Edgewater Public School Recertified as a STEM-Certified School

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Schools is proud to announce, Edgewater Public School, which was the first elementary school in Florida to earn national STEM certification by Cognia, has successfully recertified its STEM accreditation through 2026.

According to a release, this national certification recognizes the excellence of Edgewater Public’s STEM educational programs based on 16 standards in the Cognia STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) framework. Edgewater Public first achieved STEM certification in 2016.

“VCS is proud of Edgewater Public’s leadership in STEM, and we congratulate them on this recertification,” said Dr. Rene Clayton, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools. “This innovative academic program prepares students for STEM careers and shows our commitment to educational excellence for future-ready citizens.”

Edgewater Public School teachers create project-based lesson plans using the engineering design process in their classes, Pre-K through 5th grade. Lesson plans integrate engineering design challenges with literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies standards.

STEM blends into the English Language Arts block, and concepts include art, music, and physical education.

STEM/Agriscience special area classes provide opportunities for students to collaborate on inventive solutions to real-world problems on the local and global level. Barn projects are hands-on and emphasize measurement, angles, tools, and design concepts. The school offers STEM career days, clubs, robotics competitions, and STEM-themed family nights.

The program is guided by a STEM Advisory Committee, and teachers receive training each year.

“STEM is part of who we are, and we know our Bobcat students are better prepared for the future thanks to the learning that takes place in our STEM program,” said Edgewater Public Principal Rebecca Porter.