MURFREESBORO, TN – Murfreesboro City Schools continues its push toward district-wide innovation and excellence, as two of its schools celebrate major achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

Discovery School has once again been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), earning a renewed STEAM designation for its exceptional educational practices. Originally designated in 2019, Discovery has transitioned from STEM to STEAM, expanding its instructional model to integrate the arts more deeply into science and technology learning.

“This redesignation highlights Discovery School’s dedication to cultivating a lasting STEAM-based culture,” said Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Murfreesboro City Schools. “They continue to be a leader in academic innovation and hands-on learning.”

Led by Principal Caitlin Bullard and Assistant Principal Jessica Snell, Discovery’s achievement reflects a team effort, including contributions from the school’s STEAM Committee. The school remains a standout academic magnet serving students from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Joining this list of trailblazers is John Pittard Elementary, which has received its first-ever STEAM designation, becoming the tenth school in the Murfreesboro City Schools system to earn the honor.

“I am excited for our students and staff who have worked so hard to receive this designation,” said Dr. Christy Robinson, Principal of John Pittard Elementary. “This achievement is the result of the vision and hard work of a dedicated team of educators.”

The designation at John Pittard was guided by a committed STEAM committee, including educators Luke Hill, Sasha Burnette, Sarah Easterly, Rebekah Tate, and Spring Harris, with support from the entire school faculty. Their efforts align with the district’s five-year strategic plan, which calls for every school to achieve STEM or STEAM designation.

Dr. Duke praised both schools' achievements: “The work that Dr. Robinson and her team have done is nothing short of extraordinary. Our schools are not just checking a box—they’re embracing a model of teaching that prepares students for real-world challenges through creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.”

With the addition of John Pittard, Murfreesboro now has ten schools designated as either STEM or STEAM institutions: Overall Creek, Erma Siegel, Bradley, Reeves-Rogers, Cason Lane, Discovery, Black Fox, Hobgood, Salem, and John Pittard Elementary.