Irwin Elementary STEM Magnet School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Irwin became Fort Wayne Community School’s math and science magnet school in the fall of 1989. As a magnet school, Irwin attracts children of various socio-economic backgrounds, race and academic achievement levels. Irwin is free and open to anyone through the annual lottery system and provides a solid academic foundation for students through a comprehensive curriculum focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In addition to academics, Irwin is dedicated to helping students develop character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
In 2017, Irwin began a partnership with Discovery Education to provide professional learning services and the development of an enhanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum. By partnering with Discovery Education, Irwin’s curriculum was updated from a 1990s version of science and math learning to a modern experience expanding learning into engineering and technology.
Over the course of three years, Irwin staff worked with Discovery to establish a vision and build the foundations for STEM, including students and parents in the changes and new expectations. The new focus on project-based learning coincided with a district-wide initiative to integrate Deep Learning philosophies into everyday instruction. While learning the Indiana Academic Standards, students at Irwin are also learning how they can make a difference in their world.
All students have the opportunity to attend STEM-focused classes and develop computer science skills throughout all content areas. Employability skills are reinforced in classroom-based community meetings and school-wide town hall sessions. Students have opportunities to participate in extended learning opportunities such as robotics, Lego League, baking club, coding, Math Bowl, garden club, and the compost committee.
Community partners play a vital role in providing instruction to students. Irwin partners with Purdue Fort Wayne, Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Science Central, and a neighboring community garden. A STEM Advisory Board made up of parents, teachers and local community members provides valuable input for the success of the school.
Through the day-to-day integration of science, technology, engineering, and math, Irwin strives to develop students who have a strong foundation in learning. With that foundation, students will be able to see themselves in STEM-related careers. Exposure to a wide variety of career options and diversity in the community partners who work with students, helps students realize what they can become.
Irwin is committed every day to building students with skills in character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.