It was announced on May 4, 2026 that five Indian River School District schools have been recognized as 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. This honor is given to a select number of elementary and middle schools across the U.S. for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in career-connected learning through the PLTW program, a STEM curriculum.
The winners are as follows:
2025-26 PLTW Launch Distinguished Schools
• East Millsboro Elementary School
• Georgetown Elementary School
• John M. Clayton Elementary school
2025-26 PLTW Gateway Distinguished Schools
• Selbyville Middle School
• Sussex Central Middle School
“We are extremely proud of the five schools that earned this prestigious honor from Project Lead The Way,” IRSD Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens said. “The Distinguished School recognition is a testament to our district’s commitment to STEM education and to the passion and dedication of the many PLTW educators that are preparing our students for a bright future. I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the students and staff of our five award-winning schools. You have made the Indian River School District proud.”
PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.
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, schools had to meet a variety of criteria, such as the percentage of students participating in PLTW, the percentage of students who participate in more than one PLTW unit, the number of PLTW units offered and efforts to ensure access to PLTW courses.
Research indicates that students form opinions and develop an interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities such as designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
Research further shows that middle school grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging and real-world learning experiences that expose the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or exploring aerospace by creating designs and prototypes, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills and develop confidence in STEM subjects.
"We are proud to honor these schools for giving students hands-on, career-connected learning that builds the confidence, knowledge and skills to navigate their futures," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "Their commitment to real-world, project-based learning ensures students experience education that is meaningful and directly connected to what comes next."
IRSD’s five award-winning schools are a part of a national community of PreK-12 schools, higher education institutions and more than 100 industry partners united in the mission to prepare students for school, work and life. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit: https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition