Ladue Horton Watkins High School has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is among a select group of high schools across the U.S. to be recognized for their commitment to inspiring and engaging their students to unlock their potential through their PLTW Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering programs. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.  

“I could not be more proud to receive this national recognition from PLTW,” said Brad Griffith, Principal of Ladue Horton Watkins High School. “This recognition is evidence of our students' and dedicated staff's commitment to academic achievement.” 

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, Ladue had to meet multiple criteria in the 2023-24 school year, such as the number of PLTW courses available to students, the percentage of students enrolled in PLTW, and the percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course.

“Some of our PLTW programs include: Biomedical Innovations, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Principles of Biomedical Science, and Principles of Computer Science. In addition to PLTW, we are fortunate to offer other real-life skills to 14-year-olds, which can be applied to current careers. For example, this year our students are actually building a tiny home.

“The district remains focused on preparing students for academic excellence and lifelong success,” added Griffith.  

PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow by not only incorporating STEM skills into their learning but also building students’ collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take.

“We are proud to honor Ladue Horton Watkins High School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”

This recognition marks the fifth time Ladue Horton Watkins High School has been named a PLTW Distinguished School. They were also honored in 2017-18, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2024-25.

For more information about Ladue Schools' PLTW Program, visit the district website at https://www.ladueschools.net/curriculum-instruction/content-areas/science/high-school.

Ladue Horton Watkins High School is part of a wider community comprised of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a commitment to providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit https://www.pltw.org/pltw-program-recognition