Case Study: Apple Valley High School achieves K–12 STEM transformation and higher student engagement with Stratasys 3D printing

3D Printing Boosts a Minnesota Districts' K-12 Learning

Apple Valley High School, part of Minnesota Independent School District 196, was working to reverse poor academic performance and declining enrollment by creating a K–12 STEM magnet pathway across Cedar Park Elementary, Valley Middle School and Apple Valley High School. To deliver hands-on, inquiry-based STEM experiences district-wide, leaders adopted 3D printing technology from Stratasys, using Fortus, PolyJet and MakerBot systems (including the MakerBot Digitizer) to teach design and fabrication from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Stratasys standardized the district’s 3D printing fleet—Cedar Park now has six, Valley Middle two and Apple Valley High School ten Stratasys printers—so students and teachers share a common platform and workflow. The Stratasys solution increased student engagement and retention, enabled curriculum projects from anatomy models to prosthetic adaptations, and supported measurable recognition: Cedar Park earned five consecutive National Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence awards and state Celebration School honors, while more students pursue STEM pathways and career-ready skills.

Apple Valley High School

Jim Lynch

E3 STEM Program Manager