The STEAD School in Commerce City, Colorado, opened its doors in 2021 to its first 9th-grade class, offering students a unique educational experience focused on science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and design. The campus features agriculture elements such as a greenhouse and farm, with pathways in animal science, plant science, environmental science, and food science.
Principal Amie Weldy emphasizes that while the school integrates agriculture, its main goal is to prepare students for a variety of careers by teaching a range of skills, including writing and communication. Students work on projects throughout the year, culminating in community exhibitions.
The school has seen its founding students now become the first seniors, with many citing the hands-on and project-based learning approach as valuable. The school aims to place 60-75% of its seniors in internships across different industries.
The campus has expanded from one building to three classroom buildings, a greenhouse, and a seed and soil lab. Students grow food in these facilities, which is then used in the cafeteria or sold at the STEAD market, where students can learn entrepreneurship skills.
Despite its growth, the school lacked a natural grass field for sports, which is now under construction thanks to a grant from Adams County. The addition of this field is expected to enhance the physical education and sports experience for students, as well as serve as a gathering place for community events.
The STEAD School has received praise for its partnerships with the community and Adams County, with plans for further growth and development in the future. Senior students express mixed emotions about graduating before seeing the school fully finished, but are excited for new students to benefit from the evolving campus.
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