Who We Are:

Portsmouth STEM Academy is a new private, non-profit K-8 Ohio school opening in Portsmouth for the 2014-2015 school year. We offer a robust curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and math, while still providing a full program in liberal arts, international cultures, and foreign language (Spanish and Mandarin). We will also be opening the High School Academy in a second phase.

Environment:

We believe children deserve a learning center focused on their intellectual, emotional, and physical needs, not those of adults. Schools should be exciting worlds of exploration, guiding students through what they need to know, and encouraging them to excel in the realms that most appeal to them individually. We believe in learning by coaching, hands-on practice, and experimentation.

Structure:

We provide a collaborative, open-classroom environment, with learning groups based on student achievement levels within each course of study. Every student should work at their level of understanding, whether above or below their grade in different content areas. We foster student collaboration and mentorship through long-term group projects and student-led activities.

Academic Calendar:

We operate on a year-round trimester, coinciding with the Shawnee State University academic calendar. Fall and Winter trimesters are supplemented with a unique and fun Summer trimester that blends enrichment and special projects, including transportation to and from age-appropriate sports, music, fine and performing arts, science fair projects, tech camps, and more. Each trimester is separated by a 2-week intersession break.

Curriculum:

STEM represents Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. However, our quality liberal arts program features an integrated curriculum that is not limited to those subjects. We offer a rich education in reading, literature, grammar, writing, art, music, theatre, world cultures, government, history, critical thinking, research, debate, physical education, Spanish, Mandarin, math, puzzles, sciences, robotics, engineering, and computers. Download a copy of our daily schedule to see what a typical student day will be like.