(STEAM)²

STEAM at Summit

Summit’s STEAM program is led by nationally recognized educator Mrs. Donna Gradel, recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for K–12 STEM educators. Mrs. Gradel’s passion for innovation, hands-on learning, and Christ-centered education has helped shape a program designed to prepare students for both today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s challenges.

At Summit Christian Academy, STEAM is more than a class, lab, or collection of technology tools. It is a hands-on approach to learning that helps students think critically, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, and use their God-given gifts with purpose.

Through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, Summit students are challenged to ask good questions, design thoughtful solutions, test ideas, learn from mistakes, and communicate their work with confidence. These experiences help prepare students for a world that continues to change—and for a life of meaningful service and leadership.

student doing robot with screwdriver in robotics coding class

Hands-On Learning for Real-World Growth

In Summit’s STEAM experiences, students engage in project-based learning that encourages curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Students explore coding, robotics, engineering challenges, digital design, fabrication, art integration, problem-solving activities, and collaborative projects that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Students learn that strong ideas often require revision, teamwork, patience, and resilience. Whether they are designing a prototype, solving a challenge, presenting a project, or improving a design, they are developing skills that reach far beyond the classroom.

What Makes Summit STEAM Distinctive?

Summit’s STEAM program is built around a unique framework we call (STEAM)²:

Science
Technology
Engineering
Arts
Mathematics

Paired
With

Stewardship
Teamwork
Entrepreneurship
Architecture
Ministry

This expanded approach helps students see innovation through a Christian worldview. Students are not simply learning how to build, code, design, or create. They are learning to consider why their work matters, who it serves, and how their ideas can be used to honor God and benefit others.

Faith, Innovation, and Purpose

At Summit, innovation is never separated from faith. We believe students should be prepared not only to succeed academically, but also to lead with wisdom, humility, integrity, and compassion.

STEAM gives students opportunities to practice these qualities in meaningful ways. They learn to listen to others, contribute to a team, think creatively, use technology responsibly, and approach challenges with both excellence and purpose.

Preparing Future Innovators and Leaders

Today’s students will enter a world shaped by rapid advances in technology, communication, design, science, and problem-solving. Summit’s STEAM program helps students build the confidence and adaptability they need for that future.

Our goal is to help students become thoughtful creators, capable problem-solvers, and Christ-centered leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and world.