Are you a parent exploring niche school options that fit your child’s unique needs? If so, lab schools may be an option worth exploring. These specialized schools offer a distinct and innovative approach to learning. If you happen to live in a state or area that has a lab school, you might wonder what sets them apart and how one might benefit your family. Here is what you need to know about this unique educational option.
Much like public charter schools, lab schools—short for laboratory schools—offer a distinct approach to education that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and specialized learning experiences. These schools often specialize in either a specific curriculum or both; thus, lab schools provide a wide range of options to meet each child’s unique needs.
What is a Lab School?
Lab schools are public, or sometimes private, schools typically established by universities, community colleges, or public school districts. They have been around for decades and usually provide preschool through grade 12 education. These schools are designed to serve as “laboratories” for experimenting with and developing innovative educational methods. Unlike traditional public schools, lab schools can set their own curriculum, teaching methods, and school management structures. While not charter schools, lab schools share some common features.
Known as “demonstration schools” at their inception, US lab schools and their innovative teaching methods date back to the late 1800s. One of the first lab schools, the University of Chicago Lab School, created by American philosopher and educator John Dewey, focused on teaching students to ask questions and think critically. Today, lab schools are continuing to try new methods and have various approaches to learning.
What are the key features of Lab Schools?
Lab schools prioritize innovation in teaching and learning, functioning as “laboratories” where educators can experiment with new educational approaches, incorporate new technologies, and collaborate closely with researchers to improve student outcomes. These schools develop partnerships with local employers, community organizations, and colleges and often provide teacher training courses taught by graduate students. This connection to colleges of education allows for a continuous exchange of cutting-edge teaching ideas and models.
Like public magnet schools, many lab schools also focus on specialized education in STEM, the arts, and the humanities. However, what sets lab schools apart is their emphasis on educational research and experimentation with teaching methods. While both types of schools offer specialized education, lab schools prioritize testing new approaches to education and training future educators, often in partnership with universities. Another key difference is that lab schools can sometimes be private or affiliated with higher education institutions, whereas magnet schools are always part of the public school system.
Parents seeking innovative and research-driven education environments may discover that lab schools provide unique opportunities for their children to excel academically and personally. Additionally, because lab schools often serve as experimental settings for education models, they can easily adapt their educational models to meet the specific needs of students with special educational requirements, gifted students, or other specific student populations. Because lab schools are affiliated with colleges and universities, lab school administrators and educators collaborate with educational researchers to fine-tune their methods. For instance, a lab school may create specific teaching methods for special needs students by testing out adaptive technologies or sensory-based learning. This level of customization and focus on research-driven approach sets lab school apart from traditional teaching models.
Common Questions about the SAT and ACT
How to switch to a lab School
- Reflect on Your Own School Experience
Think back to your own time in school. Reflecting on your personal experiences will help inform your decision-making process when considering lab schools for your child. Consider what you valued most in your education—the teaching style, the subjects, or the overall school environment. Similarly, think about the things you didn’t like. Write down what you learned the most, who inspired you the most, and what didn’t work well for you. Remember that while your experiences provide valuable insight, your child’s needs may differ.
- Identify Your Goals for Your Child
As a parent, you deeply understand your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Take a few moments to consider your goals for your child’s education and future. Consider what learning environment would nurture your child’s academic and personal growth. What qualities do you want your child to develop? Would they benefit from an innovative, research-driven environment that lab schools provide? Jot down these goals to guide your school search.
- Determine What You Need from a School
Lab schools are known for their flexibility and research-driven approaches to education. Now, think about your child’s specific needs in a learning environment. Does your child need a school that focuses on individualized instruction or offers unique learning approaches? Maybe your child is interested in a subject like STEM, arts, or humanities—where lab schools often excel. Reflect on whether your child would benefit from an environment encouraging experimentation and new teaching methods. Write down all the characteristics of the ideal learning environment for your child.
- Research and Make a List of Lab Schools
Lab schools often partner with universities, offering innovative and tailored educational models. Begin by researching lab schools in your area or connected to universities you respect. Use tools like the Schools Near Me feature or university websites to find these schools. Make a list of potential options, and don’t rule out any just because they might be challenging. Lab schools can provide excellent opportunities for many students, so explore both private and public options. Additionally, research whether these schools have specialized programs that align with your child’s strengths and interests.
- Visit Lab Schools
Once you’ve created a short list of lab schools, it’s time to visit them, either virtually or in person. These tours will give you a firsthand look at the school environment and how it aligns with your child’s needs. Lab schools often have unique classroom setups, experimental teaching methods, and a culture driven by research and innovation. Pay attention to how students interact with teachers, how classrooms are organized, and whether the environment fosters creativity and exploration. During your visit, ask questions about how the school adapts to different learning styles and focuses on student development. If you’re considering an online lab school option, schedule a phone interview to gather all the necessary information.
