Souvenirs from the Bolton Academy STEM Innovation Lab ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
The students at Bolton Academy can now immerse themselves in a fun, creative, and hands-on learning experience through the school’s new STEM Innovation Lab. Recently, they led a tour of their new space and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony accompanied by district officials, community partners, and educators.
The Innovation Lab originated from a visit to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, where Bolton Academy’s principal, Shavaun Mincey, and school leaders were challenged to reimagine education. Mincey envisioned an environment that would provide all students with the same enriching learning practices she experienced in her gifted program as a child.
Through STEM and International Baccalaureate teaching methods, this vision materialized into a space where students engage in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The lab was made possible through the contributions of corporate partners, including Smith System, who gave Bolton Academy the Steelcase Innovation Grant.
The Bolton Academy STEM Innovation Lab virtual reality station. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
“We are excited to continue to learn from Bolton Academy and to take that learning to other communities, not only within Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Georgia but across the nation,” Smith System regional sales manager Ginny Ryan said.
Steelcase and Empire Office also provided innovative designs, furnishings, and adaptable workspaces. SOFi (Soaring Owls) Foundation, Inc., comprised of parents, community members, business leaders, and staff, contributed crucial funding to the project.
Dr. Natasha Rachell, director of Instructional Technology for APS, expressed the importance of Bolton Academy’s pioneering efforts districtwide.
“This is the first innovation lab of this type in Atlanta Public Schools,” she said. “I’m so excited to see what our students will create in this space—everything from becoming the next podcaster, YouTuber, clothing designer, hydroponic scientist, or Lego kit creator. The sky is the limit.”
A common theme throughout the ceremony was “sneaky education,” where students think they’re having fun while the primary goal of learning and growing is being accomplished.
Bolton Academy fifth-grader Nia Chatman and fourth-graders Evan Sampson and Finnegan Hunter showcased the projects and lessons they learned in the gaming and film fields. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
This concept was evident as students dressed in white coats showcased the lab’s capabilities. Fifth-grader Nia Chatman explained the integration of EliteGamingLIVE and Esports into the curriculum, explaining how students would explore video game design, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
“My favorite part about the Esports program is the Academy, which is where we learn about [gaming] jobs,” said Chatman, who is interested in a career in video gaming and character design.
Fourth-graders Evan Sampson and Finnegan Hunter demonstrated a short film they created using toys and a green screen. By wearing special gloves, they animated toy characters, producing a colorful action film.
Principal Mincey expressed admiration for the students, calling them the most exceptional she has encountered in her 22-year career.
“These are the best career students I’ve ever worked with,” said Mincey. “And I’ve worked with some amazing students, but nothing tops the hearts, minds, and collaborative and future-forward spirits than the students here at Bolton Academy. I’m very honored that I get to be their principal.”
Sage Carlos, a fifth-grader at Bolton Academy, shows Superintendent Dr. Johnson a program she is working on. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
As Bolton Academy takes the helm in shaping the future of STEM education, APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson emphasized the district’s commitment to supporting future forward-thinking educational initiatives.
“We, as a school district, are really committed,” Dr. Johnson said. “We talk about going back to the basics, but back to the basics really means that there’s a level of intentionality in the work that’s going on in the day-to-day. This [Innovation Lab] is intentional, this is an opportunity.”
Enjoy the photo recap of Bolton Academy’s STEM Innovation Lab ribbon-cutting. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©