Why A.J. Whittenberg School of Engineering
A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering offers students a unique combination of academic excellence, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences. Our students have opportunities to work alongside professional engineers and community partners, participate in robotics and STEM activities, and apply their learning to authentic problems and challenges. At AJW, learning extends beyond the classroom and gives students opportunities to see how what they learn can make a difference in the world around them. Our state-of-the-art facility is an extension of the student learning experience. With STEM labs, robotics, indoor bee hives, a school garden, and collaborative learning spaces, our building provides students with opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, solve problems, and bring their creativity to life. Our students are the heart of AJW. We want every child to feel known, valued, challenged, and supported.
RESOURCE LINKS
A. J. Whittenberg has a standing tour once a month (typically the last Wednesday) at 9:00 a.m. when school is in session between Labor Day and the end of April.
- 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
- 2024-25 Update Diversity Leadership Award: Outstanding K-12 School
- 2024-2025 Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards (Silver High Performance)
- 2023-2024 Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards (Silver High Performance)
- 2014 Silver LEED certified facility – the first school in the Upstate to receive this honor
- 2014 Green School Award from the South Carolina Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council
- 2026 and 2024 Metropolitan Arts Council Grant Recipient
- 2014 Ranked #1 in the state by Artsonia, school's online art gallery and #17 in the Nation
- 2017 NASA-Certified Eclipse Viewing Location
- 2017 Dick and Tunky Riley What Works SC Award of Excellence Finalist for the Innovate Program
At A.J. Whittenberg, we believe that a strong sense of belonging is an important part of a student’s school experience. Our students are placed into one of our school houses and remain members of that house throughout their AJW career. House activities and traditions help students build relationships across grade levels, develop a sense of community, and feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
Students also have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and discover new interests and talents. Through Art Club, our award-winning Robotics Teams, Chorus, and many other clubs and activities, students can explore their creativity, collaborate with others, develop new skills, and find areas where they can shine.
"What makes A.J. Whittenberg special is the sense of community. From the moment we became part of AJW, we felt welcomed and supported. The teachers and staff know our child, believe in their abilities, and genuinely want them to succeed. I also appreciate that A.J. Whittenberg offers after-school opportunities such as Lego and robotics clubs."
1st Grade Parent
"A.J. Whittenberg feels like a community. The teachers and staff genuinely care about students and go above and beyond to make sure students feel supported and are successful. We love that the engineering focus encourages our child to be curious, think creatively, solve problems, and understand that their ideas can make a difference. We are proud to be part of the AJW family."
3rd Grade Parent