Magnet Information
Cultivating student’s curiosity and creativity through inquiry-based learning,with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
The Florence E. Smith STEM School is an exemplary 21st-century learning community whose students persevere to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and learning dispositions to be responsible, productive, creative, and self-directed learners. With 21st-century skills at the heart of a STEM Education, Smith STEM School prepares all students today for the world of tomorrow no matter which career paths they follow. In addition to the district curriculum, Smith STEM School provides students with innovative learning experiences through our Habits of Mind, engineering curriculum, integration of technology, and student-centered inquiry experiences. Our inquiry-based instruction and learning empowers students by cultivating critical thinking, problem solving, perseverance and collaboration
Smith STEM students reach beyond subject areas to challenge their minds in creative ways through:
- Weekly science lab experiences led by our science teacher in the only elementary science lab in the district
- Monthly student-led assemblies highlighting our Habits of Mind, student achievements and stewardship
- Engineering is Elementary curriculum developed by the Boston Museum of Science
- STEAM PM, our free after-school enrichment classes for Grades 3-5, infuse the arts and our Habits of Mind with hands-on, memorable experiences
- Technology-rich classrooms that foster communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through engineering, coding, and robotics experiences
- Signature STEM experiences in Grades K-5 offer students engaging opportunities to apply their learning and expand their knowledge base
- A math specialist who supports meaningful mathematics instruction that fosters student independence and allows students to construct their conceptual understanding to solve real-world problems by applying mathematical ideas
- Bits and Bytes Computer Club led by the Conard High School for fourth-grade students
- Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics in Grades 1-5 to encourage applied thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making
- Yearly after-school Family STEM Night for families with engaging, interactive experiences for all ages
- Computer Coding and Computer Science experiences at each grade level
- Suzuki violin lessons in Pre-K to Grade 3
- Full-day NAEYC accredited inquiry-based Pre-K
- Long-standing partnerships with local, educational organizations such as the Connecticut Science Center, Forest Park Zoo, the Children’s Museum, and Roaring Brook Nature Center
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply to magnet schools?
- Where can I apply?
- May we apply to both magnet schools?
- If my child gets into a magnet school, will we have to go through the lottery again the next year?
- I live in the Charter Oak or Smith neighborhood. Do I need to apply to the lottery?
- If we have one child currently enrolled in a magnet school as a magnet student, will his/her brother or sister get in as well?
- Is transportation provided to the magnet schools?
- What if my child doesn’t get into a magnet school through the lottery?
Who can apply to magnet schools?
Where can I apply?
May we apply to both magnet schools?
If my child gets into a magnet school, will we have to go through the lottery again the next year?
I live in the Charter Oak or Smith neighborhood. Do I need to apply to the lottery?
If we have one child currently enrolled in a magnet school as a magnet student, will his/her brother or sister get in as well?
Is transportation provided to the magnet schools?
What if my child doesn’t get into a magnet school through the lottery?
