Explore the Global STEM Challenges Program at Edison High School
During the 2025-26 school year, the Global STEM Challenges Program at Edison High School will welcome a new class of ninth grade students.
 A limited number of full-time enrollment spaces are available for rising ninth grade FCPS students who will have completed Algebra 1 by the start of ninth grade and whose base school is not Edison HS.
About the Global STEM Challenges Program
The Global STEM Challenges Program is a three-year program. It provides a student-centered, collaborative learning environment. This dynamic program prepares high school students to succeed in college and careers.
 Students engage in engineering design and use math and science to solve problems. They develop Portrait of a Graduate skills.
Teachers collaborate across Science, Math, and Engineering courses to integrate learning goals and explore solutions to Grand Challenges in Engineering. Teachers empower students to make choices about their learning and engage in collaborative team projects that allow them to choose approaches that suit their learning style and interests.
Student teams use their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills to design solutions. Students develop prototypes and defend designs in front of teachers and community members.
Collaboration and exploration of real-world problems are core to this program. |
|
 |
Students enrolled in the Global STEM Challenges Program learn that there is not a single “right” answer to real-world problems. Students also learn that mistakes are often helpful steps in the learning process.
 |
|
Students have three class periods of integrated mathematics, science, and engineering every other school day. |
In a three-year time span, students complete honors-level content requirements of Biology, Chemistry, Geometry, Algebra II, and three Engineering courses. They complete International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, such as Physics and an IB Math Course. Students also have the opportunity to earn a tenth credit in Computer Science, which is embedded throughout the program.
Watch this video to see the program in action.
Attend an Information Session
Interested students and families are encouraged to attend an in-person information session. This session will occur on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Thomas A. Edison High School. The address is 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. Please enter through Door 17, located in the front of the building. In this session, students and families will learn about the program and how to request to enroll for the 2025-26 school year.
Request a Student Transfer
To request a student transfer for the Global STEM Challenges program, use the student transfer website. The frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the school website provide more information. Transportation for students whose base school is not Edison High School is the responsibility of the family.
The online transfer process for GSCP is the same as all other FCPS student transfer options. Registration opens on February 1. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the program is full.
There is a $100 non-refundable application fee to apply. The fee is waived for students receiving Free or Reduced Price Meals. If the fee presents a hardship and your family does not qualify for Free or Reduced Price Meals, please talk to your current school’s principal for assistance.
Learn More
For more information about the Global STEM Challenges Program, contact Tim Boyd, Global STEM administrator at tboyd@fcps.edu or 703-924-8061. For more information about Edison HS, contact Deborah Guillen, Director of Student Services at dlguillen@fcps.edu or 703-924-8024.
View an award-winning student-created video, a WJLA ABC news feature and WTOP radio feature of the Global STEM Challenges Program. This video of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenges also features the Global STEM Challenges Program.
|
