The Role of Lab Schools in Shaping the Future: Insights from ODU’s Network

What is a Lab School?
A Laboratory School, or lab school, is an educational institution affiliated with a college or university that serves as a site for teacher training and educational research. Lab Schools have a dual mission: to provide high-quality education to students while acting as a living laboratory for developing and testing innovative teaching methods.

Lab Schools often feature smaller class sizes, diverse curricula, and a focus on hands-on learning. They bridge educational theory and practice, enabling collaboration among educators, researchers, and students in real-world settings. Historically, they have led educational innovation and contributed to advancements in pedagogy and teacher preparation.

Where are the ODU Lab Schools?
ODU currently has four core lab schools in partnership with Chesapeake Public Schools, Newport News Public Schools, Suffolk Public Schools, Accomack and Northampton County Public Schools and Eastern Shore Community College.

What is the ODU Lab School Network?
The ODU Lab School Network includes the four core ODU Lab Schools as well as five additional partnerships with universities across Virginia. This creates a hub of innovation and research, rapidly changing education one innovation at a time.

Why should we partner with the ODU Center and the Lab School Network?
Reasons to engage with ODU Lab Schools:

Academic Distinction through high-quality, industry-integrated programs that prepare students for the evolving future workforce.

Educational innovation focused on student empowerment and innovative, research-based teaching methods.

Community enhancement, fostering educational progress and regional development.