Group of teachers holding plaques.

The Lake County School Board recognized several schools this week for their achievements in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) instruction.

 

To qualify as a STEAM or STEM School, schools must prepare a portfolio showcasing their efforts and provide evidence that they have met the criteria.

 

Elementary schools must have a STEAM collaborative team; provide problem-based learning experiences that integrate STEAM at all grade levels, practice for and participate in a STEAM Bowl competition, participate in the school and district Science and Engineering Fair, and host a school-based STEAM Night.

 

Schools earning the Gold STEAM School designation have achieved all of these requirements with full participation from all of their students in grades 3-5 science projects.

 

Like elementary schools, the middle and high schools must provide problem-based learning experiences that integrate STEAM at all grade levels in order to qualify as a STEAM School. They must participate in a STEAM-related competition such as the Mathlympics at Lake-Sumter State College, Mathcounts, or STEAM Bowl. They also must host a school science fair and a STEAM  Family Night with displays, presentations, and hands-on activities aligned to content standards.

 

Qualifying schools are recognized at three levels:

  • Gold level schools met and exceeded all expectations of STEAM instruction in their school, and provided evidence of culturally embedded STEAM instruction school-wide and in each classroom.

  • Silver level schools met most of the expectations in their school and are actively working toward culturally embedded STEAM instruction.

  • Bronze level schools met some of the expectations and are in the beginning stages of integrating STEAM instruction in their school.

 

Congratulations to the 2025-26 STEAM Schools!

 

K-5 Gold STEAM Schools:

  • Astatula Elementary

  • Beverly Shores Elementary

     

  • Cypress Ridge Elementary

  • Eustis Elementary

  • Fruitland Park Elementary

  • Grassy Lake Elementary

  • Groveland Elementary

  • Lost Lake Elementary

  • Rimes Early Learning Center (K-2)

  • Sawgrass Bay Elementary

  • Seminole Springs Elementary

  • Sorrento Elementary

  • Triangle Elementary

 

K-5 Gold STEM:

  • Umatilla Elementary

 

K-5 Silver STEAM:

  • Eustis Heights Elementary

 

K-5 Silver STEM:

  • Treadway Elementary

 

K-8 Gold STEAM:

  • Minneola Horizon Academy

  • Imagine South Lake Charter

  • Spring Creek Charter

 

Middle Gold STEAM:

  • East Ridge Middle School

  • Eustis Middle School

  • Gray Middle School

  • Mount Dora Middle School

  • Tavares Middle School

  • Windy Hill Middle School

 

High School Gold STEAM:

  • East Ridge High School

  • Mount Dora High School

  • South Lake High School

Teachers standing holding plaquesTeachers standing holding plaquesTeachers standing holding plaques