For two dozen kids at PS 94 in Norwood, the motto is: step loud and step proud.

Stepping isn’t usually an elementary school thing. The dance form, which uses footwork, clapping and call-and-response to pound out rhythms on the body and stage, has its roots in historically black college fraternities and sororities, and remains based on college campuses. Students can rarely join a team before middle school.

But on Feb. 13, PS 94 put on a dazzling display of the form. Two dozen third-through-fifth graders stomped and clapped in unison and sent canes flying through the air as the school’s step team performed at a citizenship assembly.

Fourth grade teacher Melodie Brewington founded the program two years ago.

“I wanted to show them a different thing than they’re used to, and get them to strive for college,” Brewington said.

Almost 100 students auditioned for the team. Those who were accepted have to keep up their grades, behavior, and attendance to stay on the team. The program is clearly a hit. When the crowd of red-dressed steppers headed onto stage, their classmates cheered in anticipation. When they stomped their final step, the audience exploded.

George Rodriguez choreographs the routines. An ambulance driver by trade, Rodriguez started stepping in college as a member of the national Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Now he volunteers with the PS 94 team two days a week and relies on a network of KAP brothers to mentor students.

Half a dozen KAP brothers attended the assembly. Two performed. Joshua Whiting and Mike Zalaznick stepped up to the mic before getting on stage. They pronounced themselves Bronx born and raised, to loud cheers. Then they laid out the message that goes with the steps.

“I can’t emphasize it enough,” Whiting said. “Stay in school.”