Wauwatosa STEM Named Intel 'School of Distinction'

The first charter school founded by the Wauwatosa School District has proved to be quite a success.

Wauwatosa STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), an elementary charter school located in the Wilson Elementary building, 1060 Glenview Ave., has been named one of 18 schools chosen as finalists in the 2011 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards.

Wauwatosa STEM, formerly known as the Tosa School of Health Science and Technology, was named a finalist in the elementary category in mathematics.
The winning schools, to be honored in September at an awards reception in Washington, D.C., serve as outstanding examples of leaders in preparing tomorrow’s innovators.

For being named a finalist school, Wauwatosa STEM will receive a $5,000 award from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C. in September, when six schools will be named Intel Schools of Distinction.

The six winning schools will each win an additional $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a package of goods and services valued at approximately $100,000. One of the six schools will also be selected as “Star Innovator” and will receive $25,000 from the Intel Foundation and additional prizes and services from sponsors.

Intel sponsors the Schools of Distinction Awards to honor schools for implementing innovative math and science programs and serving as models for other schools. The Schools of Distinction honors schools in mathematics which offer their students a rigorous, challenging and engaging program which teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team and communicate succinctly on the subject.

The mission of Wauwatosa STEM is to provide an innovative and dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to navigate their own course.    Individual needs are met in a cooperative, supportive learning community through an engaging and challenging curriculum rooted in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The vision of Wauwatosa STEM is to provide an environment where students are inspired to inquire, investigate and discover the world around them.