Enrollment: 
578

Grade Levels: 
Pre-K - 5

Mission: 
Smith STEM Academy will prepare Pre-K - 5th grade students with the necessary 21st century skills to be successful in STEM career pathways through rigorous and relevant STEM content and real-world learning experiences.​

Vision and Graduate Outcomes:

Smith STEM Academy will prepare students with the 21st century skills necessary to explore, experience, and pursue higher education and career pathways in STEM fields. Students will build these skills through project-based STEM instruction.  Critical skills that all Smith STEM Academy students will develop include critical thinking, innovative thinking, communication, collaboration and resilience. These skills will be assessed through quarterly Defined Learning projects.  

Critical Thinking: Students will engage in complex problem-solving processes including inquiry and the engineering design process. Students will be able to develop and defend solutions to problems based on evidence.

Creative and Innovative thinking: Students will create and share innovative solutions to address real- world challenges, and contribute to a culture of innovation. Students will be risk-takers, willing to think outside of the box and try new things. 

Communication: Students will be able to use a variety of tools, methods, and types of communication to engage in one and two-way communication. Students will plan and deliver oral presentations, and be able to convey written information through formal and informal writing.  

Collaboration: Students will be able to operate effectively in a team environment. Students will practice building on the diverse strengths within the group, compromising, and being able to appreciate others. 

Resilience: Students will model proactive thinking and action, perseverance, and a growth-mindset as they face challenges and create solutions to real-world problems.

Logo: 
Eagle

School Colors: 
Royal Blue, White

Motto: 
Eagles SOAR (Support, Ownership, Ambition, Resilience)

Yearly Theme: 
SOARing into STEM

School History

The school was built in 1957. Smith Elementary was named in honor of Mr. William H. Smith (1877-1969). Mr. Smith came to Victoria from Louisiana as a tutor for the children of the Welder family. He later became the owner of Victoria Hardware Company. Mr. Smith served the children of Victoria as a member of the Victoria School Board for 25 years.

Principals

• Tiffany Absher, 2021-

• Michelle Graves, 2013 - 2021

• Carol Tippins, 1998 - 2013

• Wendy Crater, 1990 -1998

• Trinidad San Miguel. 1989 - 1990

• Susan Mathis, 1982 - 1989

• John Wuensche, 1971 - 1982

• Dale McCleskey, 1966 -1971

• John Ellisor, 1964 -1966

• Ella Schorlemmer, 1961 - 1964

• A. Cawyer, 1957 - 1961