STEM Focus

STEM education includes every field under the umbrella of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. There is some debate in the STEM community about the advantages of including arts in that lineup as a means of stressing creativity and innovation in these fields. Skyline Math and Science Academy plans to take this approach and will incorporate arts alongside STEM subjects in its curriculum to raise and spark students’ creativity and innovation.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has said, “Everyone has a stake in improving STEM

education. Inspiring all our students to be capable in math and science will help them contribute

in an increasingly technology-based economy, and will also help America prepare the next generation of STEM professionals—scientists, engineers, architects and technology professionals—to ensure our competitiveness.” However, students need qualified, enthusiastic teachers to teach them the essential building blocks of STEM subjects. Teachers at Skyline Math and Science Academy will bring these subjects to students with passion and excitement and spark students’ interest in STEM subjects.


Learning in the elementary years sets the foundation for later academic success. The chosen curricula provide content standards, rigorous academic content with goals, and excellent resources for engagement in learning. Each curriculum provides a set of tools and resources to help teachers develop differentiation strategies based on student skill levels, and each is designed so that the cognitive demands on students are appropriate for their developing abilities. Like other high-performing elementary charter schools nationally, Skyline Math and Science Academy will use differentiated instruction and technologically enhanced online learning. All of the chosen curricula align with the Minnesota Academic Standards. Below are descriptions of Skyline Math and Science Academy’s plans for the four core curricular areas plus the arts. Supplemental curricula for Special Education and for English Learners will be developed as well, ensuring that these students also are able to access learning linked to state academic standards. There is greater detail regarding reading and math; the other elements of the program will be further outlined and all needed elements put in place, during the planning year.