District Newsroom

Applications Open for Volusia County Schools’ First STEM + Arts Magnet Program 

DELAND, FL – Volusia County Schools (VCS) is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever elementary magnet program at Edith I. Starke Elementary School in DeLand next year. The innovative program, focusing on STEM + Arts, will open in the 2025–2026 school year for students in grades K-2. 

To introduce the community to the new program, VCS and Starke Elementary invite families and community members to attend an additional Community and Prospective Parent Information Night: 

• When: Wednesday, May 21, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. 

• Where: Edith I. Starke Elementary, 730 S. Parsons Ave, DeLand, FL 32720.  

• What: In addition to information on the program, this event will have snacks, prizes, and games, as well as feature VCS’s STEM Bus for students to get a preview of hands-on STEM learning! 

Applications for the program are open in person at the information night and online at tinyurl.com/StarkeMagnetApp. 

STEM + Arts represents a cutting-edge educational model that combines rigorous science, technology, engineering, and math instruction with creative, real-world problem-solving through design thinking. The program’s mission is to foster a cooperative environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and creative design—offering all students opportunities for meaningful, future-ready learning. Key Features of STEM + Arts include: 

• Integrated core benchmarks with arts-based learning 
• Student-centered, real-world problem solving 
• Emphasis on teamwork, communication, and creativity 
• Research-backed practices that enhance engagement and understanding 
• Inclusion of dance, music, and theatre 
• Use of industry-relevant technology and concepts, including: 
• Robotics 
• Architecture & Structural Design 
• Meteorology 
• Coding 
• Electronics 
• Measurement Tools 
• Raster Animation 
• Vector-Based Design  

“STEM + Arts is more than a program—it’s an approach to learning that prepares students to become global problem-solvers,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin. “VCS is excited to offer this innovative opportunity to our youngest learners in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at Edith I. Starke Elementary next year.”  

STEM + Arts classrooms are active, hands-on and filled with energy. Students work collaboratively to solve challenges, build resilience, and develop the 21st-century skills needed for success in school and beyond. 

For more information about applying, contact Nicole Yates at nryates@volusia.k12.fl.us. For more information about the program, contact Amy Monahan at ammonaha@volusia.k12.fl.us.  

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Volusia County Schools’ vision is to create life-long learners prepared for an ever-changing global society. The VCS Strategic Plan: www.vcsedu.org/strategic-plan.