WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a tuition-free, public K–12 charter school. Charter schools operate independently from traditional districts, allowing flexibility to innovate while being held to high standards for academic performance, accountability, and equity.

In addition to core subjects—English, math, science, and social studies—students engage in STEM labs, engineering, computer science, art, technology, and PE. Elementary students participate in art, music, physical education, and technology on a rotating schedule.  

Middle School Academic Planning Guide

High School Academic Planning Guide

We intentionally design class sizes to foster student engagement, collaborative learning, and strong teacher-student relationships. In our elementary school, class sizes gradually increase by grade level: Kindergarten and 1st grade typically have 20–22 students, 2nd–3rd grade average 23–25, and 4th–5th grade classes range from 25–27 students. In middle and high school, class sizes average around 27 students per class, allowing for personalized instruction and meaningful academic interaction across all grade levels.

Elementary students follow a structured schedule with core instruction, enrichment blocks, and STEM learning. Secondary students follow an A/B block schedule with 8 classes per semester, which supports deeper learning and problem-based instruction.

We take a balanced approach to technology integration. Elementary students use devices and digital tools to enhance learning, while secondary students are on 1:1 devices to support collaboration, design thinking, and real-world problem solving.

Our model emphasizes mastery. Homework is purposeful—not excessive—and designed to support learning. Grading offers clear, actionable feedback so students understand their growth.

Our graduates are prepared for college, careers, and innovation. Many earn AP credits, industry certifications, or college coursework while still in high school.

Yes. We prioritize student well-being through a culture of inclusion, strong relationships, and clear safety protocols. Students are supported academically and emotionally at every grade level.

We offer academic interventions, social-emotional learning, counseling, and tailored instructional strategies to ensure every student feels empowered to succeed.

If your child has a current IEP, 504, ALP, or other learning plan and receives an offer of enrollment at STEM, you’ll be asked to submit the most recent copy of that plan after you accept the offer. This helps our Student Support Team begin the review process to determine if we can meet your child’s needs.

Once you’ve accepted an offer of enrollment and submitted your child’s learning plan, our team will review it—this may include an IEP meeting. Enrollment depends on whether we have the programming and space to implement the plan as written. If we cannot meet your child’s needs, we will schedule a meeting to discuss alternative options.

In secondary grades (grades 6-12) students place their phones in a designated cell phone pocket at the start of each class and collect their devices at the end of class. They may access their phones during passing periods and lunch. Elementary students (grades K-5) may not bring personal devices to school.

We do not offer bus service. Families arrange their own transportation. Many choose to carpool, and we encourage building connections within our community to make that easier.

STEM does not require uniforms. We follow a dress code that supports a focused learning environment. STEM-branded apparel is available and popular for spirit days.

Students may bring lunch or participate in our school lunch program, which is provided by DCSD Nutrtition services. Dedicated time and space are provided for students to eat and recharge.

We welcome family involvement! From volunteering and joining committees to supporting events or classroom activities, there are many ways to stay connected and contribute.

Annual student fees at STEM School Highlands Ranch help cover the cost of instructional materials and range from $250 to $300, depending on grade level, and are due before the start of school. An additional technology usage fee applies for students issued school-owned devices: $15 for Chromebook users (Grades 1–5) and $25 for laptop users (Grades 6–7). Fee waivers are available for families who qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch program. Additional costs such as extra curricular activities, athletics, AP tests, field trips and graduation fees are not included in the annual fee.

We’d love to help you explore whether STEM is the right fit for your family. You can join an upcoming tour, complete our interest form to stay connected, schedule a one-on-one enrollment consultation, or reach out to us directly at registrar@stemk12.org. We're here to answer your questions and support you through the decision-making process.

An enrollment consultation is an optional opportunity for prospective families to speak one-on-one with a member of our enrollment team. It’s a great way to get answers to your specific questions at a time that works best for your schedule.