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7 Shocking Ways Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy Redefines Elementary Education

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Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy is not your typical primary school; it is a trailblazing institution within the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) that has cemented its status as a national leader in integrated education. As of late December 2025, the academy continues to garner attention for its dynamic, project-based learning environment that seamlessly blends Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into every student's daily life. This deep dive explores the core pillars of its success and the recent accolades that prove its innovative "STEM Culture" model is working.

The academy's commitment to fostering critical thinking and real-world problem-solving has resulted in prestigious recognition, including the coveted Georgia School Bell Award. The school's 2025-2026 academic year is focused on leveraging its recent International STEM Certification, ensuring every student from Kindergarten through fifth grade is equipped with the skills necessary for college and career readiness in an increasingly technological world. This comprehensive approach to early education is why Clark Creek is a benchmark for STEM excellence.

Leadership Profile and Key Personnel Driving STEM Success (2025-2026)

The success of Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy is deeply rooted in its stable, visionary leadership and a committed faculty and staff. The administration and key educators are instrumental in maintaining the school's high standards and pushing the boundaries of the STEM curriculum.

  • Principal Joey Moss: A proud native of Cherokee County, Ms. Moss is the principal leading the academy. Her tenure has been marked by a strong focus on "Creating a STEM Culture," which earned the school the prestigious Georgia School Bell Award.
  • Karen Garland (Science Teacher): Instrumental in the school's environmental and agricultural initiatives, Ms. Garland, alongside Principal Moss and cafeteria staff, was recognized for the school's "Garden of the Season" award from the Georgia Department of Education.
  • AIM Teachers (Gifted Program): Diana Godfrey, Kim Harrison, and Sterling Hope lead the AIM (Academically Intellectually Motivated) program, ensuring advanced learners are challenged with specialized instruction.
  • Media Specialist: Lisa Boysen manages the school's media center, a critical component of the technology and research-focused STEM curriculum.
  • 2025-2026 Kindergarten Team: The foundational team includes Homeroom Teachers Jenna Binner, Sara Bowling, and Sarah Campbell, demonstrating the academy's commitment to a strong start in STEM education.
  • School Council (2025-2026): The council meets regularly to review progress on district Key Priorities and school improvement, with meetings scheduled throughout the year.

The Core Pillars of Clark Creek's International STEM Certification

Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy has achieved the distinction of being the first school in the Cherokee County School District to earn International STEM Certification. This certification is a rigorous endorsement of the school's comprehensive and embedded approach to STEM education. The academy, which opened its doors in 2012 as one of the initial four STEM Academies in CCSD, has spent over a decade refining its model.

1. Creating a True "STEM Culture"

The school's award-winning program, "Creating a STEM Culture," is more than a set of classes—it’s a mindset. This culture ensures that problem-solving, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning are the default modes of instruction across all subject areas, not just in science labs. This whole-school commitment is what sets Clark Creek apart from other elementary schools. The initiative focuses on demonstrating clear expectations for student outcomes and mastery in a variety of complex subjects.

2. Integrated Technology and Current Tools

A key focus of the STEM Academy is the seamless integration of technology. The 2025 School Report indicates that the school is committed to ensuring staff and students utilize "appropriate, current technology" to enhance learning experiences. This goes beyond simple computer skills, focusing on using technology as a tool for research, design, and presentation in authentic STEM projects.

3. Clear Learning Targets and Student Success

The curriculum emphasizes that learning targets must be "evident throughout the lesson and in student work." This focus on transparency and measurable success ensures that students always understand what they are learning and why. The school's overall success in the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) is a direct reflection of these clear learning targets and high expectations.

Recent Accolades and Innovative Programs (2024-2025 Highlights)

The 2024-2025 school year brought significant recognition to Clark Creek, highlighting its excellence both inside and outside the classroom. These recent achievements underscore the academy's holistic approach to student development, incorporating environmental stewardship and community engagement into its core mission.

4. Georgia School Bell Award for STEM Culture

The school was honored with the prestigious Georgia School Bell Award, specifically for its program titled "Creating a STEM Culture." This award recognizes initiatives that demonstrate outstanding success in educational innovation. The recognition is a powerful testament to the leadership of Principal Joey Moss and the faculty's ability to embed STEM principles throughout the entire school environment. This focus on a pervasive STEM culture ensures students are constantly engaging with engineering design processes and scientific inquiry.

5. "Garden of the Season" Recognition

In a unique blend of science and sustainability, Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy received the Georgia Department of Education's "Garden of the Season" recognition. This award highlights the collaboration between the school's science program, led by teacher Karen Garland, and the cafeteria staff. The school garden serves as a living laboratory where students learn about botany, ecology, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, connecting classroom lessons directly to real-world applications and the food they eat.

6. Robust Parent and Family Engagement

The academy understands that student success is a shared responsibility. The school's Parent and Family Engagement Plan is a comprehensive strategy for shared student success. This includes regular curriculum nights, parent engagement events, and consistent updates on student performance. This strong partnership ensures that the STEM focus is reinforced at home, creating a cohesive learning environment for every child.

7. Commitment to Continuous Improvement (FY25 Title I Plan)

Clark Creek's dedication to improvement is formalized through its annual plans, such as the FY25 Title I School Plan. This document outlines specific strategies for enhancing student achievement, particularly for students requiring additional support. The plan includes detailed descriptions and explanations of the curriculum, ensuring all stakeholders—parents, teachers, and students—are aligned on the path to academic excellence. The school is committed to educating the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students.

In conclusion, Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy is a model institution demonstrating how a focused, integrated, and collaborative approach can elevate elementary education. From the leadership of Principal Joey Moss to the dedicated Kindergarten Team for 2025-2026, the school's commitment to its International STEM Certification and continuous improvement ensures that its students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

7 Shocking Ways Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy Redefines Elementary Education
clark creek elementary stem academy
clark creek elementary stem academy

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