What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
Early Access to High-Quality STEM Learning
Kendall Elementary proudly introduces students to meaningful STEM experiences as early as age three through its preschool program. By beginning with hands-on exploration and foundational problem-solving, our youngest learners build curiosity and confidence that set the stage for success throughout their elementary years.
Expanded Access From Clubs to a Districtwide Movement
What began as small after-school clubs and summer learning opportunities has evolved into a districtwide commitment to STEM for all. Today, every student—regardless of transportation, background, or circumstance—has access to engaging, future-focused STEM experiences that build essential skills for lifelong learning.
United Support From Leadership and Staff
A defining strength of Kendall’s STEM program is the unified support it receives across the entire school community. From the school board to administrators to classroom teachers, there is a shared belief in the importance of STEM education and its role in preparing students—and the broader community—for a rapidly changing world.
Our Current STEM Focus
Over the next 90 days, Kendall Elementary will focus on establishing a strong and consistent STEM foundation through the Woz ED curriculum. This structured, vertically aligned approach ensures that every grade level builds on the same core skills and concepts, supporting students with clear learning progressions connected to Indiana State Standards and the Skills for Success framework. By starting with a solid foundation, Kendall is preparing students—and teachers—for long-term STEM growth and future readiness.
Kendall Elementary School
Kendall Elementary School is part of Marion Community Schools, located in Marion, Indiana. The school serves approximately 376 students in grades K–4, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for early learners. Kendall Elementary is dedicated to building strong academic foundations, cultivating positive relationships, and helping students grow as responsible and confident learners.
What STEM means at Kendall Elementary School
At Kendall Elementary School, we imagine a future where every child discovers the power of curiosity, creativity, and innovation through meaningful STEM learning. Guided by Marion Community Schools’ mission to prepare all students to reach their greatest potential, Kendall’s STEM vision is rooted in the belief that STEM is not a “special” or an extra—it is a gateway to understanding how the world works, how it is changing, and how students can shape the future ahead of them.
From preschool through fourth grade, students at Kendall will engage in hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that spark wonder and build confidence. Through opportunities that encourage exploration, questioning, and collaborative problem-solving, our learners will grow critical durable skills—communication, creativity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic—that prepare them for success in school, career, and life. We are committed to ensuring equitable access so that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive in high-quality STEM learning every year.
Our educators play a central role in bringing this vision to life. Kendall Elementary is dedicated to delivering high-quality STEM instruction in every classroom, supported by teacher collaboration, professional learning, and a consistent, vertically aligned foundation through the Woz ED curriculum. This approach ensures that STEM learning is not only strong today, but sustainable for the future—even as staff and technologies evolve. Together, we are building a program that endures, grows, and reflects our shared commitment to excellence.
Community connection is at the heart of Kendall’s STEM identity. With strong support from district leadership, the school board, and dedicated staff, Kendall is cultivating a culture that values STEM as essential to preparing students—and the broader community—for the rapidly advancing world around us. As we strengthen family engagement and deepen partnerships with local organizations, students will experience STEM as a meaningful bridge between their classrooms and the possibilities of tomorrow.
