In addition to focus on Core curriculum and 21st Century Learning skills, we enhance student opportunities to engage learning experiences around Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts. By offering a variety of elective courses on non-campus school days, we expand the creative and innovative horizons of our students via our STEM+Arts Institute.
Taos Academy, a 21st-Century Learning Community, is a state chartered school, and therefore it comprises its own district. We strive to be a successful 21st-century learning community; developing strong leaders who have the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in the modern world. Taos Academy's STEM+Arts Institute, offers a variety of semester-long courses to middle and high school students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines by engaging students in project-based activities guided by community professionals. All course offerings are aligned with National STEM Arts Standards. High school students have the opportunity to gain marketable skills and university dual credit. The goal of the STEM+Arts Institute is to engage all students in rigorous course work designed to increase graduation rates and enrollment in post-secondary universities and programs, while preparing for STEM related careers.
Each course develops 21st century learning skills and highlights individual career pathways while offering student exploration, and collaboration with professionals in the field. By providing real-world applications to the learning process, STEM+Arts courses expand student understanding of the possibilities for a career in these fields. Partners include Los Alamos National Laboratory, Intel, University of New Mexico, Taos Community Foundation, Century Link, STEMArts project, State Farm Good Neighbor Foundation, Verizon, local and national artists and businesses.