Discovery School Earns Second State STEM/STEAM Designation

The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network
(TSIN) have announced that Discovery School has once again received the prestigious STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) designation.

By earning this distinction for the second time, Discovery School continues to serve as a model for schools across the state. The redesignation reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to providing a comprehensive, student-centered learning environment that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application. Discovery School first received the STEM designation in 2019.

“This redesignation highlights Discovery School’s dedication to cultivating a lasting STEAM-based culture,” said Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Nashville City Schools. “They continue to be a leader in academic innovation and hands-on learning.”

The school achieved this milestone under the leadership of Principal Caitlin Bullard and Assistant Principal Jessica Snell. The STEAM Committee included Kristen Jackson, Jenny Newsome, Bridgett Wright, Karen Cook, Shea Payne, Ty Wallace, Elizabeth Shepherd, Julie Seymour, Amy London, and Kathy Waldecker.

As part of the accreditation process, Discovery School transitioned from a STEM to a STEAM designation, emphasizing the integration of the arts into its instructional approach.

With this announcement, Nashville City Schools now boasts ten schools with STEM or STEAM designation, including Overall Creek, Erma Siegel, Bradley, Reeves-Rogers, Cason Lane, Discovery, Black Fox, Hobgood, Salem, and the newly designated John Pittard Elementary.

“Our strategic plan calls for all schools to achieve STEM or STEAM designation,” added Dr. Duke. “I’m proud that the schools across our district are embracing not just the acronym, but the hands-on, engaging instruction that defines this model of learning.”

Discovery School is an academic magnet school serving Kindergarten through 6th grade students and is located in the heart of Nashville.