Forest Heights STEM Academy Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Named a distinguished school for STEM and career learning program
Little Rock, AR – Forest Heights STEM Academy announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW GatewayTM. It is one of just 148 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
“To be the only school is Central Arkansas recognized is an honor and a privilege. This recognition shows that our students are receiving the best STEM curriculum and instruction in Central Arkansas. Our students, teachers, and parents are phenomenal! FHSA is the place to be!” –Amy B. Cooper, School Principal
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, FHSA had to meet the following criteria during the 2017-18 school year:
- Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level;
- Have at least 50 percent of the student body participating;
- Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units during their middle school tenure.
Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Gateway empowers students to lead their own discovery and uncover a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.
“It is a great honor to recognize FHSA for their commitment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Forest Heights STEM Academy is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
For more information on Forest Heights STEM Academy’s PLTW Gateway program or to set up a school visit, contact Amber Harbin at (501) 447-2766.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 11,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.