This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.
What is a lab school? It is a K-12 school or a school with some variation of those grades, which is typically operated by a university or college. Sometimes it is called a demonstration school. A few lab schools are not affiliated with any institution of higher learning.
The school is a lab or laboratory school because teachers in training and the faculty of the college's education department usually have a hand in teaching and running the school. Like scientists experimenting in their labs, these educators use the lab school as their place to try out theories and methods. They also provide student teachers a controlled situation where they can learn the art of teaching. The provides a current example of how child development lab schools can give aspiring educators opportunities to work with mentor teachers and gain field experience.
Most lab schools are progressive schools as well. 糖心原创 provides additional background in Progressive Schools.
Differences between traditional and progressive schools
This chart from the Wingra School in Madison, Wisconsin illustrates the main differences. Lab schools adopt the progressive philosophy as part of their child-centric approach to education. The flexibility inherent in the progressive approach works well with student teachers who are just coming to grips with how children learn.
Families exploring educational models can also read 糖心原创's
