FSU Laboratory Schools

As developmental research schools, our mission is to design, test, and disseminate innovations in K-12 education through serving a diverse community of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students are exposed to a wide variety of academic classes and extracurricular activities. Our vision for our students is that they become creative, dedicated, and resilient learners who embrace the power of diverse ideas, talents, and cultures to improve our world. 

What are Lab Schools? 

Laboratory (Lab) Schools are schools- usually affiliated with a college or university- designed to test and develop new educational models, incubate new ideas, and allow young teachers to train in a live classroom environment. 

According to the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS), the concept of lab schools dates to the 17th century in Japan and Europe. They came to the United States more than 100 years ago with the opening of the University of Chicago Laboratory School in 1896 by John Dewey. 

What are the FSU Laboratory Schools? 

Florida State University’s College of Education authorizes three laboratory schools around Florida: 

• FSUS Tallahassee, serving students in grades K-12 

• FSU Pembroke Pines, serving students in grades K-5 who live in Pembroke Pines, FL 

• FSU Panama City, serving students in grades 9-12 with a focus on military families and those that support them 

Despite the diversity of the mission and vision of each laboratory school within the FSUS network, we strive to provide a high quality, well rounded educational experience for every student.  Across our campuses our students are exposed to a wide variety of academic classes, industry certifications, and extra-curricular activities. 

What is FSU’s history of lab schools? 

The Florida State University’s College of Education, in collaboration with local education leaders, opened the Florida State University School in Tallahassee, FL in 1857 as the Primary Department of Florida Institute. “Florida High”, as it was known locally, moved to a new location in 2001. Currently, Florida High serves approximately 2000 students in grades K-12.  

Building on previous success and innovations in the charter school landscape, FSU Pembroke Pines opened in 2003. This unique public-public partnership serves K-5 students who are part of the City of Pembroke Pines (FL) Charter School network. With approximately 700 students, FSU PP provides a wide array of academic programming, including an autism center. 

Opening in August 2023, FSU Panama City will provide a collegiate laboratory school experience for students in grades 9-12. With a focus on both academics and industry certifications, the goal of FSU PC is to provide military families and those that serve military families an opportunity to earn college credits while also pursuing career credentials. 

Each of the laboratory schools is sponsored by the Florida State University and is a demonstration school for the FSU College of Education. The purpose of the schools is to  

• Explore teaching techniques. 
• Observe and participate in best teacher practice. 
• Disseminate research findings.

FSUS Tallahassee is the oldest laboratory school in the FSU network. “Florida High” as it’s locally known serves over 2000 students from Wakulla, Jefferson, and Leon counties in grades K-12. Always earning an “A” rating the state accountability system, Florida High is a leader in student achievement.  

FSU Pembroke Pines is a unique public-public partnership between FSU and the City of Pembroke Pines. This K-5 elementary school serves students and families who reside within the city of Pembroke Pines, located in Broward County, FL.  Known for its academic excellence, FSU Pembroke Pines also maintains an autism center. 

FSU Panama City is in the process of authorization and will open in August 2023. This school’s primary mission is to serve military families and those that support them. With a focus on the future and the imminent rebuilding of Tyndall Air Force Base as a “base of the future”, FSU PC will provide students opportunities to earn their Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree as high school students while also earning industry certifications in computer science, health fields, and other professional areas serving the Air Force base and Bay County.