STEM at Foxcroft
Inspiring girls to pursue 21st-century science, math, engineering, and tech skills
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Inquiry -
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Mastery
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In the 21st century, the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are critical. At Foxcroft, they are also fun. You might learn physics by constructing a potato cannon or improve your computer skills by creating an arcade game. Put on a hard hat and see how engineers, architects, and contractors build a new dorm. Program a drone in our STEM club.
Our STEM teachers are passionate about their subjects. They are also inspiring role models — our seven STEM teachers are women and one of them has a doctorate. They bring energy and enthusiasm to your class with real-life applications, inquiry-based assignments, hands-on projects, and cool technology tools. These workshops, internships, seminars and presentations with STEM professionals will open your mind.
Our STEM teachers are passionate about their subjects. They are also inspiring role models — our seven STEM teachers are women and one of them has a doctorate. They bring energy and enthusiasm to your class with real-life applications, inquiry-based assignments, hands-on projects, and cool technology tools. These workshops, internships, seminars and presentations with STEM professionals will open your mind.
In and out of the classroom at Foxcroft, science, technology, engineering and math are inspiring!
STEM is for Girls!
Research shows that attending an all-girls school affects students’ interest and success in STEM fields. Here’s a look at graduates of independent girls’ schools as compared to girls who graduated from coed independent schools:
List of 4 items.
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6x
more likely to
major in math,
science & technology -
3x
more likely
to consider
engineering careers -
10%
more confident
in their
computer ability -
11%
more confident
in their
mathematical ability
At Foxcroft, more than 30 percent of recent graduates chose STEM fields as their majors in college.
– Betsy ’21
“I was interested in STEM before coming to Foxcroft, and my interest has only grown with all the opportunities available here.”
– Cathy McGehee, Head of School
“Our school is leading the way in STEM education for girls by encouraging our students in record numbers to participate in computer science.”
– Gabriela ’15, 2nd year Computer Science major
“At Foxcroft, I learned to speak my mind and value my own voice, giving me the strength to pursue an interest in a primarily male-dominated field.”
News
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Competitors "Code for Good" During Foxcroft’s 10th Annual STEM Challenge
Run as a virtual event for the first time, Foxcroft’s 10th Annual STEM Challenge drew 48 middle school and 36 high school students from around the country and globe to compete for prizes on February 20. Designed for middle and high school girls, participants used their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math in challenges revolving around this year’s theme of “Code for Good.” This annual challenge showcases Foxcroft's innovative and appealing focus on the STEM fields and allows girls to develop collaborative skills working with others and gain confidence in fields so often dominated by boys.Read more >> -
Students Inspired by STEM Week Guest Speaker Cyber Security Expert Randi Kieffer
By Betsy A. ’21, CyberPatriot Club Head and STEM Concentration studentRead more >>
As a part of Foxcroft’s STEM Week, Randi Kieffer spoke with students via Zoom on February 17. Ms. Kieffer is the Managing Vice President of Cyber Operations and Intelligence for Capital One Financial Corporation. She brings a vast array of skills to the table that she uses to manage the 24x7 Cyber Security Operations Center at Capital One. A diverse skill set is something Ms. Kieffer highlighted in her talk. Despite what one might think, communication and soft skills are still vital in STEM fields, especially in order to work up the corporate ladder. Ms. Kieffer spoke about how her high school activities helped to give her a strong foundation in the importance of teamwork and communication. -
Foxcroft Earns Dual AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Read more >>Foxcroft has been recognized as one of two schools in Virginia and only 56 in the world to earn the prestigious College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in both AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) courses during the 2019-20 academic year.This is the third academic year in a row that the School has received an AP Female Diversity Award. The two prior Awards were for AP CSA during the 2018-19 academic year and AP CSP for the 2017-18 academic year. -
Foxcroft CyberPatriot Team Completes Second Competition
By Betsy A. ’21, CyberPatriot Club HeadRead more >>
On Saturday, December 12, Foxcroft’s CyberPatriot team competed in our second competition of the year. It looked a little different this time because instead of being physically distanced in the Library classroom, we were all on Zoom. CyberPatriot, a national cyberdefense competition run by the Air Force Association, modified its rules this year to allow teams to compete together in person or online. This was certainly a new challenge on top of our competition. -
CyberPatriot Team Completes First Round of Global Competition
By Danielle P. ’23 and Helen V. ’23Read more >>
On November 15, the CyberPatriot team completed its first competition against teams from around the world. Improving from last year, we finished round one ahead of thousands of other teams, and earned 74 more points than last year, which is an amazing feat! The competitions are each six hours long, so we all gathered together on the weekends to puzzle through each of the three scenarios. The next round is during the Distance Learning period, but we are all ready to work with the challenge that this presents our team. The CyberPatriot team leaders are Betsy A. ’21 and Gracie S. ’21, and the members who participate in the challenge are Teagan S. ’21, Danielle P. ’23, and Helen V ’23.
Contact
List of 6 members.
Math Science & Technology
Engineering
STEM
An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
