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STEAM Academy
STEAM Academy, nominated by Next Generation Learning Challenges, is a high school in Lexington, Kentucky, that describes itself as a public district school serving learners from a primarily urban area.
Location Lexington, Kentucky
Governance Public District School
Grades High
Students 425
Locale Urban
Principal Christopher Flores
Demographics
Percentage of students*
2%
English Learners
47%
Free/Reduced Lunch
6%
Students with Disabilities
African American or Black 27%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1%
Asian 4%
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —
Hispanic or Latino 12%
White 52%
2+ Races —
Why STEAM Academy was nominated
A lottery-driven open enrollment school within Fayette County Public Schools, STEAM Academy is an environment of opportunity and innovation where creativity, student voice, internships, and inquiry are at the center of teaching and learning. The most important element of the school’s model is its culture—one of collaboration, inclusion, risk-taking, and high expectations—and that’s for teachers and students both. Grounded in project-based learning emphasizing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), teachers design projects that not only address course content but also foster the school’s STEAM Habits, a set of six skills similar to those in a graduate portrait. The school embraces a mastery-based approach within a semester-based course schedule and a traditional grading structure. This allows students to move at a pace that works best for them while also creating space for them to complete internships and dual credit opportunities. Sophomore defenses of learning, framed around the STEAM Habits, serve as a gateway to that real-world learning. Real-world learning opportunities include research- and work-based internships as well as dual credit coursework with the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community & Technical College. Learning is characterized by student engagement, interdisciplinary STEAM projects, and student-centered practices like J-term—a week of experiential courses—and is supported by makerspaces, a recording studio, and collaboration spaces throughout the school building.
Student experience design
The STEAM Academy aims to cultivate a dynamic, rigorous, and personalized student experience. Students are immersed in a college-preparatory environment where they actively engage in accelerated, project-based learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The emphasis on student choice and internships empowers them to explore their passions and gain real-world experience, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Core Practices
| Core Practices | Length of Use |
|---|---|
|
Advancement On Mastery |
5+ years
|
|
Assessments For Deeper Learning |
5+ years
|
|
Early College High School |
5+ years
|
|
Internships |
5+ years
|
|
Project-based Learning |
5+ years
|
All Practices
Student Advisories
AI For Learning Materials
AI For Teacher Productivity
Anti-racist Practices
Assessments For Social-emotional Skills
Blended Learning
Career Advising & Support
Career Exploration
College Advising & Support
Community And Workforce Partnerships
Family And Community Support Services
Competency/mastery-based Education
Culturally Responsive Practices
Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles
Grading Policies Focus On Mastery
Higher Education Partnerships
All Courses Designed For Inclusion
Industry-recognized Credentials
Industry-aligned Learning Pathways
Individual Learning Paths
Mental Health Services
1:1 Mentoring
Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics
Multi-age Classrooms
No Tracked Classes
Performance Based Assessment
High Quality Instructional Materials
SEL Curriculum
SEL Integration School-wide
Students Access Their Own Data
Students Develop Projects
Trauma-informed Practices
Tutoring
Career Prep
key reasons for innovating
Demonstrate what’s possible for other schools
Increase student agency
Increase teacher agency
Date Updated: 4/1/2026
*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.