Welcome to the vibrant world of Laura Jeffrey Academy (LJA), where STEM isn't just a class; it's a mindset, a culture, and a way of life. At LJA, we've distilled our STEM philosophy into guiding principles that serve as the compass for our students' educational journey. Let's take a peek into the beating heart of LJA's STEM-focused education and witness the transformation happening within our middle school walls.

Nurturing Curiosity and Wonderment: Cultivating Inquisitive Minds

Picture this: a school where curiosity isn't just allowed; it's celebrated. At LJA, we've created an environment that nurtures curiosity and wonderment in every scholar. In our hallways, you'll find young minds:

• Paying attention to immediate, local, and global environments.

• Constantly asking questions about their world.

• Seeking out new experiences and ideas different from their own.

• Making connections between topics and their own lives.

Imagine students who don't just learn to absorb information but actively seek it out. LJA is a place where the joy of learning is infectious, and complexity is embraced. Our scholars love the challenge of unanswered questions, and find joy in the pursuit of knowledge.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Shaping Thought Leaders

At LJA, critical thinking isn't an elective; it's a way of engaging with the world. We challenge our students to think deeply and analytically, developing skills that go beyond the STEM classroom. Our scholars are becoming adept at:

• Gathering evidence/data from multiple sources & perspectives

• Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant evidence/data

• Evaluating evidence/data for reliability, credibility and validity

• Accurately interpret evidence and explain possible implications

• Analyze evidence for patterns, differences, similarities and trends.

• Make valid inferences based on the evidence and reason.

• Identify potential assumptions and/or biases in sources.

• Identify potential assumptions and/or biases in their own collection of evidence

• Synthesizing information to meet the intended purpose

In essence, LJA students aren't just passive recipients of information; they are skilled analysts. Yes, even in middle school! Our scholars are capable of digging into complex topics and navigating the complex web of data that defines our world.

Becoming Resilient Problem Solvers: A Blueprint for Success

At LJA, we don't just teach problem-solving; we instill it as a habit of scholarship. Our scholars apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, developing resilience and innovative thinking along the way. Witness the birth of habits that will shape their futures:

• Defining purpose and target audience

• Taking responsible risks

• Evaluating multiple solutions and ideas to select the best approach/product

• Revising based on feedback from peers, mentors and trials

• Learning from failure

• Looking for new questions or new information that may inform problem-solving.

• Resiliency in group work

• Responsibility toward group success (mutual responsibility) and for individual contributions (individual accountability)

LJA students don't just stop at finding solutions; they iterate, refine, and emerge as thinkers equipped to tackle challenges in any domain. That’s the power of STEM learning in action.

Principles in Practice: STEM Beyond the Classroom

STEM education principles extend far beyond the classroom walls. It's about embedding these principles into the very fabric of our scholars' lives, ensuring they carry the torch of curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving wherever they go.

At Laura Jeffrey Academy 5-8 Charter Middle School, STEM isn't just an acronym; it's a philosophy that transforms students into lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem solvers. Our scholars unlock the power of STEM to shape a future where questions are opportunities, challenges are invitations, and learning never stops. Welcome to STEM at LJA – where every question sparks a discovery, and students learn to think, dream, and do!