2019
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NBRS Badge for Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy - Memphis, TN

Photo of 2018-2019 Student Leadership Team:STEAMBassadors

Photo of 2018-2019 Student Leadership Team:STEAMBassadors

When the Department of Education at Christian Brothers University (CBU) embarked on an agreement with Shelby County Schools, Maxine Smith STEAM Academy was born. With the need for more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the nation and in Memphis, it was a natural fit for CBU and Shelby County to create a school focused on STEM education. Our approach is a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics instruction. We do this through a mix of digital, social-emotional, project based, and traditional 21st century learning strategies. Students experience interactive lessons by attending their daily STEM labs and completing long-term research projects.

As we have learned in our STEM experiments, the triangle is the single strongest structure. Our team has created three pillars that are the foundations of our beliefs and systems that drive our school: Academic achievement, a KnightsCARE culture, and leadership. If you ask anyone in our community what makes Maxine Smith STEAM Academy different or special, any community member would tell you "Knights CARE." We believe that you have to CARE to lead and those doing the work must lead the work. Building the capacity of everyone in our community is vital to the success of everyone in our community. We say KnightsCARE because we Collaborate to solve problems, we have a positive Attitude when we are discouraged or frustrated, we are Responsible for ourselves and our community, and we display Effort by never giving up, no matter the challenge.

2019 Awardee

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

750 E Parkway South
Memphis, TN, 38104-5556

(901) 416-4536

Principal at time of Nomination:
Mr. Michael Andrew Demster

Choice School

Shelby School District

Urban or large central city

School Website

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Mission

Preparing students for college and career, we utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to develop creativity, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 3%
  • Black/African American: 38%
  • Hispanic: 3%
  • Native American: 1%
  • White: 48%
  • Two or more races: 7%
  • Application