Model Laboratory School

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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 laboratory 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.

Model Elementary students in grades 2-6 had the exciting opportunity to attend EKU Men's Basketball (EKUHoops) Coach A.W...
10/07/2026

Model Elementary students in grades 2-6 had the exciting opportunity to attend EKU Men's Basketball (EKUHoops) Coach A.W. Hamilton's children's book launch for 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘈.𝘞. 𝘏𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯. Students enjoyed an interactive and inspiring event, cheered on their classmates, and even convinced a few teachers to join the fun on the court!

Coach Hamilton generously gifted and personally signed a copy of the book for every Model student in attendance. The book encourages children to dream big, never quit, listen well, use their words for good, and make the most of every opportunity. Thank you, Coach Hamilton, for sharing such a meaningful message with our students!

𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘈.𝘞. 𝘏𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯 releases October 15.
WKYT coverage: https://www.wkyt.com/2026/10/01/eku-basketball-coach-aw-hamilton-launches-childrens-book/
EKUHoops recap video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DyJ4sBiPv/

Don't miss out on hearing our High School Chorus alongside Eastern Kentucky University Choirs this Thursday evening on O...
10/05/2026

Don't miss out on hearing our High School Chorus alongside Eastern Kentucky University Choirs this Thursday evening on October 8 at 7:30 p.m. Join us for an incredible night of music at the Gifford Theatre in the Campbell Building off Crabbe Street. 🎶

Our first concerts of the semester are coming up soon. We hope to see you there!

🎶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀' 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶...
10/02/2026

🎶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀' 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗞𝗔𝗖𝗗𝗔) 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘂𝘀! We are proud to recognize the following students for earning this distinguished honor and representing Model on the state stage this November.

Junior High Mixed Choir: 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 (‘𝟯𝟭) • 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘁 (‘𝟯𝟭)

Children's Choir: 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸 (’𝟯𝟯) • 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯𝘀 (’𝟯𝟰) • 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝘀 (’𝟯𝟰)

This achievement is especially exciting as Model Chorus continues to grow and thrive in just its second year under the direction of Mr. Justin Felix. These selections reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of our student musicians and the strong foundation being built within our choral program. 🎵🎤 Congratulations to these outstanding students and to Mr. Felix on this milestone achievement for Model Chorus!

See these students perform on November 4-5, 2026, at the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center for the Arts.

10/02/2026

MPO MEETING ⬇️⬇️

We are so proud of grades 4-5 teacher, Ms. Mallory Mullins! 🤩 Model Lab students are challenged every day by our rigorou...
10/02/2026

We are so proud of grades 4-5 teacher, Ms. Mallory Mullins! 🤩 Model Lab students are challenged every day by our rigorous curriculum and master teachers—and they succeed! We are grateful for our partnership with FOSS, which helps ensure every student has the opportunity to think, explore, and learn like a scientist. 🤝🔬👨‍🔬

✨ “Science is now their favorite subject because they get to have fun, ask questions, and be curious.”

That’s what Mallory Mullins, a Grades 4-5 teacher at Model Laboratory School in Richmond, Kentucky, shared after her students completed their first investigation in FOSS Soils, Rocks, and Landforms.

Through hands-on investigations, students made observations, analyzed evidence, explained their thinking, and discovered that science can be exciting, meaningful, and fun.

One of our favorite parts of Mallory’s story?

Students who didn’t think of themselves as “science kids” began to see themselves as scientists. 🔍🌎🪨

As educators, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching curiosity grow into confidence.

Thank you, Mallory, for sharing your classroom experience with us. Stories like these are why we do what we do. ❤️

Has FOSS made an impact in your classroom? We’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments or send us a message!

We had two great picture days this week! Thank you, Triple Play Productions, LLC—we appreciate you! 😁📸
10/01/2026

We had two great picture days this week! Thank you, Triple Play Productions, LLC—we appreciate you! 😁📸

10/01/2026
🎉🏀
10/01/2026

🎉🏀

Since 1906, Model Laboratory School has been shaping generations of students and educators through hands-on learning, ri...
09/30/2026

Since 1906, Model Laboratory School has been shaping generations of students and educators through hands-on learning, right here at . If you do the math, that's 120 years of education on the ! Founded as Kentucky's first laboratory school (and now, the only laboratory school still in operation in the state), it's been one unforgettable partnership. And we're not done any time soon! Model’s legacy continues to grow, with an exciting new chapter ahead. While you enjoy these archival photos from decades past, read more about our shared history below! 📚👦

🔗: https://www.eku.edu/press/model-laboratory-school-and-eku-celebrate-120-years-of-excellence-in-education/

Address

521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY
40475

Telephone

+18596224000

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