STEM Indicator ST1.1

The STEM school/program supports non-traditional student participation through outreach to groups often underrepresented in STEM program areas.

Self Assessment Rating: 3

The school/program has a STEM outreach plan with measurable goals to increase enrollment, support, and retention of students from under-represented groups and can demonstrate progress meeting such goals. Outreach activities to support and retain students from under-represented groups are strategic and varied.

ST1.1 Narrative

What were the areas of strength noted in the Self Assessment?

Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, since opening its doors in 1996, was created and developed with foundational elements of STEM. In the early to mid-2000s, these elements remained important and were developed and further implemented school-wide. In the past three to five years, Christian Academy has intentionally embedded a more focused STEM specific approach to teaching and learning experiences. The Christian Academy STEM program is all inclusive, which means all students who attend Christian Academy participate in STEM learning activities in all grade levels (kindergarten through 12th grade) and all subject areas. Therefore, within our school, all populations and demographics are included in STEM learning and activities. In addition to core course requirements, students have opportunities to participate in electives and extended day activities. Each of these added opportunities are equally available to all demographics of students.

As a Christian private school committed to academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Christian Academy serves a unique population of students and families. Students and their families who attend Christian Academy have sought an alternative to public education and find value in the unique opportunities available here. Currently, approximately 297 K-12 students attend Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach. Of those students, approximately 42.2% are elementary students, 23.6% are middle school students, and 34.1% are high school students. The majority of Christian Academy students reside in Horry County (population of 344,147) and are zoned for Horry County Schools (approximate enrollment of 44,000 students). Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach has been able to attract and enroll a diverse population.

In addition to gender, race, and ethnic diversity, Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach strives to ensure students of diverse socioeconomic statuses have access to academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Christian Academy offers several options for tuition assistance with approximately 34% of Christian Academy students receiving some form of tuition assistance. Through these tuition assistance programs, Christian Academy’s STEM program is inclusive to a larger population of students which increases enrollment and the impact of STEM learning in our community.

Beyond equitable curriculum programs and enrollment, Christian Academy offers many opportunities to participate in STEM outside of the normal school day. Extracurricular programs are added with careful consideration and planning based on the needs of students and families. Extracurricular STEM activities offered include early arrival STEM stations for K-5, robotics team for grades 4-8, after school art (STEAM) for K-5, STEM summer camp for grades 4-8, middle school retreats for grades 6-8, mission trips for grades 9-12, student government for grades 9-12, and yearbook for grades 9-12. Additionally, Christian Academy offers over 20 academic clubs, competitions, and/or leadership development opportunities that involve one or more STEM components. Some examples include but are not limited to: elementary reading fair, quiz bowls (grades 3-12), math meets (grades 6-12), and science fair (optional for elementary, required in grades 6-10).

Females are often considered an underrepresented demographic group within STEM. However, Christian Academy has many female role models in STEM. Currently all science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers are female which encourages young ladies to work and focus on academic STEM work. Furthermore, female role models lead the early arrival STEM stations (grades K-5), Robotics Team (grades 4-8), STEM Camp (grades 4-8), and cross-curricular collaborative STEM service projects (grades 6-8 and 9-12).

The diversity of Christian Academy extends beyond typically recorded demographics to include approximately 60 different Christian churches represented in our school. Christian Academy is not affiliated with one particular denomination of Christianity and strives to bring fair and equitable practices amongst the different beliefs within Christianity as part of our school’s mission and vision as we include STEM learners, educators and community members.

What actions are being implemented to sustain the areas of strength?

To continue the sustainability of areas of strength, Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach plans to continue the full K-12 STEM initiative, which has allowed students to work together across grades, both within and outside of the school day. Christian Academy also plans to continue to extend course offerings, retain highly qualified educators, and build relationships with community partners who are already involved in the current STEM program. Christian Academy will maintain certification through SCISA and AdvancEd/Cognia over time. Currently, all teachers are required to meet quarterly with each student in their class and use the Growth and Goals Notebook, a documentation record which includes individual student test scores, academic data, interpersonal goals, and STEM-related goals to further support student STEM learning from year to year. A school wide STEM rubric is utilized in all grade levels to ensure students are building STEM skills over time and connecting those skills to real-world scenarios and STEM careers. Lastly, continuing the tuition assistance program at Christian Academy ensures the ability to maintain diversity in the K-12 STEM programs.

What were areas in need of improvement? What plans are being made to improve the area of need?

A STEM outreach plan has been developed to increase the participation of typically underrepresented groups. In regard to Standard 1, continued outreach and sustainability goals include utilizing the already established STEM strategic outreach plan to measure the effectiveness of current STEM outreach efforts and determine opportunities for continued growth and inclusiveness in Christian Academy’s STEM program. Efforts will focus on continuing to increase participation of females, minority groups, new families, and for some events, students from outside of Christian Academy. Other possible outreach activities include an Aftercare STEM agenda, a STEM Club for girls, a STEM job shadowing program, and developing a more formal and ongoing community partnership program and acquiring additional resources.

Artifacts

1.1 a) Outreach Activities: Reaching younger students with STEM

1.1 b) Outreach Activities: Marketing

1.1 c) STEM Strategic Outreach Plan

ST1.1 d) Tuition Financial Assistance

http://www.christianacademysaints.org/admissions/financial.cfm