West Lake STEM is a 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade middle school in West Valley City that is devoted to the processes of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields as the platform for instruction in the Utah Core Standards. Students at West Lake STEM participate in group projects and simulations in problem-based learning experiences that help them to think critically and solve complex problems.
Improving academic mastery in science, technology, engineering, and math will be a key factor in ensuring the stability of economic growth and job creation in the country. West Lake STEM prepares students with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to take up occupations that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill. With the demand for STEM workers expected to rise in the coming decades, students need project-based and experiential learning in preparation for the workplace.
West Lake has a rich history. It was originally constructed in 1964 and celebrated its 50 year anniversary in 2015. In 2016, the Granite Board of Education identified it as its first junior high STEM school. West Lake was remodeled to help create an environment more conducive to students exploring engaging questions and then sharing out or even defending their reasoning to others. However, after the earthquake in 2020 the school was demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. In the meantime, West Lake had to use a temporary location at the old Westbrook Elementary School in Taylorsville and almost all of our students were bussed. In 2024, West Lake was able to come back home to the brand new building and return to the community. We are so lucky to have such an incredible new space to engage students in rich, meaningful learning.
West Lake STEM is home to the Mighty Mustangs, and we feel honored to advance this chapter of West Lake’s powerful legacy.
Mission
West Lake STEM empowers all students to achieve their personal best through a discovery-based, collaborative approach as used in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Vision
Each member of West Lake STEM will demonstrate a personal best through solving problems, persevering, and learning by doing.
Collective Commitments
In pursuit of our personal best, we commit to:
- Try, fail, and try again until we succeed
- Be accountable, deliberate, and collaborative
- Create a united West Lake STEM community
- Use our time effectively
- Face changes and challenges with courage and optimism
- Remember that all means all
