In a quiet corner of Clinton County, big things are happening in STEM education. Rossville Elementary School has emerged as a beacon of innovation and excellence, earning the coveted distinction of being the only STEM-certified elementary school across Clinton, Carroll, and Tippecanoe Counties. This recognition, granted by the Indiana Department of Education in 2024, places Rossville in a select group of just over 100 schools statewide that have met the rigorous standards of STEM Certification.
First launched in 2015, Indiana’s STEM Certification program highlights schools that go beyond traditional instruction to create vibrant, interdisciplinary learning environments. These schools integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math not only into the core curriculum but also into the arts, humanities, and real-world community engagement. The program requires a rigorous application and review process that schools must undergo every five years to maintain their status.
“Indiana’s STEM-certified schools highlight the importance of equipping our students with the skills to think critically and to solve problems in an ever-changing technological world,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Investing in STEM is about more than preparing our students for high-demand careers – it’s about igniting their curiosity and confidence and empowering them to shape the future of Indiana and beyond.”
Rossville Elementary’s STEM journey has been anything but ordinary. The school’s program aligns with Indiana’s statewide STEM priorities, emphasizing student-centered learning through inquiry, hands-on projects, and real-world applications. Students explore future career pathways through early and consistent exposure to STEM disciplines, a move that educators believe can make a lifelong impact.
By collaborating with local professionals, Rossville is opening doors for students to visualize themselves in careers they might never have considered. Whether designing robotic prototypes, solving community challenges through entrepreneurial projects, or working collaboratively on interdisciplinary tasks, students are developing skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking—key competencies for the future workforce.
“Rossville Elementary’s approach to STEM education goes far beyond test preparation or textbook exercises,” said a district spokesperson. “It’s about giving kids opportunities to discover, explore, and lead. And that’s what truly sets us apart.”
The school’s STEM site, https://sites.google.com/rcsd.k12.in.us/idoestemcertifiedschoolsdigita/school-information, offers a more in-depth look at the school’s curriculum, partnerships, and project-based learning initiatives. As part of its 2024 certification, Rossville followed the updated 2023 rubric, demonstrating not only its compliance with but also its exceeding of evolving standards for STEM education.
Notably, Tippecanoe County, home to Purdue University and a hub for technological innovation, has just one STEM Certified School—Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate. That makes Rossville’s achievement all the more remarkable for a smaller, rural district committed to staying on the cutting edge of educational excellence.
As Indiana doubles down on its investment in STEM education to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, Rossville Elementary stands as a compelling model of what’s possible when innovation meets vision at the elementary level. In this small town with big aspirations, the future of STEM is already taking shape—one curious mind at a time.
Photo: Mr. Mike Feagans and student Ava Horoho test drive robots
—
Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent
Rossville Consolidated School District