Saddleback Valley Unified School District believes that students need to be proficient in making innovative connections across a variety of disciplines, particularly in areas related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). SVUSD offers a STEAM K-12 Academy with cohesive pathways creating a smooth continuum of STEAM curriculum from kindergarten at Santiago STEAM Magnet to Serrano Intermediate, concluding at El Toro High School. This will prepare students for both college and 21st-century careers.

At Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School, students will receive instruction through High-Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL) that incorporates a Human-Centered Design Thinking process. Further emphasis includes Foundational Blocks in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Students present at three Ignite Nights in order to share their new learning in creative ways.  For more information, please visit Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary

At Serrano Intermediate, students will be enrolled in a cross-curricular STEAM Village where Project Based Learning connects student learning across core classes as well as the STEAM electives. Student projects will demonstrate mastery of STEAM elective content as well as rigorous standards in each core subject.  below are the STEAM electives for the STEAM students.  For more information, please visit Serrano Intermediate.

At El Toro High School, students will be enrolled in STEAM Academy core classes that are UC “a-g” approved. STEAM-related Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways are available for students beginning in their freshman year and culminating in their senior year with an internship/work-based learning  opportunity. These pathways offer a program of study that involves a multi-year sequence of courses that integrates STEAM skills and core academic knowledge along with the technical and  occupational knowledge needed to prepare students with a pathway to post-secondary education and  careers. This program will begin in 2021-2022.