St. John’s Parish Day School, a co-ed Episcopal School in Ellicott City, Maryland, has enhanced its already robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program to complement an academically diverse and rigorous curriculum. By implementing the STEM program into the curriculum at age 3 and continuing through 5th grade, St. John’s students learn to understand the world around them through interdisciplinary, project-based learning, and student-led discovery. Rather than focusing on technology as the centerpiece of the curriculum, the program uses all aspects of STEM to help students develop creativity, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving techniques.
Students engage in hands-on projects, scientific inquiry, engineering challenges, and mathematical exploration that encourage curiosity and perseverance. Learning extends beyond the classroom into multiple outdoor learning spaces, where students investigate the natural world, make observations, and apply scientific concepts through direct experience. Technology is thoughtfully integrated and studied when it enhances learning, but it never replaces foundational skills, meaningful discussion, or the value of discovery through exploration.
By combining innovation with a more traditional educational approach, the STEM program at St. John’s Parish Day School helps students build a deep understanding of concepts, develop confidence in their abilities, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning
This article is part of our 2026-2027 Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools
