PHS named 25-26 national PLTW distinguished school

Pattonville High School has been recognized as a 2025-2026 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. High schools across the U.S. receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW (computer science, biomedical science, engineering). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of pre-K through 12th grade students and teachers in more than 12,600 schools across the U.S. This is the seventh time and sixth straight year Pattonville has received this award.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, Pattonville High School had to meet the following criteria in the 2024-2025 school year:

• Offered and had students enrolled in at least three PLTW high school courses; 
• Had at least 25% of students participate in PLTW high school courses from any pathway, or of those who participated during the school year, at least 33% take two or more PLTW courses that year or earlier; 
• Had strategies and procedures in place that ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in PLTW programs.

"We are proud to honor Pattonville High School for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge, and skills to navigate their futures," PLTW president and CEO Dr. David Dimmett said. "Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next."

For nearly 30 years, PLTW has prepared preK-12 students for careers, college and life by equipping them with the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) knowledge, credential preparation, transferable skills and confidence to succeed. Hands-on, real-world learning, deep industry partnerships and clear curriculum guide students from early career curiosity to postsecondary readiness. With a national network of more than 116,000 trained teachers in more than 12,200 schools across all 50 states, PLTW enables schools to design scalable, future-focused programs that inspire students, empower educators and connect learning to life after graduation.