The Classical Academy welcomed Scientists Making Impacts in Learning Environments (SMILE) to their TK-8 Escondido campus in December. Developed by Scripps Research, this innovative K-8 education initiative inspires interest and preparedness among elementary and middle school students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Students participated in hands-on learning as they examined the spread of germs and disease. Through these initiatives, the SMILE Program seeks to make science accessible and engaging, inspiring the next generation of scientists and creating a deeper understanding of STEM fields among students.