STEAM at Foxcroft
Inspiring Girls to Pursue 21st-Century Skills
In today’s world, the STEAM subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics are critical. At Foxcroft, they are also fun.
You might design and assemble a prosthetic hand on the 3D printer or improve your computer skills while teaching others how to code. Put on a hard hat and see how engineers, architects, and contractors build a new dorm. Combine your love of biology with photography with a cyanotype experiment below the cherry blossoms.
Leonardo da Vinci said that to have a complete mind, you must: “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses — especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” That sense of discovery and experimentation brings interdisciplinary learning to life, which we see regularly in our learning spaces, teaching practices, course offerings, and after school programming.
I’ve gained hands-on experience with engineering and design and become more comfortable speaking up in front of others. While we are actively learning and having fun, we can extend our help to others so that they may benefit from our creations.
— Belle C., Class of 2024
3D Printing with a Purpose
In the 2023-24 school year, students had the opportunity to take a course dedicated to 3D design and fabrication with a meaningful purpose. Using the 3D printer in The Innovation Lab, they printed and assembled prosthetic hands for individuals with upper limb differences. Students learned how these devices, designed by e-NABLE, can be personalized to individual recipients and used as an empowering tool that is more readily available than traditional medical devices.
Learn More about our STEAM Program
STEAM is for Girls!
Research shows that attending an all-girls school affects students’ interest and success in STEAM fields, as well as their future careers.
6x
more likely to major in math, science & technology
Girls’ school graduates are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attended coeducational schools.
—Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools
3x
more likely to consider engineering careers
Compared to coeducated peers, girls’ school graduates are 3 times more likely to consider engineering careers.
—Dr. Linda Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College
more academic interests in computer science
Girls from all-female courses reported more academic interests in computer science or potential to pursue a computing career.
—National Center for Women & Information Technology, Girls in IT: The Facts
10%
more confident in their mathematical abilities
At the start of university, girls’ school graduates in the U.S. rate their confidence in their math skill abilities 10% higher than do their coeducated peers.
—Dr. Linda Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College
3x
more likely to be elected to leadership positions
Young people working in the arts during their out-of-school hours are being elected to class office within their schools more than three times as often.
—Americans for the Arts, Living the Arts through Language Learning: A report on Community-Based Youth Organizations
72%
stronger as a candidate for future careers
72% of business leaders surveyed identified creativity as the most important skill they look for in potential employees.
— Arts Education Navigator, Facts and Figures
AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards
Foxcroft's Computer Science offerings earn national recognition by the College Board
Foxcroft has earned the prestigious College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for multiple years, honoring the School's commitment to providing all students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of computer science.
Our school is leading the way in STEM education for girls by encouraging our students in record numbers to participate in computer science.
— Cathy McGehee, Head of School
Innovative Courses
Each year, the STEAM faculty offer courses that engage students' interest and introduce them to new concepts. Featured new course for 2024-25: Scientific Illustration.
Co-Curricular
From the First TECH Challenge Robotics Team (class and athletic team) to Beekeeping and Sustainability Clubs, co-curricular offerings extend STEAM education beyond the classroom.
Speakers & Seminars
Learn real-world lessons through hands-on seminars lead by Foxcroft's contractor partners and special presentations from experts in the STEAM fields, like oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Competitions in STEAM
Foxcroft holds a STEM Competition for middle and high school students each year. During Arts Week, the Science Photography Contest showcases the talents of our students and faculty alike.
News
Photography and biology students enjoy field trip to Oak Springs.