Sherman Thomas STEM Academy aims to complement the efforts of Sherman Thomas Charter School and Madera Unified School District by offering an educational model driven by the conviction that students, in order to be prepared for the 21st century workplace, must be problem solvers. Building upon a strong foundation of language and math proficiencies, students need to practice discovery through scientific inquiry and employ current technology. When students engage with the local community, with those adults who are productive members of the workforce of today, they see not only trends on the horizon but excellent models of professionalism. Sherman Thomas STEM Academy fosters an expectation that students will soon enter that workforce capably, with a strong work ethic and the skills and drive to continue learning throughout their lives.
In 2017, Sherman Thomas Charter Schools took another bold step forward with the establishment of the Sherman Thomas STEM Academy. Catering to students in grades 6th-8th, this academy focused on providing a specialized curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The goal was to ignite a passion for these critical fields, preparing students for the growing demands of the STEM-centric job market.
The addition of the STEM Academy further enhanced Sherman Thomas Charter Schools’ reputation for innovation and responsiveness to emerging educational trends. The schools continued to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of education while maintaining their core values of academic excellence, student empowerment, and community engagement.
Free and Public Education Choice for Madera
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Many careers involve work in these specific fields, and students today are facing a competitive job market where problem solvers have the upper hand.
At Sherman Thomas STEM Academy, we integrate a problem solving mindset in all areas of study. An inquiry approach to learning puts students in control of their own critical thinking development. Collaboration with peers encourages communication and project management skills. Learning habits of professionalism enhances the presentation of student work. All of these are talents highly sought after in today’s work force.
Sherman Thomas STEM Academy sets students up for success throughout and beyond high school. We recognize that technological advances are driving our community, touching all of our lives at home and in the workplace. Students entering high school today learn far beyond “the basics” and find that literacy is not limited to ABC’s and 123’s. Becoming “literate” in today’s world means not only reading about it, but connecting what you read to other subjects and circumstances.
The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Opening students’ eyes to career opportunities is at the heart of Sherman Thomas STEM Academy. While learning about the world around them, students begin to explore their interests and direct their futures.
Our program schedule is unique in that we operate a slightly longer day (8:00 am–3:30 pm) Monday through Thursday, and then have a half day (8:00 am–12:00 pm) on Friday. This half-day is dedicated to exploring careers and “getting our hands dirty” with projects in the following ways: Inviting Madera businesses into our school to share about their industry, including educational requirements to enter their field
To learn how you, as a parent, can be involved, go to our Parent Involvement page.
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