Swallow School Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Swallow School been recognized as a 2020-21 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School as one of only 310 elementary schools and 158 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Launch and Gateway programs.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
Superintendent Melissa Thompson explained that, “The PLTW course offerings for middle school and engineering modules for elementary students help not only teach our students vital skills for their future, but do so in rigorous and relevant ways that engage each child in solving real-world problems. We are appreciative of such a well-developed resource for our school to use as a part of our instruction in this vital field and the generous donor support provided to make PLTW possible for K-12 institutions.”
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their engineering and STEM programming. To be eligible for the designation, Swallow had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the coursework and had to offer at least two PLTW Launch modules at each grade level during the 2019-20 school year, which was achieved despite the start of the pandemic.
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at, math and science. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“It is a great honor to recognize Swallow School for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience despite the unusual circumstances and unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented to the educational landscape this past year,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.”
Swallow School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit
pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.