Young Students to Join Kent State Campus in 2027

Kent State University and Bio-Med Science Academy are teaming up to bring a new STEM school to campus. Starting in fall 2027, Bio-Med's elementary students will move into the Michael Schwartz Center. This move will merge two campuses into one, creating a single location for all kindergarten through sixth-grade students. The Schwartz Center, which opened in 1956, has a rich history as a lab school for student teachers. Now, it will serve a new purpose, housing around 600 students and 50 staff members. This consolidation will address space limitations and improve learning opportunities. It will also make things easier for families and school districts by reducing transportation stops. Bio-Med Science Academy is one of Ohio's top STEM schools, offering tuition-free education to students of all backgrounds. With a focus on problem-based learning, the school has seen impressive results, with 89% of graduates pursuing higher education. The partnership with Kent State will provide Bio-Med with a state-of-the-art facility without the need for construction costs.For Kent State, this deal is a win-win. It eliminates the need for costly maintenance and demolition of the Schwartz Center. The university sees this as a chance to strengthen community ties and support education. Both schools are exploring ways for students to benefit from each other, such as shadowing classes or giving talks. The partnership came about through a chance connection. Annette Kratcoski, director of the Research Center for Educational Technology, met Stephanie Lammlein, chief administrative officer of Bio-Med Science Academy. They discovered a mutual need and saw an opportunity to collaborate. This move is not just about solving a facility challenge. It's about creating a seamless educational path for students. By bringing younger students onto the Kent State campus, the partnership aims to extend learning opportunities for all. It's a creative solution that benefits both organizations and the community.