Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) STEM School in Redmond is one of seven schools that will serve as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) mentors to other schools in the state.

Known as Lighthouse schools, the seven were recently awarded $18,000 grants each that will promote and develop STEM education, including technical assistance and advice for other middle schools and high schools that are creating their own STEM environments.

The remaining six schools are: Riverpoint Academy (Mead School District), Cascade K-8 Community School (Shoreline), Toppenish Middle School (Toppenish), Lakeside High School (Nine Mile Falls), Columbia Crest Elementary School (Eatonville) and Franklin Pierce High School (Franklin Pierce).

“It’s a great honor to be chosen as a lighthouse schools,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent. “It makes those schools leaders in STEM education. Other schools will look to the seven for guidance on how to successfully teach STEM.”

STEM Lighthouse schools originated in 2010 with the Legislature’s passage of House Bill 2621. The bill directs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate lighthouse schools. The schools “serve as resources and examples of how to combine the following best practices: Small, highly personalized learning communities; an interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), delivered through a project-based instructional approach; and active partnerships with businesses and the local community to connect learning beyond the classroom.”

Five schools and one district were given the honor in 2012.