As the first C-STEM (computer, science, technology, engineering, and math)
school in the state of Arizona, Dove Mountain is setting a precedent as a school of choice. The design is a celebration of student-driven learning and making. Kindergarten through fifth grade students are introduced to C-STEM subject matter in a practical manner using experimentation, while sixth through eighth grade students have the opportunity to focus deeper on concepts that pique their interest. Their natural curiosity about the world can develop into a lasting interest in these fields.

Large, highly-visible, collaborative makerspaces line the heart, or the arroyo, of the building, fostering student awareness of their peers' work. Common student areas and circulation paths are crafted to allow for some separation between elementary and middle school students, while maintaining connectivity and a sense of community. The site-responsive building acts as a teaching tool,

highlighting the natural ecosystems of the site and respecting the natural landscape area.