Saint Mark's Receives National Recognition

One of only 9 schools recognized in the State of Florida!

Saint Mark's Episcopal School has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S., aiming to make every child in every grade STEM successful.

"This recognition is beyond important for our school and means so much to all of us! This year we had three PreK-4 teachers teaching PLTW, Mrs. Gobin taught the 5th grade PLTW robotics, and myself teaching K to 4th - said Mrs. Jackie K. Verburg, the PLTW Launch Lead and Science Teacher for K-4. "This summer I will be training two new teachers, Mr. Dragoo and Mrs. Pequignot, as they step into the roles of being Launch teachers for their respective grade levels".

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, Saint Mark's had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2022-23 school year.  

Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at math and science. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.  

“We are honored to recognize Saint Mark's Episcopal School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their dedication to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom."

For Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.