Apollo-Ridge Middle School announced today that it has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the second consecutive year. This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.
“Project Lead The Way has transformed the way our students at Apollo-Ridge Middle School engage with learning. It has sparked curiosity, encouraged problem-solving, and empowered our students to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and innovators. The hands-on, real-world approach of PLTW has made a lasting impact on both our academic culture and student confidence. Ms. Angel Stahl is the catalyst for STEM education here at A-RMS. Her ability to promote and advocate for students to become outside the box thinkers, problem solvers, and risk takers is just one of the reasons why we are receiving this recognition today.”
Travis Barta (Middle School Principal)
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, Apollo-Ridge Middle School had to meet a variety of criteria such as the percentage of students participating in PLTW, the percentage of students who participate in more than one PLTW unit, the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure access to PLTW courses.
Research shows that the middle grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that expose the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to honor Apollo-Ridge Middle School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”
Apollo-Ridge Middle School is part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
For more information on the Apollo-Ridge Middle School PLTW Gateway program, contact Mr. Travis Barta at [email protected].