Model Laboratory School

Model Laboratory School A World-Class P-12 Education
Est. 1906 with Eastern Kentucky University
The Commonwealth's Lab School

Model Laboratory Schools at Eastern Kentucky University provides a world-class K-12 educational experience designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. Established in September 1906, Model opened its doors as the first school of its kind in Kentucky as an integral part of the Eastern Kentucky Normal School, which would become Eastern Kentucky University. Model is the only educational labora

tory school in the Commonwealth, which has established it as a school of choice throughout the region. Embracing the original principles of American education reformer John Dewey, Model focuses on an experiential, student-centered learning. As Dewey himself stated, “Education is not an affair of ‘telling’ and being told, but an active and constructive process” wherein students create knowledge through quality experiences and reflection. Whether creating, performing, designing, or engineering, students regularly develop critical content knowledge and practice important skills. In addition to providing a unique educational experience for K -12 students, Model continues to function as an integral part of Eastern Kentucky University. University graduate and undergraduate students throughout a majority of the university’s colleges come to Model for observation, practicum, and other research initiatives. In March 2020, Model was confirmed as the Commonwealth’s laboratory school through House Bill 366. House Bill 366 provided that Model shall be “a university-operated public school under the governance of the Eastern Kentucky University board of regents that is separate from any school district.”

Moreover, the bill states that Model will operate “under the supervision of thoroughly trained and certified education professionals for the purpose of piloting and testing kindergarten through high school educational pedagogies, practices, programs, assessments, and innovations to further the educational mission of the Commonwealth.”

HB 366 was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives and the Senate; it was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 27, 2020. Model Laboratory Schools currently serve approximately 650 students throughout grades K - 12 including populations of students in gifted and talented, ESL, students with disabilities, and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Model High School was ranked a Five Star School by the Kentucky Department of Education in 2019.

08/26/2026

We can see the light of a brand-new year! ☀️ From first-day traditions to meaningful learning already, this school year is gonna be better than alright. 💙🦋

08/26/2026

🥳🥳🥳

08/26/2026

☀️😎 The bright days are here—welcome back, Model Lab! Thanks for a great first day back!

Thank you to FOX 56 News for stopping by on the first day of the 2026-27 school year as we kicked off the 120th annivers...
08/25/2026

Thank you to FOX 56 News for stopping by on the first day of the 2026-27 school year as we kicked off the 120th anniversary celebration of Model Laboratory Schools. 🤩🎉 See the news story here: model.eku.edu/firstday-fox56.

We also learned reporter Ren Music is an Eastern Kentucky University Colonel. We're glad you made your way back to campus today as an ! 👏

🎉🎉🎉
08/25/2026

🎉🎉🎉

Model was one of 13 schools in Kentucky to earn AP Platinum distinction and ranked among the top 7% of schools nationwide, according to school officials.

Patriots 🤝 Colonels. One campus, one family. Thank you for making our first day extra special, EKU Colonels! 🤍
08/25/2026

Patriots 🤝 Colonels. One campus, one family. Thank you for making our first day extra special, EKU Colonels! 🤍

🏫🎉 The first day of school is here! We can’t wait to welcome our K-12 students back to campus tomorrow for an exciting s...
08/24/2026

🏫🎉 The first day of school is here! We can’t wait to welcome our K-12 students back to campus tomorrow for an exciting start to the 2026-27 school year.

Early drop-off at the front of the school begins at 7:15 a.m., with first-day activities kicking off at 7:35 a.m. Elementary students will continue a favorite Model tradition by sliding into the first day of school, while secondary students can grab Chick-fil-A breakfast in the lobby before classes begin.

Our friends from EKU, including student-athletes, will also bring the energy and fun to welcome students at all entrances!

Early Childhood families: Please remember that phase-in days are Wednesday and Thursday, with students attending according to their assigned schedule. The first full day of school for all Early Childhood students is Friday, August 28, and Extended Learning may begin that day as well.

For important back-to-school information, visit model.eku.edu/back-to-school, and be sure to review today’s email with first-day reminders at model.eku.edu/first-day-reminders.

See you tomorrow! 😁

The halls may not be full of students just yet, but our faculty and staff have been busy building the 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘...
08/24/2026

The halls may not be full of students just yet, but our faculty and staff have been busy building the 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 for the year ahead. 🧱🏗️🦺

Over the past two weeks, our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing for the 2026-27 school year, from classroom setup and essential trainings to collaborative learning and strategic planning. We were encouraged by EKU President David McFaddin and EKU College of Education & Applied Human Sciences Dean Elizabeth Smith as they challenged us to continue 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, reminded us that "You are lifechangers," and reaffirmed Model Laboratory Schools' vital role in developing future educators.

Together, we learned from colleagues and partners including the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Center for School Safety, EKU Police, and Apple, while digging deep into our strategic plan and imagining what's possible for Model's future.

One of the highlights of the opening days was stepping into that future ourselves. Boots on, walking through the mud and progress at our new school construction site, we explored the spaces taking shape and cast a shared vision for what teaching, learning, and community could look like when 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴.

Most importantly, we reconnected, collaborated, laughed, and prepared for another great year together. Here's to a new year and the future we're building together! 🏗️✨🤝

🚨 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟰!Model students enrolled in EKU Dual Credit courses will soon be ...
08/23/2026

🚨 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟰!
Model students enrolled in EKU Dual Credit courses will soon be stepping into college classrooms and continuing their journey toward future success. Before classes begin, take a look at our 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 to make sure you’re prepared for day one. Through our partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, students can earn college credit, challenge themselves academically, and save time and money on their path to a degree.

Here’s to a strong start and a successful semester ahead!

For questions or assistance, contact the Model Counseling Office at [email protected].

Address

521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY
40475

Telephone

+18596224000

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