The Children’s School at Stephens College

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The Children’s School at Stephens College

The Children’s School at Stephens College is a laboratory preschool and elementary school located in Columbia, Missouri since 1925.

Located in Hickman Hall at the corner of College and Broadway, our light-filled, spacious facility is at the heart of Stephens’ beautiful, historic campus. Our spaces, including our non-structure playground, foster innovation, imaginative learning, and play, and support our multi-age group structure.

We embrace a child-centered philosophy that supports social and intellectual development through a balance of structure and play. Our teachers, all with degrees in education, facilitate learning through inquiry-based approaches.

The Children’s School at Stephens College traces its roots to 1925, when Stephens College established one of the nation’s earliest college laboratory nursery schools.

The college campus itself serves as an extended classroom for the lab school. Students use various locations for projects such as filming movies, studying trees, and participating in seasonal celebrations. These activities allow them to apply classroom learning to real-world settings and develop practical skills.

Interested in learning more? Connect with us to receive information, schedule a visit, or ask questions.

At the Children’s School at Stephens College, learning begins with curiosity, creativity, and joyful exploration. Our classrooms offer rich, developmentally appropriate experiences supported by expert educators and Stephens College teacher candidates.

Preschool Program

Designed for young learners beginning their educational journey, our preschool program nurtures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

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Multi‑Age Elementary Program

Our multi-age elementary program brings together children from ages five to eleven, creating a diverse learning environment that mirrors life outside of school.

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Summer Program

Discover a summer filled with creativity, curiosity, and joyful exploration, where each day invites children to imagine, experiment, and play in inspiring ways.

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Child paints with watercolors at the Children's School at Stephens College.

The Children’s SChool

(573) 876-7260

Contact Stephens College

1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65215

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