New STEM-Based Private School Set to Open in Reston

Ideaventions Academy, a STEM-based private school for 4th-8th graders, is set to open in fall 2015 in Reston, according to its organizers. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

Ideaventions Academy is the only elementary/middle school in the country to require computer science as a part of its annual core curriculum, the academy notes. The groundbreaking for the academy will take place May 18 and the team has “an incredible vision for the school,” according to a news release.

Students who have a special interested in STEM will be able to take classes including computer science, engineering, cellular biology and even iOS and Android app development. This unique school was started by Juliana and Ryan Heitz, a husband-and-wife team who opened a teaching science center in 2010 for young learners after an unsuccessful search to find a science enrichment class for their son.

Here’s more about the school from an earlier news release:

Ideaventions Academy combines hands-on, project-based learning with classical education, while providing a collegial environment where students help design their schedule, choosing from required core classes and a diverse set of electives.

Courses include: computer science, cellular biology, computational design, iOS and Android app development, engineering and more. The curriculum will also go beyond STEM-based classes and will include arts, music, humanities, foreign languages and physical education.

Learning will also extend outside of the classroom with opportunities for students to participate in community service projects and fields trips. The classes will be taught by world-class faculty, who are experts in their fields. Ideaventions Academy was started by alumni of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Juliana and Ryan Heitz.

After they had an unsuccessful search to find a science enrichment class for their son, they decided to create their own teaching science center and started Ideaventions. Ideaventions opened its doors in 2010, which brings classes, camps and after-school programs focused on STEM to young learners. Growing and learning from their experience at Ideaventions, they decided to start this academy to continue to provide a STEM-based education.

Ideaventions Academy will be located at 12340 Pinecrest Road in Reston. The academy will have a small, community feel and will feature colorful, collaborative workspaces, a game area, a reception/genius bar and will focus on fostering creative thinking through color and design. Click here for renderings of the space. Follow the academy’s progress with weekly updates on the academy’s blog here.

Rendering courtesy of academy