A Lexington-Richland School District Five high school has been recognized as having one of the best STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in the country.
Dutch Fork High School was named #25 in the list of the top 5,000 STEM high schools for 2020, honoring excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The top 500 STEM high schools will be featured in Newsweek’s November 15 special double issue available on newsstands now. Dutch Fork High School was one of only three schools in South Carolina to be listed in the top 500 by Newsweek. The other two schools were the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math, which was ranked 22nd, and the Academic Magnet High School, which was ranked 29th.
“Our STEM program affords our students an excellent foundation for future studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Dutch Fork High School principal Dr. Gerald Gary. “Teachers work collaboratively to ensure that our students reap the benefits of well-planned and rigorous lessons which will ensure that they are college and career ready. I am extremely proud of this honor and of the daily work that our administrative team, teachers, and students put in to make our program nationally acclaimed.”
The STEM program at Dutch Fork High School is an honors magnet program that accelerates and enriches learning experiences for students who are academically gifted in and have an interest in a STEM related major and career. Students are accepted into the program based on their standardized test scores, middle school teachers’ recommendations, and interest in STEM related fields. Since 2005, the program has been a local answer to the national STEM initiative. Presently there are over 200 students in the program from the ninth through the twelfth grades.
With its long history of reporting on scientific breakthroughs, technological revolutions, and societal challenges, Newsweek partnered with STEM.org to rank America’s Best STEM High Schools. The list includes schools in every region of the country that offer skilled teachers who keep up with developments in these fields and who create dynamic learning environments to engage their students.
“Children don’t realize it, but they’re natural STEM students,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek Global Editor in Chief. “We need to make sure that innate drive, curiosity, and creativity aren’t lost along the way. These high schools are helping to ensure America’s future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is in good hands.”
To view the full list of the 5,000 top STEM high schools visit https://www.newsweek.com/americas-best-stem-high-schools-2020
