Programs » Advanced Middle School STEAM Academy (6-8)

Advanced Middle School STEAM Academy (6-8)

Discover the WACS STEAM Advantage

 

🏅 Top 1% Ranked Middle School Program

🎓 Advanced Academic Track

🧑‍💻 Hands-On Tech Integration

📐 Innovative Engineering & Robotics

🚀 Accelerated Math Pathways

🎓 Focused & Personalized Learning

🌟 Creative & Collaborative Projects

🏅 Strict Code of Conduct

Why Choose Our STEAM Academy?

Welcome to Western Academy Charter School's STEAM Academy, ranked in the top tier of Florida's middle school programs, where rigorous academics meet creativity and innovation. With just 260 middle school students across both programs, we provide a structured, close-knit environment where students feel supported, challenged, and safe - a unique middle school experience!

At Western Academy, our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Academy offers a gateway to the future. Our integrated curriculum promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on innovation, especially designed for motivated students seeking an accelerated learning path. Our rigorous STEAM curriculum and advanced academic pathways effectively prepare students for success in competitive high school programs and specialized academic opportunities.

Unique Features of Our Program:

Personalized Learning Environment: Classes designed for focused learning ensure tailored instruction, nurturing strong teacher-student relationships and an inclusive school culture.
Positive and Supportive Learning Environment: A strict code of conduct maintains a respectful community, making our school an ideal place for learning and personal growth.
Advanced Academics: Rigorous core classes, including Algebra I Honors and Geometry I for high school credit, place students on an accelerated academic track.
Technology Integration: Daily engagement with technology, including laptops, SMART boards, and interactive tools, enhances learning and digital literacy.
Dynamic Electives and Extracurricular Opportunities: Explore robotics competitions, coding, digital animation, video editing, graphic design, and more.

Technology and Innovation:

  • Coding fundamentals (HTML/CSS, Python)
  • Digital literacy and cyber awareness
  • Graphic design with Canva and PhotoPea
  • Video production and editing
  • 3D modeling and printing
  • Generative AI understanding

Students bring creativity to life through original digital art, innovative web pages, engaging videos, and sophisticated 3D designs—such as architectural models, personalized decorations, and detailed creative projects.

Engineering Excellence:

Engineering 1: Students explore foundational engineering concepts through collaborative projects like designing simple machines and conducting hands-on experiments to understand force and motion.
Robotics: Students progress from basic robotics and conveyor belt designs to building advanced VEX IQ bots, participating in exciting competitions such as Tug-O-War, Vex Soccer, and Freeze Tag.

Capstone Projects:

8th-grade students showcase their cumulative STEAM skills through innovative, real-world projects presented to peers, families, and the community.

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Diverse clubs and enrichment programs, including Gaming Club, Art and Design, Intramural Sports, Chorus, and National Junior Honor Society.
  • Opportunities for real-world applications and leadership experiences.

Criteria for Admission

To qualify for admission into the STEAM Academy, students must:

  • Reside in Palm Beach County
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 or demonstrated equivalent proficiency
  • Achieve scores of Level 3 or higher on state assessments or equivalent standardized tests
  • Provide recent report cards showing proficiency or exemplary scores (PR) for proficiency or (EX) for exemplary scores in all subject areas
  • Meet school behavior expectations, demonstrating a consistent record of positive behavior
  • Current WACS students receive priority

Join us, and experience firsthand why Western Academy is recognized among Florida's top-ranked Middle School STEAM programs.