AeroSTEM Academy

At AeroSTEM, we strive to create a safe, supportive environment where students can grow academically while also being valued and supported as individuals. We know no school is perfect, but we are committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible experience for every student and family.

Here are just a few of the exciting updates for the 2026–2027 school year:
• 5th and 6th grades will now have separate classes instead of a combined classroom
• Two dedicated CTE teachers and two new high school career pathways, Computer Science and Engineering Design
• New Project Lead The Way (PLTW) electives for middle school students
• New Media Production courses
• Brand-new middle school curriculum in all core subjects, including physical textbooks and student consumables
• A strong student support team consisting of 7 teachers and 5 paraeducators

At this time, we have the greatest availability in 5th and 6th grades, with some openings remaining in 7th grade as well.

In addition, while AeroSTEM is primarily a site-based program, we are able to support a limited number of high school students through full independent study. If you or someone you know is interested in that option, please reach out to us for more information.

We are thrilled to welcome
Mrs. Honeycutt to AeroSTEM Academy as a teacher for the 26/27 school year. She will be teaching English and Social Studies for our 5th and 6th grade students.

Mrs. Melanie Honeycutt is new to Sutter County and is excited to join AeroSTEM Charter School.

She brings an impressive 23 years of teaching experience to her new role, having taught at the K-12, adult education, and community college levels. Outside of the classroom, Melanie has close ties to the military and enjoys a wide variety of personal interests.

When she is not teaching, she loves hiking, traveling the world, attending live concerts, painting, cooking, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Patterson to AeroSTEM Academy as a Para-Educator for the 26/27 school year.

Emily recently graduated from The College of Idaho with a degree in Biology and is excited to join the AeroSTEM team!

She loves helping students discover new interests, build confidence, and learn through hands-on experiences.

Outside of work, Emily can usually be found hiking, scuba diving, reading, dog walking, or spending time with her fiancée.

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Lawhon to AeroSTEM Academy as a Para-Educator for the 26/27 school year.

Brenton Lawhon is a proud father of two wonderful boys, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and is passionate about science, math, and aerospace.

While serving in the Air Force, he was a crew chief and worked on the RC-135 and E-4 B aircraft. After leaving the military, he attended Butte College and earned his Associate Degrees in Physics and Math.

While earning those degrees, he learned that he loved turning complex ideas into straightforward, understandable concepts.

Some other things he loves to do include golfing, watching baseball (Go Giants!!), bowling on league night, and spoiling his dog.

We are thrilled to welcome
Mr. Wheeler to AeroSTEM Academy as a CTE teacher for the 26/27 school year. He will be teaching STEM, Engineering Pathway, and supporting High School students.

Mr. Wheeler grew up in Hammond, Indiana. After high school, he served in the Army and later studied Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. He worked for 12 years as an engineer before changing careers and becoming a teacher. He earned his teaching credential at Chico State and has been teaching for 20 years.

He has authorizations and experience teaching Math, Physics, Earth and Space Science, and CTE Engineering. He was also a MESA advisor for several years and has been involved in both VEX and FIRST robotics competitions.

In his spare time, he likes to read, hike, and spend time in nature. He likes fixing things, including furniture and vintage motorcycles. He also loves to cook for family and friends.

We know that students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe and seen.

In an era of overcrowded classrooms, AeroSTEM offers a something different. We prioritize a safe, secure environment with small class sizes that ensure no student falls through the cracks.

WHY CHOOSE AEROSTEM?
- Tuition-Free Public Charter School
- 10 to 1 Student to Staff Ratio
- Safe & Secure Campus with one entry point
- Academic Support for All Students
- STEM Electives for middle school daily
--- Coding
--- Robotics
--- PLTW
- 2 New Pathways for high school
--- PLTW Engineering Pathway
--- Computer Science Pathway
--- Dual Enrollment opportunities for High Schoolers

Our staff knows every student by name, fostering a culture of respect, character, and community. Join a school family where your child is a priority, not just a number.

Some grade levels are filling up and have waitlists for the start of the 26/27 school year. There is space in 5th and 6th grade. Our High School Independent Study Program has space left as well.

We are thrilled to welcome
Mr. Poppinga to AeroSTEM Academy as a teacher for the 26/27 school year. He will be teaching multimedia and supporting High School students.

Mr. Poppinga is a musician, producer, and creative media specialist who is passionate about inspiring the next generation through music, technology, and creativity. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio Recording (emphasis in Voice) from Azusa Pacific University.

As a professional musician, songwriter, and producer, he has worked on a wide range of projects, including recording sessions and vocal work for touring artists, a Broadway show in development, and a major AAA video game title.

He is especially excited to help students build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills in music and media, and can’t wait to become part of the AeroSTEM Academy family!

aerostem.org

AeroSTEM is growing their staff for the 26/27 school year!

AeroStem Flex Summer Session
Join us for a summer of adventure, creativity, and exploration!

Our FLEX program is designed to keep students engaged with exciting themes, hands-on activities, and plenty of fun with friends.

We are excited to announce the details for our brand-new High School Summer Session! This is designed specifically for high school students looking for credit recovery or credit acceleration.

Sessions are for enrolled students for the 26/27 school year only.
Sessions run from 7:30am to 4:30pm

Please register by May 22nd by using this link - https://forms.gle/RqCDzK16pwBaykcw6

We do need an individual submission for each student if you have multiple students attending.