North Bend STEM Academy Adopts Project Lead The Way Launch for Hands-On STEM Learning
New K–5 school will use nationally recognized, project-based STEM curriculum beginning this fall
North Bend STEM Academy is strengthening its commitment to hands-on science and problem solving through the adoption of Project Lead The Way Launch, an elementary STEM program designed for students in grades K–5.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, North Bend students will have weekly opportunities to engage in PLTW Launch projects that bring science, engineering and technology concepts to life. The program uses activity-, project- and problem-based learning to help students build knowledge, investigate ideas and apply what they learn to real-world challenges.
PLTW Launch includes modules across engineering, computer science, biomedical science, life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Its lessons also integrate math and English Language Arts while reinforcing state science standards and developing skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creative problem solving.
“North Bend STEM Academy was designed to give young students meaningful opportunities to explore, build, question and discover,” said Principal David Jones. “Students will receive double daily instruction in English Language Arts and math, with STEM concepts and skill-building intentionally woven into those core subjects as well as through dedicated hands-on projects and activities. Project Lead The Way gives our teachers a strong framework for making science active and engaging while helping students develop the confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills they will carry across every area of learning.”
Through PLTW Launch and STEM-infused instruction across English Language Arts, math and science, North Bend students will encounter multiple opportunities each week to apply academic skills through exploration, design and problem solving.
North Bend STEM Academy received a grant directly from Project Lead The Way to support staff training. The school will be the only ACCEL-supported school implementing PLTW during the 2026–27 school year.
Sue Furick, Vice President of Academics at ACCEL Schools, completed PLTW Launch teacher training this spring and said the program will add depth to the school’s STEM model.
“I was impressed by the depth and rigor of the Project Lead The Way Launch training. North Bend students will have meaningful opportunities to explore science through hands-on projects that make learning come alive. The program develops the curiosity, problem-solving skills and confidence students will need to help drive our future economy.”
North Bend will select grade-appropriate PLTW Launch modules for each K–5 classroom. Topics available through the program include robotics and automation, coding, forces and motion, materials science, ecosystems, the human body, weather, flight and earth systems.
The adoption of PLTW Launch builds on North Bend STEM Academy’s broader academic model, which includes extended English Language Arts and math instruction, research-based curricula, monthly STEM challenges and structured, supportive classrooms.
North Bend STEM Academy is a new tuition-free public charter school opening this fall at 2129 W. North Bend Road in Cincinnati. The school will serve students in grades K–5 and is open to students residing anywhere in Ohio.
Enrollment is now open for the 2026–27 school year. Families can learn more and apply at nbstemacademy.org/apply or call (513) 653-4373.