STEM Academy Logo

As Virginia’s only K–5 College Partnership Lab School, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí serves as the lead institution of higher education, operating in partnership with Suffolk Public Schools. Together, we function as a testbed for innovation, integrating new technologies, research-based methods, and the combined expertise of higher education and district leadership to shape next practices in K–5 STEM learning. 

The school serves as an innovative learning environment for students, a hub for educator preparation, and a research setting for both university faculty and K–12 practitioners. Through hands-on, experiential STEM learning and a focus on student agency, we build critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world connections for all learners. 

Grounded in equity and access, this model expands opportunity for diverse students while preparing educators to implement and scale innovative, research-informed practices.

Our Mission

child performs an experiment with a water bottle and xylophone

Our mission is to support and promote:

  1. Excellence in education.
  2. Student active agency and student voice in their learning.
  3. Experimentation with pedagogical approaches and experiential learning.
  4. Innovative approaches to professional learning and educator preparation.
  5. Integration of research and teaching. 


Our Vision

The Laboratory School’s vision is to foster deeper learning and the development of 5C skills (critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication and citizenship) through the application of classroom content in authentic, real-world learning experiences. 

Lottery Information

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now closed. Please check back for future application updates.

What Families Can Expect

  • Real-World Connections
    Partnerships with local organizations, industry experts, and university leaders bring learning to life.
  • Signature Projects
    Immersive, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
  • Future-Ready Technology
    Opportunities to explore 3D printing, virtual reality, digital design, and more.
  • Learning Through Story
    Engaging storylines that make learning meaningful, connected, and memorable.
  • Connected Learning Across Subjects
    STEM, literacy, and design thinking integrated into one cohesive experience.
  • Designers in Action
    Students think like designers—creating, testing, and improving ideas.
  • Learning Beyond the Classroom
    Field trip experiences that connect students to real places, people, and careers.
  • A Collaborative Community
    Cross-grade learning that builds leadership, teamwork, and belonging.

Back-to-School Supply List | 2026-2027 School Year

  • Backpack (No Wheels)
  • (2) Boxes of Tissues
  • (1) Bottle of Hand Sanitizer with Pump
  • (1) Box of Ziploc Bags:
    • Gallon (Last Name A-i)
    • Quart (Last Name J-P)
    • Sandwich (Last Name Q-Z)
  • (1) Pair of Headphones
  • (1) Pencil Pouch or Box (Not Needed for 1st Grade)

Kindergarten

  • Extra Change of Clothes in a Labeled Ziploc Bag
  • 2 Primary Composition
    Notebooks (Different Colors)
  • 1 Container of Baby Wipes
  • 8 Glue Sticks
  • Black Dry Erase Markers
  • Play-Doh (2 Containers)

1st Grade

  • 8 Glue Sticks
  • 1 Primary Composition Notebook
  • 1 Pack of 3x5 Index Cards
  • 4 Dry Erase Markers
  • 1 Bottle of White Glue

2nd Grade

  • (2) Wide-Ruled Loose-Leaf Paper
  • (2) Highlighters
  • (3) Wide-Ruled Composition
    Notebooks
  • Pack of Glue Sticks

3rd Grade

  • 2 Packs of Wide-Ruled, Loose-Leaf Paper
  • Pack of Glue Sticks
  • (3) Wide-Ruled Composition
    Notebooks (Different Colors)
  • (2) Highlighters

4th Grade

  • (2) Packs Loose-Leaf Paper
  • (3) Plastic 3-Prong Folders with Pockets
  • (3) Composition Notebooks
  • Glue Sticks
  • (4) Highlighters
  • (1) Box of Markers

5th Grade

  • (4) Composition Notebooks
  • Glue Sticks
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  • (2) Packs Loose-Leaf Paper
  • ³§³¦¾±²õ²õ´Ç°ù²õ
  • (1) Ruler
  • (4) Highlighters
  • (1) Box of Markers

STEM Academy Leadership

Rachele hirsch-brooks

Rachele Hirsch-Brooks 
STEM Academy Director

rachelehirsch-brooks@spsk12.net

Alesia Walker

Alesia Walker
Program Manager

amshelto@odu.edu

Governing Board

The STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary is a college partnership laboratory school between ¹ú²úÂ×Àí and Suffolk Public Schools.

  • Luanne Bowman — Chief Of Staff & Assoc Vp For Academic Affairs, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí
  • Dr Janice Hawkins — Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí
  • Dr. Petros Katsioloudis — Asst Vp For Collab Res & Fac Affairs of Research & Economic Development, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí
  • Dr. Tammi Dice — Dean, Darden College of Education & Professional Studies, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí
  • Dr. Stenette Byrd III — Chief of Schools, Suffolk Public Schools
  • Dr. John B. Gordon III — Superintendent, Suffolk Public Schools
  • Dr. Okema Branch  — Chief Academic Officer, Suffolk Public Schools

Questions directed to the governing board should be sent to:

Alesia Walker

Clerk of the Board, STEM Academy Program Manager

Email: amshelto@odu.edu 

Upcoming meeting dates, times, and locations will be posted here when available.

Coming Soon