in themselves needed to thrive at Washington Junior High School and continue growing as capable, resilient learners.
