Deanna Davenport Elementary soars again with Project Lead The Way honor

It all STEMs from a commitment to develop future-ready students at Deanna Davenport Elementary School. 

The campus has once again achieved the prestigious distinction of being named a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the 2024–2025 academic year. This recognition places DDE among an elite group of schools nationwide that demonstrate exceptional commitment to providing students with transformative STEM learning experiences through PLTW programs. 

“This demonstrates that our students are getting the most out of their learning experiences on campus and are growing academically and personally in ways that will stay with them well beyond their years with us,” said Guadalupe Montañez, DDE Principal.

This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.

To be eligible for the designation, DDE had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2023-24 school year.

DDE met the rigorous criteria, including offering PLTW Gateway units at each grade level, ensuring equitable access across diverse student populations and maintaining high levels of student participation and advancement in PLTW courses. 

Research indicates that students form opinions and develop interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities like designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PlTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork abilities and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.

“We are proud to honor Deanna Davenport Elementary for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post secondary opportunities.”

DDE is part of a community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging and empowering learning opportunities. 

For more information about PlTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition.