Explore, Create, and Excel
Innovate and Lead
Building the next generation of innovators
Our STEM Strength comes through our unparalleled opportunities for students to push beyond the traditional classroom and immerse themselves in cutting-edge fields. Through dynamic, hands-on experiences in Robotics, Aviation, and the prestigious NASA Tech Rise Student Challenge, students can explore their passions and build a powerful foundation for the future.
These programs are designed to challenge participants to apply complex concepts to real-world problems, whether they’re engineering a competitive robot, mastering the principles of flight, or designing an experiment destined for suborbital space research. By tackling these ambitious projects, students not only sharpen their tech and engineering skills but also develop crucial life skills in leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking, preparing them to become the next generation of innovators.
Pilot | Airspace | Flight Training
Aviation
Students build a solid foundation in flight fundamentals, aircraft systems, navigation, weather, and aviation regulations—core knowledge for aspiring pilots.
The course blends classroom instruction with hands-on activities and a Discovery Flight with a licensed instructor, where students take off, fly, and land an actual aircraft. It also introduces the key topics covered on the FAA Private Pilot Ground School exam, making it an inspiring and practical first step toward a pilot’s license.
Principles of flight and aerodynamics Aircraft instruments and systems
Students explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics while gaining hands-on understanding of aircraft instruments and onboard systems.
Airspace and flight planning
Students learn how airspace is structured and develop practical skills in flight planning, including navigation, routing, and safety considerations.
Meteorology and weather interpretation
Students study meteorology and learn how to interpret weather patterns, forecasts, and conditions to make informed and safe aviation decisions.
FAA regulations and air traffic control Aviation decision-making and safety
Students gain a working understanding of FAA regulations and air traffic control while developing strong decision-making skills focused on safety, risk management, and real-world aviation scenarios.
Engineering | Planning | Leadership
Robotics
Our Upper School Robotics program goes beyond building robots—it’s a real-world team experience blending engineering, programming, and business.
Students design, code, and test competition-ready robots while managing budgets, securing sponsors, and representing STEM in the community. Through 3D modeling, Java programming, and maintaining a professional engineering portfolio, students develop practical skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for future success in STEM.
Hands-on, real-world learning:
Students design, build, and test competition-ready robots from the ground up
Integrated STEM + business experience:
Students combine engineering, coding, budgeting, and sponsor outreach to build both technical expertise and real-world experience.
Industry-relevant skills:
Students use industry tools like 3D modeling (Fusion 360), Java programming, and system design to develop real-world technical skills.
Portfolio-driven outcomes:
Students document their work in an engineering notebook, building a strong showcase for competitions and future opportunities
NASA | Engineering | Competition
Tech Rise
Design, build, and launch a real science experiment aboard a high-altitude balloon reaching the stratosphere. Our team investigated radiation—one of space exploration’s greatest challenges and a critical obstacle for long-duration spaceflight.
Working directly with NASA Outreach Engineers through weekly mentorship sessions, students gained hands-on experience in engineering, project management, and collaboration while contributing to real-world scientific research. This isn’t a simulation—it’s an authentic connection to the space industry, turning a hypothesis into a high-flying experiment.
Launch a Real Experiment
Students design, build, and send a science experiment to the stratosphere using a high-altitude balloon
Tackle Real-World Challenges
Focused on radiation in space, students explore one of the biggest obstacles in human space exploration
Mentorship from NASA Engineers
Weekly guidance from NASA Outreach Engineers connects students directly to the space industry
Build Future-Ready Skills
Students develop engineering, project management, and collaboration skills through hands-on research
You Have Questions? We Have Answers
Igniting the Next Generation of Innovators
At the heart of our educational philosophy lies a commitment to transforming students from passive learners into active creators and problem-solvers. Our dynamic
suite of STEM programs is designed to do just that, providing hands-on, minds-on experiences that extend far beyond the textbook. In recognition of this excellence, we have been ranked #1 in STEM by Niche.com—a testament to our unparalleled commitment to preparing students for the future.
We move beyond theory to immerse students in the real-world challenges of Rocketry, Robotics, NASA TechRise, Aviation, and competitive Science Fairs. Each project is a launchpad for developing the essential skills that define tomorrow’s leaders.
Our Pillars of Excellence
Every project is built upon a foundation of core goals that prepare students for success in any field:
Creativity & Critical Thinking:
We challenge students to design novel solutions, whether it’s programming a robot to navigate a complex obstacle or designing a rocket’s payload for a unique mission. There is no single “right answer,” only the best solution they can engineer.
Collaboration & Communication:
Our students learn to work as a cohesive team, mirroring professional engineering and research environments. They articulate their ideas, delegate tasks, and present their findings with clarity and confidence to peers and judges.
A Growth Mindset & Interdisciplinary Integration:
We celebrate “failure” as a vital step in the learning process. A rocket that doesn’t launch perfectly or a code that fails is an opportunity to learn, iterate, and improve. Our programs naturally blend physics, mathematics, computer science, and design, showing students how knowledge connects in the real world.
Societal Impact & Service:
We empower students to see themselves as agents of change. From developing robotics solutions for community challenges to designing aviation tech for environmental monitoring or conducting research with real-world implications for Science Fairs, our students learn that STEM is a powerful tool for service.