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The Lab School at a Glance

Where Learning Comes to Life

A lab school serves as a bridge between innovative academic research and hands-on teaching, bringing together practitioners, researchers, and college faculty to create a dynamic learning environment.

Much like a teaching hospital, it is a place where ideas are tested, refined, and transformed into meaningful educational practices. Lab schools are experiential, student-centered, and rooted in a holistic approach to learning — honoring curiosity, creativity, and the individual needs of each child.

What This Means for Children

At The Children’s School, learning begins with questions. Critical thinking is encouraged over one-size-fits-all instruction, and subjects are intentionally integrated throughout the school day. Small student–teacher ratios support self-directed learning, meaningful exploration, and hands-on, small-group experiences.

Children benefit from both the deep expertise of master teachers and the energy of undergraduate education students training in our classrooms. With the direct support of the Stephens College Education Department, we are able to apply emerging research, pilot innovative practices, and continually evolve our teaching in ways that put students first.

A School on a College Campus

Because Big Dreams Start Early.

Being located in the heart of the Stephens College campus gives our students extraordinary learning opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom. The campus itself becomes an extended learning environment — a place to explore, create, and discover.

Integrated Campus Experiences

Children at The Children’s School engage directly with college students, faculty, and programs, including:

• Athletics: Learning various sport skills from college athletes and participating in activities in our gym fosters confidence, teamwork, and physical fitness.
• Equestrian Studies: Visits to Stephens Stables introduce students to horsemanship, animal care, and the beauty of equine science.
• Performing Arts: Our Conservatory welcomes students into the historic Senior Hall dance studio, and children regularly attend high-quality theater productions on campus.
• Visual Arts: Visiting artists — such as Diago from MU’s Afro-Cuban Legacies conference — work with students on multimedia still lifes and other creative projects.
• Campus as Classroom: From filming movies around campus to studying trees, mapping spaces, and celebrating seasonal traditions, children learn by engaging directly with real-world environments.

Community Events and Collaboration

Stephens education majors further enrich the lab school through SLATE (Students Learning About Teacher Education) events. Annual favorites — such as Fall Fest, Family Night Out, Science Night, and Art Night — create joyful, community-centered experiences where college students and children learn together.

Preschool Engagement Across Campus

Younger learners benefit from campus experiences as well, especially during their career exploration unit. Preschoolers visit the college cafeteria to meet the chefs, explore Susie’s campus store, observe the mailroom in action, and learn how librarians support student research in the campus library. These authentic encounters help children understand the many roles and people that make up a community.

In Every Corner: Learning That Matters

By blending academic innovation, hands‑on experience, and the resources of a vibrant college campus, The Children’s School at Stephens College offers children an educational experience unlike any other. Here, curiosity grows, creativity thrives, and big dreams take root.

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