Big Dream Academy STEAMS Education Hub 2026–2027 Academic Year Program

Big Dream Academy STEAMS Education Hub offers academically rigorous programs that inspire students to develop advanced skills in mathematics, robotics, coding, public speaking, debate, and leadership. Our competition and enrichment pathways are designed to challenge students intellectually and cultivate creativity as we prepare them to excel in prestigious regional, national, and international competitions.

Honors Math M (Grades 6-8)

Designed for motivated middle school students who want to build a strong foundation in middle school mathematics, this program emphasizes mastery of core mathematical concepts through Pre-Algebra. Students develop conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning while preparing for advanced high school mathematics. Through engaging instruction, guided practice, and challenging applications, students gain the confidence and skills needed for long-term academic success.

Ideal Students

  • Want to build a solid foundation in middle school mathematics
  • Desire to master Pre-Algebra concepts
  • Need to strengthen fundamental math skills and fill learning gaps
  • Are preparing for honors, advanced, or accelerated high school math courses
  • Enjoy solving challenging problems and thinking critically
  • Want to increase confidence, accuracy, and mathematical fluency

Program Details

  •  Grades: 6–8 (or students demonstrating equivalent math readiness)
  • Curriculum Focus: Comprehensive middle school mathematics with an emphasis on Pre-Algebra
  • Program Emphasis: Develop deep conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, logical reasoning, and effective problem-solving strategies while building a strong foundation for Geometry, Algebra II, and higher-level mathematics
  • Academic Outcome: Students complete the program with a solid mathematical foundation, greater confidence, and the readiness to excel in advanced mathematics throughout high school and beyond

Competitive Math Program

Our Competitive Math Program is designed for motivated students with strong numerical fluency and a passion for challenging mathematics. Through high-level instruction and guided practice, students develop advanced problem-solving skills, deep mathematical understanding, and the confidence to excel past traditional curriculum.

Ideal Students

  • Enjoy solving challenging mathematical problems
  • Demonstrate strong computation skills and number sense
  • Aspire to participate in academic competitions
  • Seek advanced enrichment beyond the standard classroom curriculum
  • Want to strengthen analytical thinking and logical reasoning

Competition Pathways

Students will have the opportunity to prepare for a variety of highly respected mathematics competitions, including:

  • Math Kangaroo (Grades 1–12)
  • Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (Grades 4–8)
  • American Mathematics Competitions
  • AMC 8 (Grades 8 and below)
  • AMC 10 (Grades 10 and below)
  • AMC 12 (Grades 12 and below)
  • MATHCOUNTS (Grades 6–8)

Program Details

  • Grades: 1–12 (placement varies based on each competition’s grade eligibility requirements, as well as the student’s age, experience, and readiness)
  • Competition Participation: Optional but highly encouraged
  • Competition Registration Fees: Official competition registration fees are not included in tuition and will vary based on the competitions in which students choose to participate
  • Program Emphasis: Students strengthen mathematical reasoning, strategic problem solving, and advanced analytical thinking while preparing for nationally and internationally recognized mathematics competitions

Robotics & Coding LEGO Essential (Grades 1–4)

This class introduces younger students to the exciting world of engineering, programming, and problem-solving through hands-on projects using LEGO Education SPIKE Essential. Students design, build, and program interactive models while developing creativity, computational thinking, and confidence in a fun and engaging learning environment.

Ideal Students

  • Enjoy solving puzzles and challenges
  • Want to learn the fundamentals of coding and engineering
  • Thrive in hands-on, project-based learning
  • Want to strengthen teamwork and communication skills

Program Details

  • Program Focus: Foundational coding, robotics, engineering design, and computational thinking
  • Skills Developed: Sequencing, logic, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and presentation skills
  • Academic Outcome: Students build a comprehensive STEM foundation while gaining confidence in designing, programming, speaking, and testing robotic solutions.

Coding Fundamentals (Grades 1–4)

Students build a solid foundation in computer science by learning to code through creative, hands-on projects and interactive challenges. Using age-appropriate block-based programming platforms and interactive coding tools, students learn the fundamental concepts of computer programming while creating games, animations, stories, and interactive projects. Through project-based learning, students develop creativity, computational thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that provide a foundation for future STEM learning.

Ideal Students

  • Are curious about how computers, games, and technology work
  • Want to learn the fundamentals of coding through block-based programming
  • Like creating games, animations, stories, and interactive projects
  • Thrive in hands-on, project-based learning
  • Want to develop computational thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills

Program Details

  • Program Focus: Block-based coding, computer science fundamentals, computational thinking, and digital creativity
  • Coding Concepts: Sequencing, algorithms, loops, events, conditionals, variables, debugging, and basic programming logic
  • Skills Developed: Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, logical reasoning, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy
  • Academic Outcome: Students gain a solid foundation in computer science by mastering essential coding concepts, designing original interactive projects, and developing the confidence and skills needed to advance into robotics, text-based programming (such as Python or JavaScript), and higher-level computer science courses

AI Coding (Grades 4–6)

Students learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and coding through hands-on projects and real-world applications. Students explore how AI systems learn from data, recognize patterns, make predictions, and solve problems. Through a combination of block-based coding, AI tools, and creative programming projects, students learn how to build and experiment with AI-powered solutions while developing computational thinking and technology skills for the future.

Ideal Students

  • Are curious about how artificial intelligence and smart technology work
  • Enjoy coding, creating, and experimenting with new ideas
  • Want to understand how computers learn and make decisions
  • Like designing games, applications, and interactive AI projects

Program Details

  • Program Focus: Artificial intelligence concepts, machine learning fundamentals, coding, and creative technology applications
  • AI Concepts Explored: How AI works, data and patterns, machine learning, algorithms, computer vision, natural language processing, and responsible AI
  • Coding Skills Developed: Block-based programming, algorithms, conditionals, loops, variables, debugging, and computational thinking
  • Skills Developed: Problem solving, creativity, logical reasoning, data literacy, innovation, collaboration, and digital citizenship
  • Academic Outcome: Students build a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and computer science by creating AI-powered projects, understanding how intelligent systems work, and developing the confidence to advance into more complex programming, robotics, and machine learning courses

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Competition Teams

Our FIRST LEGO League teams provide students with the opportunity to develop coding, robotics, computational thinking, teamwork, innovation, engineering design, and presentation skills. Through hands-on challenges and real-world problem solving, students learn to design, build, and program LEGO robots while researching innovative solutions to global issues. Participants also strengthen communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills as they prepare to present their ideas and compete with confidence.

FLL Explorer Team (Grades 2–4)

Ideal Students

  • Students who love building with LEGO®, coding, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

Program Details

  • Team Size: Limited to 6 students per team. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and registration will close once all spots are filled 
  • Season: August 2026 – May 2027
  • Team Registration Fee: $125 per student
  • Team Registration Fee Includes: Registration with FIRST HQ, FIRST in Texas, and attendance at one Explorer Festival
  • World Championship: Additional fees will apply if the team advances to the World Championship event

FLL Challenge Team (Grades 5–8)

Team Selection: Students are selected by coach invitation only based on the successful completion of all admission requirements and demonstrated readiness for the team by August 2026.

Admission Criteria

Students should demonstrate:

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Coding experience
  • Computational thinking

Program Details

  • Season: August 2026 – May 2027
  • Team Registration Fee: $125 per student
  • Fee Includes: Registration with FIRST HQ, FIRST in Texas, and attendance at one Qualifier Tournament
  • Regional, State, and World Championships: Additional fees will apply if the team advances beyond the Qualifier to the Regional, State, and World Championship events
  • Recommended Preparation: Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy Coding and Computational Thinking with LEGO® SPIKE Prime, or equivalent experience

Creative Writing (Grades 3–5)

Students develop essential writing skills through fun and engaging activities. Students learn to organize ideas, create memorable characters, develop exciting plots, write descriptive paragraphs, and express their imagination with clarity and purpose. Through stories, poetry, journals, persuasive writing, and creative writing challenges, students strengthen both their creativity and academic writing abilities.

Ideal Students

  • This program is ideal for students who:
  • Enjoy reading, storytelling, and using their imagination
  • Want to strengthen vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure
  • Enjoy expressing ideas through creative writing
  • Want to build a strong foundation in writing and language arts

Program Details

  • Program Focus: Storytelling, narrative writing, descriptive writing, character development, poetry, journaling, persuasive writing, and the writing process
  • Skills Developed: Creativity, organization, vocabulary, grammar, sentence fluency, descriptive language, critical thinking, editing, revision, communication, and self-expression
  • Academic Outcome: Students develop the confidence and skills to write clear, well-organized stories and essays while communicating their ideas effectively.
  • Future Preparation: Students build a strong foundation for advanced language arts and academic writing.

Speech & Debate Foundations & Workshop (Grades 3–5)

This class helps students develop confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking through engaging speech and debate activities. Students learn how to organize and express their thoughts clearly while speaking with confidence and sharing different perspectives. Through storytelling, presentations, and debates, students build strong foundations in public speaking and argumentation skills. This program provides an excellent foundation for future academic success and prepares students to advance into competitive Speech & Debate in middle school.

Ideal Students

  • Want to become more confident public speakers
  • Enjoy sharing ideas, stories, and opinions
  • Want to improve communication, leadership, and presentation skills
  • Like asking questions, thinking critically, and solving problems
  • Want to learn how to organize and express their thoughts clearly
  • Are interested in preparing for Speech & Debate competitions

 

Program Details

  • Program Focus: Public speaking, speech structure, storytelling, debate fundamentals, and effective communication
  • Skills Developed: Confidence, voice expression, body language, active listening, research, critical thinking, teamwork, and persuasive speaking
  • Academic Outcome: Students develop the confidence and skills to deliver organized speeches, participate in discussions and debates, and communicate their ideas effectively in academic and real-world settings
  • Future Preparation: Students develop the confidence and skills needed to participate in competitive Speech & Debate opportunities in middle school and beyond

Speech & Debate Advanced (Grades 6–8)

This challenging and intellectually engaging course is designed for middle school students who are ready to advance their public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills. Students learn how to develop well-structured arguments, analyze complex topics, research evidence, and communicate ideas with clarity, confidence, and persuasion. The program provides strong preparation for students interested in competitive Speech & Debate tournaments while building leadership and communication skills.

Ideal Students

  • Want to advance beyond basic public speaking skills
  • Enjoy analyzing topics, sharing ideas, and engaging in discussions
  • Want to develop stronger argumentation and persuasive speaking skills
  • Are interested in Speech & Debate competitions and tournaments
  • Want to strengthen research, critical thinking, and leadership abilities
  • Are ready for a more challenging and competitive learning environment

Program Details

  • Season: August 2026 – May 2027
  • Competition Participation: Optional
  • Tournament Registration Fees: Additional fees apply for students who choose to participate in tournaments
  • Program Focus: Advanced public speaking, debate strategy, research, argument development, and analytical thinking
  • Skills Developed: Persuasive communication, evidence-based reasoning, rebuttal strategies, confidence, leadership, and effective presentation skills
  • Academic Outcome: Students strengthen advanced communication and critical thinking skills while gaining the confidence to participate in academic competitions, leadership opportunities, and real-world discussions
STEAMS Education Hub Program Policies
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