STEM+ Arts Institute
STEM+Arts Institute Classes
Dear Taos Academy Families,
Registration is now open for Winter Middle School (Q3) and High School Spring Semester STEM + Arts elective classes. These in-person, project-based courses are a fantastic way for students to explore their passions and build new skills.
Important Dates & Details
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Classes Begin: HS on Monday, January 19, 2026 MS on Tuesday January 20, 2026
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Add/Drop Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026 (Must be in writing to Mrs. Lucero Martinez)
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Attendance Policy: Please note an instructor may drop a student from their class in the first 3 weeks if they are at risk of failure due to attendance and missing assignments.
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Fees: $15 per MS block / $30 per HS semester course
How to Register: Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure your spot, visit Cruz Duran in the STEM office (Mon–Thu, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM) to register and pay the materials fee.
Note: Payments are accepted via Cash, Check, or Money Order (payable to Taos Academy) and are due at the time of registration.
Please see the attached document for the full list of available courses. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Middle School ONLY STEM+Arts Institute Programs
Entrepreneurship Adventure: MS Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
Entrepreneurship Adventure: - taught by Xochitl Wodrich - Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
The $5 Challenge & Beyond Turn a simple $5 bill into a booming business idea!
In this hands-on, fun-filled course, you’ll brainstorm creative products, design your own logo, learn the basics of selling, and compete in friendly challenges — like turning $5 into as much money as you can. Work in teams, build a mini business, and pitch your idea in our final showcase. No business suit required — just your imagination!
eSports: MS Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4pm
eSports - Taught by Cal vanWilligen - MS Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4
Students will build skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, while learning to play video games!
We will explore the different types of video games from solo play to teams. Explore games such as League of Legends, Madden, Mario Kart, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros and MORE!
MS Science Explorations: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4pm
MS Science Explorations - taught by Laura Tenorio - Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15-4:00.
Can a drinking straw save the world? Learn skills and ways to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to real-life situations. Make your own solutions to community problems, and learn about STEM careers using drones, straws, and anything we can get our hands on to make STEM come alive!
Middle School & High School STEM+Arts Institute Programs
Middle School Programs take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 2:15 pm.
High School Programs take place on Mondays from 12:30pm to 4:00 PM.
Culinary Arts/Serv-Safe Certification: HS Mondays 12:30-4:00/MS: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30-2:15
Culinary Arts - taught by Megan Jenkins– HS Mondays 12:30pm to 4:00pm/ MS Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30-2:15
Class is an experiential class where students learn how to combine flavors and ingredients in order to fully express their creativity. We will focus on technical skills and foundational techniques throughout the class to help you become a truly great chef and earn your serv-safe certification.
Music Appreciation: HS Mondays 12:30 - 4:00/MS Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
Music Appreciation - taught by Billy Archuleta -
HS Mondays 12:30 - 4:00/MS Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:15
If you enjoy music and want to learn more about it and how to play it on your own, this is a great opportunity for you to do so. We will have fun working together to learn the different aspects of music from the basics of music theory, how to read a music staff, what time signatures are, and what is a “whole” note and a “half” note.
We’ll learn about some of the different instruments used to make music, and how to play them. This class will give you the basic skills you need to play the instrument of your choice. Are you ready?
High School ONLY STEM+Arts Institute Programs
HS From Idea to Launch: STEM + Business Startup Lab - taught by Xochitl Wodrich - HS Mondays 12:30 - 4:00
HS From Idea to Launch: STEM + Business Startup Lab - taught by Xochitl Wodrich - Mondays 12:30 - 4:00
Bring your big ideas to life in this fast-paced, real-world entrepreneurship course. You’ll take a concept from a napkin sketch to launch-ready business, exploring branding, market research, budgeting, social media, and incorporating technology strategies along the way.
We’ll tackle real-world challenges with a friendly competition and rapid prototype building, ending with a “Shark Tank”-style pitch to a panel of judges. Perfect for creative problem-solvers ready to think like innovators.
HS STEM Research and Development - taught by Laura Tenorio - Wednesdays 12:30-4:00.
HS- STEM Research and Development - taught by Laura Tenorio - Wednesdays 12:30-4:00.
Can a drinking straw save the world? Learn skills and ways to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to real-life situations. Make your own solutions to community problems, and learn about STEM careers using drones, straws, and anything we can get our hands on to make STEM come alive! This class provides the opportunity for project competition.
HS Mixed Media Art - taught by Jodi Wodrich - Wednesday 12:30 - 4:00
HS Mixed Media Art - taught by Jodi Wodrich - Wednesday 12:30 - 4:00.
High School Students will develop an understanding of how to express ideas through artistic creation. Communicating and learning meaning through visual arts can be exciting and empowering. Students will develop technical skills in drawing and other art mediums. (simple, complex, experienced, new -all students welcome) Art types to be explored: Calligraphy, Drawing, Watercolor, Figure Drawing, Pastel, and more. tors.
