Bear Exploration Center

Bear Exploration Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology is a public magnet elementary school in Montgomery, Alabama serving grades K-5. Located at 2525 Churchill Drive, it operates under Montgomery Public Schools with a mission to foster academic growth through innovation in STEM, enriched by Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school supports a Gifted & Talented program and offers dedicated instruction from classroom teachers, reading coaches, arts-in-residence, media specialists, and a strong team of support staff. With approximately 500 students, Bear Exploration Center emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and technology integration, nurturing scholars who are equipped for future challenges. Dr. Nina Williams serves as Principal, overseeing its academic and community partnerships. It holds consistently high ratings in both state assessments and parent evaluations.

Two Bear Exploration Center teachers were awarded Alabama Power Classroom Grants to enhance classroom resources and STEM program delivery.

Bear Exploration Center is hosting comprehensive Summer Learning Academies from June 9 through July 3, 2025, as part of Montgomery Public Schools’ effort to support student learning during summer months.

Q1: What kind of academic programs does Bear Exploration Center offer?

A: Along with the standard K-5 curriculum, the school offers a Gifted & Talented program, Project Lead The Way courses focused on STEM, reading support, and specialized instruction through coaches and media specialists.

Q2: What is the size and student-teacher ratio of the school?

A: The school has around 500-511 students enrolled in grades K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1.

Q3: How is the school rated by external evaluation sources?

A: Bear Exploration Center is rated above average among K-5 schools in Alabama; it has a perfect 10/10 rating on GreatSchools, an A-/B+ on Niche, and receives strong scores in academic proficiency especially in reading.

Q4: Who leads the school and how is leadership structured?

A: The school is led by Dr. Nina Williams, Principal of Bear Exploration Center. Leadership includes grade-level teams, support staff like reading coaches, and collaboration with district magnet school administration.

Q5: What extracurricular or community engagement opportunities does Bear Exploration Center provide?

A: The school facilitates engagement through a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), assemblies, field trips, arts-in-residence, and community events. Teachers also receive grants for innovation, and family involvement is encouraged via meetings and advisory committees.