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STEM3 Academy: Revolutionizing Education for Students with Learning Challenges
STEM3 Academy is not your typical school. In fact, it was specifically designed to stray away from traditional educational methods. Dr. Ellis Crasnow, the school’s director, emphasizes that the focus at STEM3 is on learning rather than teaching. The students engage in hands-on experiences, projects, and activities, rather than just sitting in a classroom passively listening to lectures.
The school’s curriculum primarily revolves around STEM subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and math. Teachers at STEM3 use a “flipped classroom” model, where class time is dedicated to completing assignments and projects, while students review the next day’s lessons at home. This innovative approach aims to cater to the unique learning challenges of the students at STEM3 Academy, who have conditions like autism-spectrum disorder, Asperger’s, and ADHD.
The students at STEM3 Academy are gifted in math and science, but often struggle with social and communication skills. The school also incorporates traditional subjects like English, art, and language into its curriculum. Dr. Crasnow states that STEM3 is the nation’s only STEM-focused school for students with these specific needs. The ultimate goal of the school is to help these students realize their full potential in academics, college, and future careers in STEM fields.
STEM3 Academy is part of The Help Group, a nonprofit organization that operates 10 special-needs focused schools in the Los Angeles area. The school initially opened as a high school with 30 students in August 2015, but due to growing demand, it quickly expanded to include a middle school two months later. Currently, STEM3 Academy caters to 60 students in grades 6-12.
Approximately 75% of the students at STEM3 are placed by a district program that covers their tuition fees. For other students, tuition amounts to $35,000. The school boasts an innovation lab equipped with cutting-edge technology such as CNC machines, 3D printers, and CAD machines. Students also participate in robotics, entrepreneurship, and programming programs, often working in groups to enhance social interactions.
Dr. Crasnow highlights the importance of STEM education for students with learning challenges, citing that 34% of these students who go on to college choose STEM majors. Recognizing the potential of their students, some major companies like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman have expressed interest in collaborating with STEM3 Academy.
One parent, Terry Whiteside, shared her son Cullen’s success story at STEM3 Academy. Cullen, who has autism, excels in math and programming but faced social struggles before attending the school. Whiteside noticed a significant transformation in her son’s communication and social skills after enrolling him at STEM3 Academy. She attributed his remarkable progress to the school’s innovative teaching methods and personalized approach to education.
STEM3 Academy aims to defy the dismal statistics surrounding post-high school success for students with special needs, where 80% to 90% end up unemployed or underemployed. Dr. Crasnow envisions expanding STEM3 Academy into a K-12 institution by the end of the year, with the ultimate goal of empowering students to thrive alongside their typical peers beyond graduation.
In conclusion, STEM3 Academy stands out as a trailblazer in the field of special education, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with learning challenges to excel in STEM fields. By prioritizing hands-on learning, individualized support, and fostering social interactions, the school is shaping a brighter future for its students and challenging the status quo in education.
