District News

STEM at Boren!

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
for elementary students at Boren School

Introducing K-5 STEM at Boren School!

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

These fields are key to students’ academic success. They are also the underpinnings of modern life, with many future career opportunities in a wide variety of exciting fields.

Starting in September 2012, Boren School in West Seattle will be reopened as a STEM Option School for grades K-5. Any interested student in Seattle who will be in grades K through 5 in September 2012 can apply to attend. School bus transportation will be available for students who live within West Seattle.

The new K-5 STEM at Boren will provide an engaging and challenging science- and technology-based learning environment for elementary age students. Families have already asked about STEM pathways to middle and high school, and we will be exploring options for STEM opportunities in middle school and high school.

Because STEM at Boren will be an option program, it will be open to any student in Seattle who will be entering grades K through 5 in September 2012. School bus transportation will be provided within West Seattle. Families who wish to apply to K-5 STEM at Boren can do so during the district’s Open Enrollment process from February 27 through March 9, 2012. Families can also apply after Open Enrollment through September 30. School Choice forms will be available online beginning February 27.  

How can I learn more about K-5 STEM at Boren?

To learn more about STEM at Boren, please contact Dr. Catherine Thompson, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, at cthompson@seattleschools.org.

To learn more about STEM issues in general, please visit Washington STEM.

Why study STEM?

STEM is engaging and interactive. The STEM fields are a natural fit for elementary age students who have incredible imagination and natural curiosity about the world and how it works.

STEM helps students succeed. Mastering STEM subjects in elementary school will give students the basic technological, scientific and mathematical literacy they will need to succeed in middle school, high school, and college.

STEM helps students prepare for the future. Washington State is increasingly becoming a high tech economy. Students who have the skills to become scientists, technology experts, engineers, and mathematicians will be prepared for the exciting economies and careers of the future. 

Source: International Technology Education Association, “STEM: It’s Elementary Too!” Vol. 14, Number 1, September 2009.