SPECIAL EDITION | STEM SPOTLIGHT
A SPECIAL EDITION OF STEM SPOTLIGHT | 8/10/2025
Dear STEM School Highlands Ranch Families,
Welcome to a new school year! We’re thrilled to have you as part of the STEM School Highlands Ranch community as we begin what promises to be a year of celebration, growth, and new opportunities—our 15th anniversary year!
Celebrating 15 Years of Innovation and Impact
Fifteen years ago, a bold vision to reimagine education sparked the creation of STEM School Highlands Ranch. What began as a small, determined middle school has grown into one of Colorado’s top K-12 schools—recognized for innovation, academic excellence, and real-world learning experiences.
Over the years, our students, staff, and families have worked side by side to create something truly remarkable: a thriving community where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential. This year, we’ll honor that legacy with special events, recognitions, and stories that reflect how far we’ve come.
Looking Forward: Dreaming Into the Next 10 Years Together
While we take pride in our past, we are equally focused on the future. Our enrollment has grown, our programs have expanded, and our commitment to innovation remains stronger than ever. One theme has emerged time and again from our community feedback: the need for more purpose-built spaces designed to inspire learning, foster innovation, and support student well-being. To build on this feedback, creating regular and meaningful opportunities for families to share their perspectives will remain a top priority as we move forward.
To meet this need, we have begun developing a 10-Year Master School Improvement Plan—a blueprint for the next decade of excellence. This plan will guide investments in our facilities, resources, and programs to ensure we not only keep pace with our growth but lead the way in delivering a world-class education.
We’re excited to share that Koson Schools, through our building corporation, recently purchased land just minutes from our current campus—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create spaces that match the caliber of our students and staff. We have a strategy on how to use this land in a way that will have a positive effect for every grade level at STEM School Highlands Ranch. We will share more details on August 19th. Following this announcement, we’ll be inviting your feedback and ideas through surveys, lunch sessions, meetings, and virtual discussions. Your voice will help shape STEM’s future.
Another Exciting Step Forward: The Accelerator Fund
As we plan for the next decade, we’re also taking action now to ensure our students have everything they need to thrive today. That’s where the Accelerator Fund comes in.
The Accelerator Fund, STEM’s new fundraising program, fuels opportunities that directly enhance the student experience—both in and beyond the classroom. From innovative learning environments and engaging clubs to competitive athletics and transformative trips, these funds empower our students to reach their highest potential.
By supporting the Accelerator Fund, you help ensure STEM continues to offer the very best education and experiences for every student. The official launch of the Accelerator Fund will be on September 10, 2025. Stay tuned to learn more about how you can immediately impact the learning experiences of our students today.
Our Commitment for 2025–26
As we plan ahead, our priorities remain clear:
Expand real-world learning opportunities through problem based learning, industry partnerships, and internships.
Invest in staff and student well-being to foster a healthy, thriving school environment.
Grow our pathways in Computer Science, Engineering, and Career Discovery to prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Prepare students for lives of purpose and impact— Our ultimate goal is that each student uses their STEM education and innovative thinking skills to do good in the world!
For the past 15 years, our mission has been to innovate in education and ensure that every student is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. That mission isn’t changing—it’s expanding.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in what STEM represents. Whether you’re a returning family or joining us for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here.
Here’s to celebrating 15 incredible years of STEM—and to dreaming big together for the next 10.
With excitement for the year ahead,
Matt Cartier, Chief Innovation Officer
LynAnn Kovalesky, Executive Director