Ampere’s STEAM School returns for second year, expands to include younger learners

As families prepare for the new school year, Ampere is inviting guardians to consider investing in their young learners’ interest in science, technology, engineering, art and math by enrolling them in STEAM School, hosted in the Kawartha Lakes Makerspace & Skills Hub.

Entering its second year, Ampere’s STEAM School is Kawartha Lakes’ only STEAM-focused private school designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids aged five to 12, an expansion from the previous offerings for learners aged nine to 12. By blending traditional academics with hands-on, play-based STEAM learning, students develop essential critical thinking and problem solving skills.

“Last year’s STEAM school for nine to 12 years olds had overwhelmingly positive feedback, but we also learned a lot. This year we are making significant improvements by incorporating more immersive experiences, more guest speakers, and we’ve expanded our curriculum so that we can also cater to younger students between the ages of five to eight years old,” said Caitlin Patterson, chief operating officer for Ampere, in a press release.

The school offers an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where every student is given space to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and feel a sense of belonging in a community designed for and with them.

“At Ampere, we truly believe that STEAM is for everyone and understand that everyone, including our youngest learners, learns differently. By embracing a learner-led approach, and small class sizes, STEAM School educators are able to engage with each student in the most impactful way possible,” adds Patterson.

Essentially, rather than adhering to rigid schedules and activity plans, learners at STEAM School have some flexibility in what they do and how they absorb new knowledge and experience, while still engaging in work that aligns with the Ontario curriculum. STEAM School offers flexible attendance and enrollment options. Enrolment for single days is available for an investment of $65 per day. For those interested in a longer-term commitment, a full session (two months, one day per week) is available for only $45 per day. Drop-off for STEAM School starts at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up is from 3:10 to 3:30 p.m., with learners aged five to eight attending on Tuesdays and those aged nine to 12 attending on Wednesdays.

To learn more about STEAM School, and to enrol learners, visit steamschools.ca. Those interested are also invited to follow @steamschools on Instagram and on Facebook.