The Coronado Unified School District has expanded robotics programming and plans to implement a computer science curriculum for all grade levels.
Coronado Unified announced Silver Strand and Village Elementary schools will begin to incorporate computer science instruction directly into the core curriculum by the spring of 2026. These science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) efforts are part of the district’s goal for its graduating students to be technologically competent and adaptive, identified in CUSD’s new 2025 strategic vision known as the Portrait of a Graduate.
Megan Battle, the district’s senior director of learning, said the Coronado Schools Foundation and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) make current STEM experiences possible.
“Offering robotics opportunities districtwide has been a long-standing goal, and we’re thrilled to now offer robotics clubs at the elementary level,” said Battle.
More club opportunities
The Coronado Schools Foundation funds STEM activities like the district’s Innovation Labs and robotics programs, as well as classes and labs in coding, computer science, game design and environmental and biomedical science. Additionally, DoDEA awarded CUSD a $1.25 million Project Computer Science grant to expand and improve computer science study in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The DoDEA grant program is intended for public schools that educate military-connected students, according to the program’s website.
Sarah Yakutis, a teacher on special assignment, said CUSD’s vision is to implement the California Computer Science Standards starting with youngest learners by integrating those skills into the core curriculum.
“The goal is to increase participation in advanced computer science courses, such as AP Computer Science, by the time students reach high school,” said Yakutis, who served as an administrator for the grant.
“We are also fortunate to have Roberta Lenert overseeing K–12 robotics,” added Battle. “Her leadership ensures strong vertical alignment and a clear pathway for students as they advance through grade levels.”
Lenert is the director of robotics in the district and founder of the Coronado Robotics program at Coronado Middle School. She continues to lead the growing robotics teams at the secondary level.
CUSD’s robotics clubs are extracurricular opportunities. JD Laaperi at Silver Strand and Courtney Sakai at Village will lead elementary programs as instructing coaches.
With five competition teams this year, Coronado Middle School students will compete in the First Lego League series. At Coronado High School, students will get the chance to participate in robotics through competitive and exploratory opportunities at the club level.
“Our goal for the district is to build programs that provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students can take risks, learn from failure, and iterate their ideas — turning mistakes into opportunities for innovation,” said Lenert about the district’s vision. “We are excited to build this pathway from elementary through high school, growing students’ abilities and passion along the way.”
