#Ad Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, for which I have been compensated.
There’s something special going on in the Springdale School
District, and as my children get older, I’ve started to pay a little more
attention to it. I’d watched the recent construction of the new Don Tyson
School of Innovation in east Springdale as we’ve traveled to soccer games, but
didn’t know much about the school itself until recently. As it turns out, I
have a friend whose children, Breana and Tanner, both attend classes there. I
caught up with them last week to find out more about the campus and what it
offers for their family.
The Don Tyson School of Innovation welcomed its first class
in 2014, but opened a brand new campus this past fall. By 2018, it will house a
full enrollment of 8th-12th graders. The school offers
classes and programs that are project-based and focused on the STEM curriculum
(science, technology, engineering and math). Curriculum was developed by
teachers and business leaders in order to have the students both college and career
ready upon graduation, with students having the opportunity to earn concurrent college
credit.
Our friends are a busy family with three active children.
When the school announced its initial enrollment in 2014, Breana immediately signed
herself up for classes. Her mom laughs because she never even saw the forms that
were sent home! When younger brother Tanner had the chance, he decided to join
his sister at DTSOI.
Here are some questions I had for the family.
What is your favorite
thing about your school?
Breana: I like that we have a little more flexibility than traditional
school. We have open classroom environments. We also get to travel to the
junior high and high school for activities like
sports, choir or band.
How does your
experience compare with the more traditional school setting?
Breana: The work is more self-paced here. We have
more time when we need it.
What are
some of the classes that you take?
Breana: Chemistry, History, English,
Geometry and Entrepreneurship
Tanner: Physical Science, English,
Math, Health, Careers and East
The Don Tyson School of Innovation is open to any 8th-12th grade student living in
Arkansas. They offer on-site and online classes, or a combination of both. The school is currently enrolling for next
fall.
I know that I will be keeping my eye on the Don Tyson School of
Innovation as an option for my kids in the future. I especially like that it
offers the STEM focus, with fun areas of study like robotics and drone piloting. To
find out more about the school, visit their website.
* Photos provided by Don Tyson School of Innovation