Neil Armstrong Academy Inspires Students with Hands-On STEM and Creative Learning

West Valley City school focuses on preparing students for the challenges of the world through immersive, project-based education.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Neil Armstrong Academy in West Valley City, Utah is a STEM-focused school that engages students through hands-on learning experiences, including a maker's space, LEGO League teams, and a 350-degree immersive Sky Dome. The school emphasizes physical activity, creative projects, and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for the future.

Why it matters

As schools increasingly focus on STEM education, Neil Armstrong Academy stands out for its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded, immersive learning experience that combines technical skills with creativity and physical activity. The school's innovative approach aims to equip students with the diverse abilities needed to thrive in an evolving workforce and society.

The details

At Neil Armstrong Academy, students take on a variety of hands-on projects and challenges throughout the year. In the maker's space, they work on creative endeavors, and the entire school collaborates on an annual challenge, this year aiming to build a train to break a Guinness World Record. Students also participate in LEGO League, where they develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Beyond the classroom, the school's Sky Dome provides a 350-degree immersive learning environment, and physical education classes emphasize movement and fun.

  • The school works on an annual challenge, this year focusing on building a train to break a Guinness World Record.
  • This week, Granite Credit Union honored Neil Armstrong Academy Drama Teacher Ms. Noyes for her work helping kindergarten students with set design, acting, and more for several "operas" throughout the school year.

The players

Grace Morrell

The principal of Neil Armstrong Academy, who stated the school's purpose is to prepare students for the challenges they will face in the world.

Leah Dorvell

A second-grade teacher at Neil Armstrong Academy who takes her class to visit U.S. monuments in the school's Sky Dome, a 350-degree immersive learning space.

Ms. Noyes

The drama teacher at Neil Armstrong Academy who helps kindergarten students work on set design, acting, and more for several "operas" throughout the school year.

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What they’re saying

“Our purpose as a STEM school is to prepare our students for the challenges in the world they're going to face.”

— Grace Morrell, Principal (fox13now.com)

“There are so many fun things you can do with it.”

— Student (fox13now.com)

“It is so fun to work with kids, so fun to be creative, and I'm just glad to be a part of it.”

— Ms. Noyes, Drama Teacher (fox13now.com)

The takeaway

Neil Armstrong Academy's innovative approach to STEM education, combining hands-on projects, immersive learning, and a focus on creativity and physical activity, serves as a model for how schools can prepare students for the challenges of the future through a well-rounded, engaging curriculum.