Local STEM school to expand, partner with Wright-Patt on gaming lab

The Dayton Regional STEM School near the Kettering/Dayton border serves students in grades 6-12 with a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and math. WILL GARBE / STAFF

The Dayton Regional STEM School near the Kettering/Dayton border serves students in grades 6-12 with a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and math. WILL GARBE / STAFF

The Dayton Regional STEM School is beginning a classroom and laboratory expansion project that will include an innovative partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Officials of the science, technology, engineering and math school on Monday announced an upcoming 30,000 square-foot renovation of currently unoccupied space in their building at 1724 Woodman Drive in Kettering. The project will create a science lab, assembly space, flexible learning laboratory, and five new classrooms at the school, which serves grades 6-12.

EDUCATION: Kettering principal explains key to Blue Ribbon honor

The renovated space also will be the home of the Air Force Research Laboratory 711th Human Performance Wing’s Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory (GRILL).

School officials described the GRILL as an educational outreach program that “inspires student interest in STEM through modeling and simulation software, helping equip the region’s next generation of critical defense workforce.”

EDUCATION: First new Ohio e-school in five years grows quickly

Construction work at the school building — formerly a Value City furniture store — is scheduled to begin this month, with an expected completion date in March. Synergy Building Systems was awarded the project after a competitive bid process, according to school officials.

A free, public “Brick Breaking Ceremony” will be held at the STEM School at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, with remarks from school, Synergy and WPAFB officials. The Dayton Regional STEM School is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

EDUCATION: Group proposes long-term changes to graduation rules

About the Author