Rooted in Christian values, there is a palpable eagerness to learn and explore that amplifies the recent growth in every STEM classroom. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Crenshaw, Director of STEM, all students—from the tiniest of tinkerers in lower school STEM class to the coding and college-ready minds in the Engineering and Computer Science classes—are immersed in hands-on, project-based activities.
“Our STEM programs are designed with a clear mission of equipping participants with foundational skills in their area of interest. By the time they complete our programs, they are fully prepared with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed moving forward,” Dr. Crenshaw said.
Scaffolding STEM skills from pre-K to 12th grade
In lower school, STEM education begins with instilling a love for learning through curiosity and exploration. Pre-K through 4th grade students are exposed early on to foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in thoughtfully curated lessons that allow them to interact with the world around them through discovery that leads to understanding.
Lower school STEM teacher, Ms. Shanna Gonzales, expounded on this idea of discovery learning, “They should be talking with each other, sharing ideas and helping each other redesign things when they don’t work out.”

By middle school, TWCA students are able to apply the foundational concepts of STEM and soft skills they honed in the elementary grades for collaboration and self-discovery on larger projects.
The middle school robotics classrooms are dynamic environments where students learn through hands-on robot building and programming. In the middle school coursework, they begin to engage in the engineering design process of identifying a need, researching and brainstorming solutions, designing and prototyping, testing and evaluating, and iteratively improving their designs. Through this process, students develop strong problem-solving skills as they encounter challenges, troubleshoot issues and refine their robot designs to achieve specific goals.
Emphasis on the design process attributed to the success of the TWCA MS Robotics Team, which competed in the FIRST Lego League Challenge Qualifier in Alvin, on Jan. 11. A talented group of 5th and 6th graders made an unforgettable first impression by earning the highest score out of 25 teams and proudly taking home the 1st place trophy for the coveted Robot Performance Award.
“Their success is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and passion for robotics. We couldn’t be prouder of this amazing accomplishment,” Middle School STEM teacher Mr. Robert Smothers said.
STEM education in grades five through eight also widens interdisciplinary connections.
“The beauty of our Middle School STEM program is how it connects different fields of study,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “In a robotics project, for example, students apply math for calculations, use English to document their findings, and explore the historical context through social studies. It’s all about seeing how STEM integrates with everything they learn.”

As students reach high school, the STEM program becomes more specialized, offering focused tracks in computer Science and engineering that set students up for postsecondary success and personal growth.
The problems to be solved are more rigorous in Mr. Daniel Brown and Mr. Wouter Westerduin’s STEM classes. Students who have worked within the inquiry-based STEM classes in middle school enter the high school’s computer science and engineering coursework with the interpersonal skills needed to dig deeper, and with independence. This is the reward of intentional alignment campus-wide.
In Mr. Brown’s Principles of Engineering and Engineering Design classes, there is a primary focus on independent learning through doing.
“When we are doing simple machines and looking at mechanical advantages, it’s all math formulas. But to me it’s more interesting for the kids to first create a wheel and axle,” Mr. Brown said. “Then, to get their dial calipers and their rulers to measure, and then apply the formula. So they can see how it all comes together.”
This same application approach is fostered in Mr. Westerduin’s Computer Science classes where advanced students put their skills into practice through practical applications. The Computer Science Independent Study Honors class, composed of students who have completed AP Computer Science coursework, represents the program's most accomplished learners. These students are currently developing a solution for the TWCA middle school house system, creating a program to track house points at the administration's request.
“I wanted our students to develop this software themselves, giving them real-world experience working with a client while benefiting the school,” Mr. Westerduin said.

STEM through a biblical worldview
What sets TWCA’s STEM program apart is its integration of Christian values. Students are encouraged to view everything they do through a biblical worldview, recognizing their talents are God-given and they have a responsibility to use their work to serve others.
One example of service through STEM learning at TWCA was exhibited this past November when students campus-wide participated in a food drive with Interfaith Ministries of The Woodlands. STEM students applied their learning to the philanthropic cause by designing a domino effect using the collected cereal boxes to encourage participation and increase donations. The result of the Cereal Box Challenge was a creative display of 1,993 cereal boxes—corresponding with TWCA’s founding in 1993—cascading through their design, symbolizing how their work can drive positive change.
“Our mission is to empower students to live out the Warrior Way by honoring God, serving others, fighting for truth and leading by example,” Chief Advancement Officer Troye Skipworth said. "The STEM program embodies these values, helping students apply their talents to make a difference."
Woodlands Christian STEM teachers are passionate about the work, and with that, about making a connection to God’s creativity in STEM using a biblical worldview. To be intentional about this integration, the STEM team is leaning into a book titled, ‘A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers’.
“We want our students to leave here knowing they can make a difference,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “They’re not just solving problems—they’re solving God’s problems. Our program continues to grow and evolve, equipping them with the skills and mindset to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
Looking to the future
The success of TWCA’s STEM program relies not only on its dedicated teachers and students but also on the community’s support. Local businesses, organizations and families play a crucial role in helping students grow and succeed through partnerships, donations and mentorship opportunities.
“We’re fortunate to be part of a community that values STEM and understands its impact,” Skipworth said. “We’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and shared knowledge can drive real change, and now we’re eager to help others succeed in the same way.”
TWCA is looking to partner with local businesses to offer internships and real-world experiences to help students prepare for the future. If you’re interested in supporting TWCA’s STEM program, contact the Director of STEM, Dr. Mark Crenshaw, at [email protected].
Upcoming events at The Woodlands Christian Academy
- Feb. 6-8: “Newsies” The Broadway Musical (Find tickets here)
- Feb. 20: College Admissions Workshop (Open to the public, register here)
- March 29: Color Run
- April 12: Auction and Gala
- May 2-3: Fine Arts Extravaganza
Learn more
Stay up to date with the latest happenings at The Woodlands Christian Academy by visiting their news page. To learn more about The Woodlands Christian Academy and its programs, visit the school's website at https://www.twca.net/.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.