STEM

At Harford Day School, STEM learning is more than a subject-it’s a mindset. Our hands-on, inquiry-based approach encourages preschool through Eighth Grade students to ask big questions, think creatively, and solve real-world problems. In our dedicated Innovation Lab and classrooms, students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in ways that make learning exciting, relevant, and fun.

From building robots and coding interactive stories to designing solar-powered cars and 3D-printed prototypes, our students develop skills that prepare them for a rapidly changing world. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning community, Harford Day encourages experimentation, creates an environment where collaboration thrives, and celebrates perseverance.

STEM education is most powerful when it connects to students’ lives. Whether planting a greenhouse garden, creating museum-style interactive displays, or engineering hydraulic arms, Harford Day students learn to see challenges as opportunities for innovation. By the time they graduate, our students not only understand STEM concepts but also have the confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills to lead in any field they choose.

In our preschool program, children’s natural curiosity sets the stage for early STEM learning. They investigate cause and effect, patterns, and problem-solving through playful exploration. Activities like building with blocks, experimenting with water tables, and engaging in nature-based projects introduce foundational concepts in science, engineering, and mathematics. Guided by caring teachers, preschoolers learn that mistakes are part of discovery and that innovation often starts with a “What if…”

In the Lower School, STEM learning grows through increasingly complex challenges. Students might code a mouse to navigate a maze, design a sail car to harness the wind, or build a propeller car with 3D-printed parts. Each year brings opportunities to explore robotics, circuits, and structural engineering, and participate in science fairs. Integrating STEM with art, history, and environmental studies, we help students see how these skills connect to the world beyond the classroom.

Middle School STEM learning emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world application. Students design and build hydraulic arms, program spherical robots, and use woodworking tools to create custom projects. Group challenges encourage teamwork, resilience, and creative problem-solving, while advanced tools like 3D printers allow for professional-level prototyping. Projects often connect to broader themes, such as medieval castle studies or sustainable design, demonstrating that STEM is practical and imaginative.

Harford Day School’s STEM learning program prepares students for high school, college, and beyond by fostering creativity, perseverance, and analytical thinking. Whether they become engineers, scientists, artists, or entrepreneurs, our graduates leave with the confidence and capability to thrive in any path they choose. STEM is not just a curriculum — it’s a foundation for lifelong curiosity and success.