Academy of Exploration

Through a child’s learning experience at the Academy of Exploration, students will learn their grade-level curriculum through the lens of science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM. Students at AOE use engineering skills and iterative design to solve a wide variety of problems.

At AOE, students focus on building the leadership and responsibility that they need to be successful within the program and in their future. Students explore many challenges in a varied 3 year curriculum built upon the Missouri State Learning Standards. Leadership, communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking guide the rounded learning at AOE.

AOE in Action

Should you Apply for Academy of Exploration?

Are you interested in science, technology, engineering, or math?
Do you like to build or create inventions?
Do you like to learn from others?
Are you a risk taker?
Do you ask questions to better understand a problem?
Do you think differently than others about solving problems?
Do you like to understand how things work?

If some of these apply to you, then you might be a great fit.

Transportation Update:

For the 26/27 school year, Springfield Public Schools will introduce a new shuttle system to make transportation to our CHOICE programs more accessible for families.

Students will ride a shuttle from a school near their home to their CHOICE program.

How to Apply

Initial lottery applications open on November 1st and close on December 1st. If you miss the lottery window, you can add your application to the wait list beginning February 1st.

Eligibility

Any 3rd-5th grade SPS student or any non-SPS student who lives within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for their 4th-6th grade year.
Eligible students must have satisfactory attendance and behavior.
Students will be selected through an automated lottery system.
Applications are accepted November-December each year.