All about STEM!

Integrated STEM Education

Science • Technology • Engineering • Mathematics

At Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, learning is connected, meaningful, and hands-on. Our Integrated STEM approach combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with religion, language arts, social studies, and the arts to create authentic learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Through project-based learning, students investigate real-world challenges, ask meaningful questions, collaborate with classmates, and develop creative solutions. Along the way, they build critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills while growing in faith and character.

Grounded in our Catholic beliefs, we teach students that scientific discovery and innovation are opportunities to better understand God’s creation and to use their talents in service to others. Our Integrated STEM curriculum prepares students not only for future STEM opportunities but for success in any career and in life.

Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process frames our work around STEM. This is one of the best parts about STEM because it highlights that none of our work is ever complete, rather, we are in the ongoing work of growth. This image is created by PLTW.org.

Collaborative Learning

Learning is stronger when we learn together.

At Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, collaboration is an essential part of every student’s educational experience. Working together teaches students to communicate effectively, think critically, respect different perspectives, and solve problems as a team.

Our teachers utilize the University of Washington’s 5D+ Instructional Framework to create engaging classrooms where student voice, active participation, inquiry, and collaboration are at the center of learning. Rooted in our Catholic faith, collaborative learning helps students recognize that each person has unique gifts that strengthen our entire community.


5th grade teams examining mixtures, solubility, and conservation of mass.	Kindergarten students learning about weight and density.	7th grade group work, examining content and articulating new ideas.

STEM Workshop & Beyond the Classroom

At Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Our dedicated STEM Workshop provides students with an innovation space where they design, build, test, and improve solutions through hands-on engineering and project-based learning. Students are encouraged to explore, create, and think like engineers while developing perseverance and confidence.

We also believe the world is one of our greatest classrooms. Students learn through experiences in nature, community partnerships, service projects, and authentic real-world investigations that connect classroom learning with everyday life. These opportunities deepen their understanding of God’s creation while preparing them to become curious learners, compassionate servant leaders, and innovative problem solvers.


Third grade squid examination and dissection.	Exploring the sun’s energy with UV bracelets.	Experiencing 6th Grade Science Camp.

Community Partnerships

Pope St. John XXIII’s partnership with the Seattle Children’s Hospital highlights the opportunity we have as a STEM school to connect with the community and to expand student engagement in STEM. We look forward to parent engagement and to continuing to strengthen our community partnerships in STEM.