TDOE, TSIN Announce 24 Tennessee Schools Receive STEM/STEAM Designation, 13 Schools Earn a Second Designation

145 Total STEM/STEAM Designated Schools Statewide

Nashville, TN-Today, the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network announced that 11 schools have received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation for 2026. In addition, 13 schools have earned the Two-time Designation, demonstrating their sustained commitment to excellence in STEM/STEAM education.

This prestigious honor recognizes schools statewide for their commitment to equipping students with the essential skills for postsecondary achievement and workforce readiness. By promoting STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning for all students, these schools are preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders to excel in high-demand careers.

Since the designation process launched in 2018, 145 schools have earned the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation. This recognition provides a clear roadmap for schools to implement robust STEM/STEAM education plans locally, ensuring students graduate with the critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic workforce.

"We are thrilled to celebrate these schools for their incredible focus on math and science, empowering students with the foundational skills they need to succeed towards any path they pursue," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "These designations highlight our state's commitment to educational excellence and strengthening core skills in math and science."

Each school that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation underwent a rigorous application process that included a comprehensive self-evaluation, interviews, and site visits. Schools could apply for either a STEM or STEAM Designation by demonstrating excellence across five focus areas outlined in the designation rubric: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships. These focus areas ensure that schools not only provide high-quality STEM/STEAM education but also build strong connections to industry and higher education, equipping students with the skills, experiences, and partnerships necessary to be college-, career-, and military-ready.

"STEM Designation reflects a school's commitment to building strong fundamental skills in math and science, ensuring students are ready for college, career, and military pathways," said Ben Di'Chiara, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Director. "Schools that earn STEM designation have created meaningful learning experiences that empower students to apply what they learn, preparing them for success after graduation. The network appreciates these schools as they are providing students with education experiences that shape their aspirations for the future."

For the 2025-26 school year, a total of 11 new schools received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation:

STEM Designation

• Granville T. Woods Academy of Innovation, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Jackson Academic STEAM Academy, Jackson-Madison County Schools
• McMurray Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Memphis School of Excellence Elementary Cordova, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Newport Grammar School, Newport City Schools
• Union Grove Elementary School, Blount County Schools

STEAM Designation

• Cartwright Elementary School, Bedford County Schools
• Donelson Elementary School, Arlington Community Schools
• DuPont Hadley Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Memphis School of Excellence Cordova Secondary, Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Once schools have completed five years of implementing and sustaining STEM/STEAM education through the designation process, they can begin a redesignation cycle. The following schools have successfully achieved the designation for a second time:

Two-time STEM Designation Schools

• Ashland City Elementary STEM Academy, Cheatham County Schools
• Kenwood High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools
• Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Midway Middle School, Roane County Schools
• Normal Park Museum Magnet School, Hamilton County Schools
• Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School
• Portland East Middle School, Sumner County Schools

Two-time STEAM Designation Schools

• Cleveland High School, Bradley County Schools
• Erma Siegel Elementary School, Murfreesboro City Schools
• Hixson Middle School, Hamilton County Schools
• Red Bank Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools
• Red Bank High School, Hamilton County Schools
• Waterville Community Elementary School, Bradley County Schools

To read about the impact of the Tennessee STEM and STEAM Designation process, visit the Designation webpage.

To learn more about the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), visit the TSIN website.

For media inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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