Lab Schools
The University Laboratory Schools, Thomas Metcalf and University High School, provide educational opportunities for preschool through twelfth-grade students. The schools offer high-quality academic programs and promote ongoing teacher education. They also offer learning opportunities for teacher candidates and serve as a place where future teachers can observe, study, and practice education theory. Both schools also serve as an environment to conduct research and development activities.
The Laboratory Schools have been part of Illinois State University since its inception and have offered exemplary teaching for more than 150 years. We are one of the oldest and largest lab school systems in the United States and a department within the College of Education at Illinois State University. Lab School enrollment is legislated through the Illinois School Code at 1,000 students.
Our Mission
The University Laboratory Schools will provide pre-service teacher education, research, exemplary teaching and learning, and service to the profession, all built on our foundation of excellence in education theory and practice.
About Thomas Metcalf School
Thomas Metcalf School takes great pride in its ability to engage learners in a variety of learning experiences. Metcalf offers 390 preschool through eighth-grade students a wide range of educational programs and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Students are admitted through an application process. A basic curriculum, consisting of instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies is offered to all students at Metcalf. Ninety-eight percent of Thomas Metcalf students have met or exceeded Illinois state academic standards.
Future teachers, enrolled in education programs at Illinois State University, learn from observing these extensive educational offerings and from working with the exemplary faculty who implement them.
About University High School
University High School is a modern, well-equipped educational facility serving 610 students in grades nine through 12.
Students are admitted through an application process. With students enrolled from many school districts, University High is a diverse community of learners who are committed to providing a laboratory environment in which the very best classroom practice can flourish. The school regularly ranks as a top high school in Illinois.
University High School strives to keep pace with changing technological challenges by offering Internet access to students through the University. Firm in the belief that co-curricular programs enhance the experience of the high school student, University High School also offers over 60 programs in both academics and athletics.