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 STEM Exposure Through Preschool
Allen Elementary is proud to introduce students to high-quality STEM learning as early as age three through its preschool program. By building early curiosity and foundational skills, students begin their educational journey with hands-on exploration that prepares them for deeper STEM learning in the years ahead.
From Small Clubs to a Districtwide Movement
What began as a handful of after-school clubs and summer camps has grown into a vibrant, districtwide STEM movement. Today, all students—regardless of background, transportation needs, or circumstances—have access to engaging STEM opportunities that build confidence, creativity, and future-ready skills.
Unified Support From Board to Classroom
One of Allen’s greatest strengths is the unified commitment to STEM across the entire school community. From the school board to district leadership to every staff member, there is a shared belief in the value of STEM education and its power to shape the future of both students and the community.
Our Current STEM Focus
Over the next 90 days, Allen Elementary will focus on building a consistent foundation for STEM learning across all grade levels through the Woz ED curriculum. This structured, vertically aligned approach connects Indiana State Standards with the Skills for Success framework, ensuring that every student experiences clear, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate STEM learning. By starting with a strong foundation, we are setting the stage for long-term growth and preparing students for future success in STEM and beyond.
Allen Elementary School
Allen Elementary School is part of Marion Community Schools in Marion, Indiana. The school serves around 405 students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, fostering a warm and collaborative school community. Allen Elementary is committed to academic excellence, student engagement, and nurturing the whole child to support lifelong learning.
What STEM means at Allen Elementary School
At Allen Elementary School, we envision a learning community where curiosity, creativity, and innovation flourish in every classroom. Guided by Marion Community Schools’ commitment to preparing all students for a rapidly changing world, our STEM program is designed to help students understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics shape the past, present, and future. At Allen, STEM is not a special class or a one-day event—it is a gateway for every child to explore, question, collaborate, and discover their unique potential.
We believe all students deserve equitable access to high-quality STEM learning. Our classrooms will be places where students think deeply, solve problems with confidence, and engage in hands-on experiences that spark wonder. Through inquiry-driven learning and opportunities for student-led exploration, our learners will strengthen essential durable skills—communication, creativity, and a strong work ethic—that prepare them for success in school and life.
Our teachers are central to this vision. Allen Elementary is committed to ensuring high-quality STEM instruction in every classroom, supported by collaboration across grade levels and alignment with tools like the Woz ED curriculum. This strong foundation creates a consistent, vertically aligned pathway that connects Indiana standards, district expectations, and the Skills for Success framework. By investing in professional learning and building sustainable practices, we will create a program that endures staffing changes and continues to grow year after year.
Allen Elementary will also strengthen its role as a hub for family and community engagement in STEM learning. We value the strong support from our school board, district leadership, and staff who recognize the importance of preparing students for advancing technologies and future career opportunities. Together—with families, community partners, and educators—we are building a shared mindset that STEM is a vital part of every child’s future, empowering them to understand and shape the world around them.