- Evaluate the Lab Schools
After your visits, evaluate all the notes you gathered before and during your school tours. Compare how each lab school aligns with your child’s needs and your educational goals. Consider the school’s curriculum, teaching methods, student support systems, and university partnerships. Lab schools often have a strong research focus, so consider how this innovative approach will benefit your child. Narrow your list to the two or three lab schools you believe will best serve your child.
- Choose the Lab School That Best Fits Your Child
Finally, it’s time to choose the lab school that best meets your child’s needs. This is a highly personal decision, and involving your child and other family members in the process is essential. Reflect on the goals you set for your child and the experiences you observed during your school visits. Once you’ve decided, start the application process and prepare your child for their first day at their new lab school, knowing that you’ve chosen a research-driven environment to support their growth and development.
Lab School Options for Families Nationwide
While lab schools are relatively new to the school choice landscape, they are providing more options for families in areas where they are located. Below, we have provided a list of lab schools that we were able to find across the country. We will update this list regularly to ensure that it includes the most up-to-date information. Please note that while some lab schools are free, others may charge tuition based on their specific setup, funding and policies.
Alabama
Kilby Laboratory School in Florence, Alabama, is a tuition-free lab school specializing in a STEM- and child-focused curriculum.
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California
UCLA Lab School in Los Angeles, California, partnered with UCLA, is a tuition-based lab school serving children in grades 4–12 that works in partnership with educators and local communities to explore research-based learning practices. Khan Lab School, created by Sal Khan, founder of the Khan Academy, serves grades K–12 in Palo Alto and Mountain View, California. The school prioritizes mindfulness and social/emotional learning.
Colorado
La Luz is a microschool turned lab school in Denver, Colorado, that experiments with new teaching methods across different locations. It emphasizes real-world learning, helping students build confidence, strong relationships, and academic readiness for high school and beyond.
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District of Columbia
The Lab School in Washington, D.C., partnered with American University, serves grades 1–12 and focuses on serving students with learning differences in a project-based learning environment.
Florida
P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville, Florida, is a K–12 lab school focusing on a STEM curriculum and innovative learning methods.
Florida Atlantic Laboratory Schools in Boca Raton, Florida, offer two lab school environments on the campus of Florida Atlantic University (FAU):
- Alexander D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) is a K–8 public developmental research school on FAU’s campus.
- FAU High School is a lab high school focused on serving students in a dual-enrollment education model.
Star Lab School in Sarasota, Florida is a lab school established in 2024, providing kindergarten education with a focus on scientific research and innovative learning.
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Illinois
University Lab High School in Urbana, Illinois, is a tuition-free lab school that serves students in grades 8–12 and specializes in a hands-on approach to learning. Students enrolled in the University of Illinois Lab School may start taking college classes through the university, starting in their junior year.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School in Evanston, Illinois, is a tuition-free K–12 lab school that primarily teaches literary and fine arts. Its teaching methods emphasize literature and writing across each grade level.
Indiana
Burris Laboratory School, located in Muncie, Indiana, is a tuition-free K–12 lab school that emphasizes technology-enhanced education and teaching.
Butler University Lab Schools, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a partnership with both Butler University and the Indianapolis Public School District focusing on leading school projects in science, ecology, theater, creative writing, multicultural awareness, and more.
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Missouri
Horace Mann Laboratory School in Maryville, Missouri, is a K–6 tuition-based lab school with an “emphasis on innovative and interactive teaching practices accompanied by individualized instruction by dedicated and caring faculty and staff.”
School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, is a tuition-based Christian lab school in partnership with the College of the Ozarks that provides experimental learning opportunities.
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Pennsylvania
Falk Lab School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a K–8 tuition-based lab school in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh that focuses on a collaborative and active learning model.
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Texas
Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory in Austin, Texas, is a tuition-based lab school serving children ages 18 months to six years that focuses on hands-on and play-based learning
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Virginia
Virginia is emerging as a leader in the lab school arena by promoting innovation and collaboration among colleges and universities. The state has actively supported the expansion of lab schools through targeted legislative efforts, signifying a shift toward expanding educational models and meeting the need for a more personalized, hands-on approach to learning.
More than 20 applications have been submitted to the Virginia Department of Education to pilot lab schools in the state. In June, the governor of Virginia approved the opening of 15 lab schools. The first lab school to open in Virginia was CodeRVA Regional High School in Richmond, which prepares students for careers in computer science.
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What Parents Should Know about the Evolving Lab School Landscape
As their numbers continue to grow, lab schools are constantly evolving. More and more lab schools are experimenting with new teaching styles, which may eventually become widespread across the country. Parents interested in lab schools but who have not yet found the right program for their children should keep an eye out for new lab schools opening in their area. Whether they prioritize personalized learning, the integration of advanced technology, or project-based approaches, lab schools are continuously improving their offerings to better serve students in their communities.
To learn more about lab schools, parents can visit the International Association of Laboratory Schools.
