Claxton, Norwood elementary schools get state honor
The Tennessee Department of Education gave Claxton Elementary School and Norwood Elementary School the prestigious Tennessee STEAM Designation by the Tennessee Department of Education.
This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to fostering a high-quality, integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning environment for all students, an Anderson County Schools news release stated. The award goes to schools that model best practices in project-based learning and cross-curricular innovation.
Anderson County Schools stated the designation reflected Claxton’s curriculum-centered approach, “which blends rigorous academics with hands-on, real-world learning experiences — all while fostering collaboration and critical thinking across disciplines.” It stated the Norwood designation reflects that school’s “commitment to fostering a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.”
“We are incredibly excited and honored to receive this designation,” said Claxton Elementary School Principal Jennifer Coleman. “Our entire team has worked tirelessly to design a curriculum that promotes exploration, inquiry, and innovation. STEAM education is more than just science and math — it’s about empowering our students to ask questions, solve problems, and think like engineers, artists, and designers.”
CES’s STEAM efforts include collaborative projects across grade levels, integrated technology initiatives and professional development focused on 21st-century teaching strategies. As the school continues to grow into its new facility, this designation sets the stage for continued innovation and excellence in student learning.
“This is a huge step forward not only for our school but for our entire community. We’re especially thrilled to be integrating this STEAM vision into our brand-new school building, which provides an inspiring and modern environment for creative learning. There are so many great things happening at Claxton Elementary — and this is only the beginning!” Coleman said.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Lyndsay Foust, principal of NES. “Our entire school community has worked passionately to make STEM education an engaging and enriching experience for every student. This designation affirms the incredible dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students.”
NES’s STEAM initiatives include immersive project-based units, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning opportunities that align with real-world applications.
The school’s approach underscores its vision to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
“We truly believe that integrating the arts with science, technology, engineering, and math will transform how our students learn. It not only nurtures creativity and innovation but also empowers our students to see connections across subjects and apply their learning in meaningful ways. The future is bright at Norwood!” Foust said.
