Open houses where West Hartford families can learn about the opportunities at its two magnet schools will take place at both Smith STEM and Charter Oak International Academy in February.

Students at Smith STEM. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford is known for its neighborhood-elementary schools, and families are proud of the quality of those schools and often refer to where they live by the name of that local elementary school, but the district also has two magnet schools which augment the standard curriculum with an inquiry-based learning approach that families might want to consider.

“Many families find the inquiry-based model encourages children to think more creatively and independently. In addition to the inquiry-based learning model, our magnet schools each embrace a specific learning theme,” said Ashely Callan, principal of Smith STEM School, and Georgina Rivera, principal of Charter Oak International Academy.

Both Smith and Charter Oak serve their neighborhoods, but are also open to West Hartford residents who live anywhere else in town. Transportation is provided to students who live more than a mile from the school.

Grade 4 Science Provocation during an IB Unit of Study at Charter Oak International Academy. Courtesy photo

“Charter Oak International Academy is a vibrant IB World School that celebrates diversity, fosters global-mindedness and inspires lifelong learners,” said Rivera. “Through hands on inquiry-based learning, student-led assemblies, and project-based experiences, our students develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. As an IB World School, we align our curriculum and community outreach with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, deepening our commitment to global citizenship. Our exclusive signature programs, including Suzuki music instruction starting in PreK, world language for PreK-5, the Explorations after-school enrichment program, and the award-winning Odyssey of the Mind team, further enrich the learning experience and empower students with the values, knowledge, and skills to create a better, more peaceful world.”

Students at Smith STEM. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

Callan notes that “Florence E. Smith STEM School is a dynamic 21st-century learning community where students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through hands-on STEM experiences, technology integration, and inquiry-based instruction. With unique opportunities such as the district’s only elementary science lab, signature STEM experiences at each grade level, an engineering curriculum from the Boston Museum of Science, and STEAM-focused after-school programs, we inspire students to explore, innovate, and lead. Strong partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center, along with student-led initiatives and community events ensure our students are prepared for the future, no matter their path.”

Parents of children who currently attend or have attended the magnet schools shared some of their thoughts.

“My husband and I are thankful we are part of the Charter Oak family,” said the Adekanbi family. “Our son graduated from Charter Oak in June of 2023. When we decided to switch our son’s school in fourth grade, there were lots of unknowns and uncertainties. We were so happy with how he was welcomed into the Charter Oak community. Our daughter wakes up every morning happy to go to school to see her caring teachers and friends. She loves Charter Oak and has blossomed so much over the past couple of years. Charter Oak is truly a special place where children have access to a world-class education in an environment with caring staff and students who reflect the diversity that we see in West Hartford. The focus on IB provides students with a strong foundation that prepares students to be thinkers, which will help to set them up for success in our evolving world. It also connects them to children around the globe who are learning about similar IB principles. Thank you Charter Oak for being part of our village.”

Suzuki Tour Group at Charter Oak International Academy. Courtesy photo

“When we toured Smith we were very impressed by the thoughtfully planned-out STEM curriculum,” commented the Pokorny family. “Our daughter was already reading above grade level, so we wanted a school that would continue to challenge her and develop her grit. Smith’s STEM program did just that, and we are so grateful to be part of its community.”

Other comments referenced the caring and dedicated staff, a “warm nurturing environment where students are encouraged to think critically and creatively” while being exposed to a STEM curriculum at an early age at Smith, the “amazing Suzuki violin program” at Charter Oak, and Charter Oak’s Odyssey of the Mind team, and other factors that led them to choose one of the magnet schools.

The application process is currently underway, and families can learn more about each of the schools by attending the open houses and parent information session (Smith STEM on Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Charter Oak International Academy on Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m.). In addition, more information is available on the magnet school webpage on the West Hartford Public Schools website.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 7, and lottery results will be provided on March 20, with response required by April 4. Both schools will create a waiting list, with that list reviewed from late June through mid-August.

The most recent magnet school brochures can be found below or through this link: Charter Oak and Smith STEM Magnet Brochure.

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