Welcome to stem school highlands ranch
Academics
At STEM School Highlands Ranch, our approach to academics goes beyond traditional education. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of curiosity, innovation, and analytical thinking that equips our students to navigate and excel in the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.
Elementary School
See Elementary School Academics
Middle School
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High School
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Curriculum Driven
by Innovation
Our curriculum is grounded in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and enhanced by STEM+ experiences that include music, arts, theater, foreign languages, and more. Every student is empowered to take ownership of their learning, discovering their potential to make an impact in the world.
what makes us different
PROBLEM-BASED
LEARNING
Learn By Solving Everyday Problems.
Solving meaningful problems is at the heart of our education. Our innovative curriculum goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to creatively tackle real-world challenges through hands-on projects like building robots and designing sustainable communities. This collaborative approach empowers students to make a positive impact on the world.
Real-World
Application
Innovate Beyond The Classroom.
We are a globally-minded school committed to positive change and continuous innovation. Our ethos of “Never Stop Innovating” drives us to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge through industry partnerships, community projects, student showcases, and extracurricular activities, ensuring they make a meaningful impact in the world.
Personalized
Pathways
A Tailored Learning Experience.
We celebrate diversity and ignite a passion for learning in every student. Our adaptable pathways enable students to explore their unique strengths, pursue individual goals, and connect with the STEM community. With opportunities for advanced classes, college credit, and technical credentials, we support each student’s personalized journey to thrive and succeed at their own pace.
Whole-Child
Development
Nurturing The Whole Student.
We nurture the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—preparing them for success in the real world, both academically and socially. Our approach includes wellness programs and social-emotional learning, complemented by STEM+ opportunities that encompass athletics, the arts, and a variety of enrichment activities. These experiences equip students with the resilience, creativity, and social skills needed to thrive in all aspects of life.
Problem-Based Learning
Our unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model places students at the center of the learning process, engaging them with real-world challenges that require innovative solutions. Rather than simply completing projects, students delve into unsolved problems and apply their knowledge to create actionable solutions. This method fosters critical thinking, peer collaboration, and creativity while integrating technology and cross-disciplinary knowledge. By focusing on unsolved problems and encouraging action, our students develop as engaged citizens and future leaders.
How Problem-based Learning Works
Students investigate real-world problems, ask meaningful questions, and find resources to build their understanding.
They engage in a rigorous process of developing and refining solutions, reflecting on feedback from peers and educators.
Solutions are shared with a broader audience, often taking action beyond the classroom to create meaningful impact.
Standards-Based Learning
We are committed to providing a clear and accurate measure of student learning and progress through Standards-Based Learning and Reporting. This approach moves away from traditional grading systems, which often mix academic performance with behavioral factors, making it difficult to understand a student’s true mastery of content.
With Standards-Based Learning, we focus on the mastery of essential content. Students receive clear feedback on their progress toward meeting specific learning goals, allowing them to focus on their growth and understanding rather than chasing points. This system fosters a deeper connection to learning and helps students understand where they excel and where they can improve.
Key Benefits of Standards-Based Learning:
Provides a clearer picture of student growth and achievement.
Focuses on mastery of essential skills and knowledge.
Encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey.
Problem-based learning in action
Walk down any hall at STEM School Highlands Ranch, and you’ll witness innovation in action. Our classrooms buzz with the energy of students applying what they’ve learned in creative, interdisciplinary ways. Here are some examples of how our curriculum comes to life:
High School History Meets
Artificial Intelligence
Students in a history class learn about World War I by creating AI models of historical leaders, such as Kaiser Wilhelm II and Woodrow Wilson. They combine research, artistic design, and computer programming to bring these historical figures to life.
Original
Music Composition
Music students use professional sound and editing software like Ableton Live to write, compose, and perform original works, combining technical skills with creative expression.
Virtual Reality
Holocaust Museums
Seventh-grade students integrate social studies, art, music, and computer science to create VR Holocaust museums. Using Blender, Unity, and UnReal Engine 3D software, they bring history to life through immersive virtual environments.
Elementary School
Coding
Even our youngest learners are engaged in innovative problem-solving, combining computer coding, language arts, and mathematics to create interactive projects that build foundational skills
in STEM disciplines.
STEM+ Program
Music, Creative Arts, Theater & Foreign Languages
Through our STEM+ approach, we offer a well-rounded curriculum that integrates core STEM principles into every subject, including the arts, humanities, and languages, fostering an interdisciplinary learning experience.
Stem+ In Action
Music &
Technology
Students compose original music pieces using advanced digital tools and professional audio software, merging artistic creativity with technical expertise.
Theater &
Engineering
Theater productions involve designing and building stage sets using engineering concepts, offering students hands-on opportunities to bring performances to life.
Visual Arts
& Innovation
Art students explore the intersection of technology and design, utilizing digital platforms to create, edit, and showcase their work, blending artistic expression with modern tools.
Global Perspectives in Language Learning
Our foreign language programs go beyond language skills to promote cultural understanding and global awareness, preparing students to communicate and collaborate in a globalized world.
Support
Student Support Services
Academic and career Advising
Counselors for each of our schools are available for students and families to answer questions and assist with any academic, college, and career questions.
Social and emotional support
We provide personalized support for gifted and talented students, offering advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities, and tailored resources to challenge and nurture their unique abilities.
Gifted and Talented
STEM School provides personalized support for gifted and talented students, offering advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities, and tailored resources to challenge and nurture their unique abilities.
Special Education
the stem difference
Career Discovery Programs
STEM School Highlands Ranch offers the first-of-its-kind Career Discovery Program in Colorado, providing students with hands-on learning experiences alongside industry professionals. Through this program, students in grades 9-12 can explore their interests, develop real-world skills, and build relationships with experts in fields like technology, healthcare, engineering, and more.
College
Credit
At STEM, high school students have access to an extensive selection of Concurrent Enrollment (CE) courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. Our partnerships with Arapahoe Community College, Metro State University, and UC-Denver provide students the opportunity to work toward an associate degree as early as freshman year, with automatic transfer eligibility to Colorado colleges.
P-TECH
Program
Our pathways are enhanced by opportunities to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through P-TECH, in partnership with Arapahoe Community College. Students can graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in Robotics Automation, Cybersecurity, or Game Design, giving them a head start on college and careers—all with no tuition cost.
Internships &
Apprenticeships
Available for students in grades 11 and 12, the Innovative Learning Opportunities Pilot (ILOP) program allow students to earn course credits while gaining valuable industry experience. Internships can take place during the summer or school year, and STEM provides flexible scheduling to accommodate students participating in these programs.
Our Staff
Meet the Teacher support team
Michelle Gasser
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Kathy Dwyer
Instructional Specialist
Carrisa Elliott
Instructional Specialist
Mackenzie Harper
PBL Specialist
BECOME A STEM SCHOOL SPARTAN
Join us as we combine academic excellence with curiosity, playful imagination, and an appetite for solving real-world challenges.