​Inspiring. Engaging. Empowering.​

SFA is one of several Catholic Schools in the entire state of Missouri teaching and using PLTW-Launch and we are excited about this program. When we started we were one of 2 schools using the Launch Program. SFA are using PLTW - Gateway in the Middle School (6-8). The PLTW Launch programat SFA is PreK through 5th grade.

SFA is a 2020 PLTW Distinguished School in both the Launch and Gateway Program.

from the PLTW website - K-5 students already have the qualities of great designers and innovators. What PLTW Launch does is tap into their exploratory nature, engage them in learning that feels like play, and encourage them to keep discovering – now and for years to come.

PLTW Launch’s interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.

Follow this link to the PLTW website to learn more - PLTW - Launch

PLTW - Gateway

• Design and Modeling explores engineering design projects. and project based learning

• App Creators Explores computer science and uses the MIT App Inventor to build student Apps

• Computer Science for Innovators and Makers explores Physical Computing using Micro:Bits

• Medical Detectives brings the world of bacteria, viruses and fungi for stduent exploration