Spring ISD is taking bold steps to prepare students for the future by launching STEM-focused learning at Reynolds, Clark, Thompson, and Heritage Elementary schools—building a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving starting in kindergarten. These campuses are leading the way in making science, technology, engineering, and math a core part of everyday learning.
What makes this initiative different is its hands-on, project-based approach. Students aren’t just learning about science and math—they’re building, designing, coding, and collaborating every day. Maker spaces are coming to life with Smart Rover robots and other technologies. Thanks to a partnership with ExxonMobil, robotics teams are fully funded, with all the tools and support they need to compete—including t-shirts and transportation. At Heritage Elementary, a new robotics team already made waves by participating in three competitions and leading their first-ever STEM Day.
The curriculum driving this work is Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized STEM program now available across these schools thanks to grant funding. From coding to engineering challenges, students are diving deep into real-world learning. One student from Reynolds Elementary summed it up best: “Mr. Livingston, I feel like Iron Man.”
STEM learning is also taking shape in creative ways across the district. Clark Elementary School has seen increased student engagement since implementing STEM, and plans to place dedicated STEM teachers in upper grades. At Thompson Elementary School, students are seeing math and science everywhere—from a new science lab to outdoor learning spaces with vocabulary pillars and a multiplication grid. Schools are also adding clubs like chess, gardening, and Science Olympiad to keep the momentum going.
Family engagement remains at the center. Even when rain moved Telescope Night indoors at Reynolds Elementary School, families still turned out to build telescopes and explore the stars together.
“When families are part of this type of learning experience, it amplifies everything,” said Dr. Eric Tingle, Spring ISD Director of Strategic Innovation. “Events like Telescope Night create meaningful moments where students and their families explore, discover, and grow together. It’s how we build a culture of innovation that extends beyond the classroom and into our community.”
Teachers are being supported every step of the way, with training and resources to help bring these lessons to life. And with strong community partnerships, the district is building a sustainable path forward. Whether it’s branding schools as STEM campuses or sharing best practices through a districtwide STEM playbook, the energy is growing—and it’s contagious.
This is more than just a program. It’s a movement to make science, technology, engineering, and math a daily part of learning—and a natural part of every child’s future.
To learn more or to enroll your child in one of Spring ISD’s new STEM-focused elementary schools, visit www.choosespring.org.