Dalton Public Schools -

As part of the certification process, Brookwood hosted the Georgia Department of Education STEM Certification Panel who visited indoor and outdoor classrooms, spoke with students, and heard from parents and community partners. During the visit, students showcased their year-long and day-to-day STEM work and shared insights into their hands-on, inquiry-based way of learning.

Brookwood was originally certified as a Georgia STEM School in 2014, becoming just the 12th school in the state to receive this distinction. Since then, the school has continued to build on its strong foundation, evolving its programs to deepen student engagement and achievement.

“I am honored to be a part of a school community of dedicated teacher leaders who inspire and embrace curiosity, exploration, and authentic learning everyday,” said STEM Integration Teacher Sheree Patton. “This is more than how we teach—it’s who we are. I am incredibly proud to be a Brookwood Lion and to work alongside such inspiring educators and administration.”

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is at the core of Brookwood’s instructional approach. Through a place-based learning model and focus on, students connect their academic experiences to the natural environment around them. Each grade level is responsible for a year-long research project that encourages students to move through the Engineering and Design Process while thinking critically, solving problems, and applying their learning in meaningful ways.

Brookwood’s focus on environmental sustainability and instilling empathy is woven throughout their curriculum. Students participate in real-world learning experiences, such as collaborating with Dalton State College to study local ecosystems and partnering with the University of Georgia to track monarch butterfly migration patterns. These opportunities allow students to engage in authentic scientific research while developing a deeper understanding of their impact on the environment.

The journey to STEM certification, and now renewing that certification, has been driven by dedicated teachers and administrators who sought to expand learning beyond the traditional classroom. With strong support from Dalton Public Schools, Brookwood has developed a rigorous, research-based curriculum that emphasizes scientific thinking, data collection, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

“Our students rise to the challenge of thinking critically and solving real-world problems, and this certification reflects the incredible dedication of our teachers and staff and the strength of our community partnerships,” said Principal Dr. BethAnn Browning. “At Brookwood, STEM is not just a program—it’s embedded in our culture and empowers students to become curious, capable learners.”

Today, Brookwood’s educators continue to grow as leaders in STEM education, preparing students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and environmentally conscious citizens.

Brookwood Elementary’s STEM certification renewal builds on the strong work already happening, helping students grow the skills and curiosity they need for whatever comes next.