Why STEM?
Lithia Springs High School is home to Douglas County's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet program. Use of Project Lead the Way's (PLTW) specialized curriculum in Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Engineering distinguishes the STEM Magnet program from all other STEM pathways offered in DCSS. Three separate agencies, each with its own rigorous and comprehensive certification process, have recognized the quality and value of the LSHS STEM program: the Georgia Department of Education (2016), Cognia Accreditation, formally AdvancED (2017), and the National Institute for STEM Education (2019).
With personalized learning opportunities, STEM students are empowered to work collaboratively on complex, open-ended tasks. Through an inquiry-based approach for building knowledge and blended-learning experiences, instructors develop a more inclusive, interactive and creative approach to teaching. As a result, students develop self-confidence, independence, and pride in their accomplishments as they use newly-acquired content knowledge to explore, design, test, modify, and solve problems which exist in the real world.
Graduates of the STEM program satisfy a diverse array of rigorous expectations, including AP and Dual Enrollment courses, to develop a comprehensive portfolio and résumé for their post-secondary endeavors.
With personalized learning opportunities, STEM students are empowered to work collaboratively on complex, open-ended tasks. Through an inquiry-based approach for building knowledge and blended-learning experiences, instructors develop a more inclusive, interactive and creative approach to teaching. As a result, students develop self-confidence, independence, and pride in their accomplishments as they use newly-acquired content knowledge to explore, design, test, modify, and solve problems which exist in the real world.
Graduates of the STEM program satisfy a diverse array of rigorous expectations, including AP and Dual Enrollment courses, to develop a comprehensive portfolio and résumé for their post-secondary endeavors.
History
The STEM Program at Lithia Springs High School was established in 2011 to provide the students of Lithia Springs the opportunity to pursue a specialized education in biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. In 2013, the program became limited admissions and required an application. In 2014, the county made LSHS an official magnet school, allowing students from all over Douglas County the opportunity to apply to and enroll in the LSHS STEM program.
Instructional Approach
The LSHS STEM Magnet Program of Douglas County thrives on a foundation of Rigor, Support, Service, and Experience. STEM students remain engaged through a high level of rigor ensured by quality teachers, effective instruction, cross-curricular planning, competitive courses of study, and technology-driven, academically-based extra-curricular activities. The rigor is accompanied by service learning projects, continual student support, and quality internships. Lithia Springs strives to improve the world via science and service.
The STEM Magnet Program uses a problem-based approach to cross-disciplinary learning to deliver its curriculum. The curriculum is experienced by the students in an environment of advanced studies and high expectations with a pervasive integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in all STEM classes.
The STEM program at LSHS integrates Project Lead the Way's (PLTW) specialized curriculum with the CollegeBoard's Advanced Placement (AP®) courses to provide students a curriculum that is both rigorous and designed to enhance their STEM endeavors.
The STEM Magnet Program uses a problem-based approach to cross-disciplinary learning to deliver its curriculum. The curriculum is experienced by the students in an environment of advanced studies and high expectations with a pervasive integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in all STEM classes.
The STEM program at LSHS integrates Project Lead the Way's (PLTW) specialized curriculum with the CollegeBoard's Advanced Placement (AP®) courses to provide students a curriculum that is both rigorous and designed to enhance their STEM endeavors.