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Model Laboratory School and College of Education and Applied Human Sciences Synergy Initiative

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)’s Model Laboratory School is a living learning laboratory, and the only one of its kind in Kentucky. The laboratory environment creates a unique and unmatched opportunity for EKU undergraduate and graduate students to apply both hands-on experience and research in disciplines ranging from education, nursing, occupational therapy, school safety, and other disciplines in collaboration with one of the leading early childhood, elementary, secondary and high schools in the Commonwealth.

EKU greatly appreciates the work of our representatives in Frankfort for their ongoing investment in our commitment to teacher education, exemplified by their funding for the construction of a new facility for the Model Laboratory Schools.
Established in 1906, EKU has continued to provide an immersive learning experience through Model Lab, officially deemed the sole university lab school in Kentucky and the Commonwealth’s Lab School by the General Assembly in 2020. The new Model Lab campus will include innovative learning spaces for students from early childhood to 12th grade, alongside facilities designed to support EKU students training for professions in education, speech and occupational therapy, psychology and other disciplines.

The newly constructed school will help fulfill EKU’s vision of providing a cutting-edge, hands-on learning laboratory to empower the next generation of Kentucky educators solidifying EKU as a leader in teacher education. Visit this website for frequent updates on our progress. We are excited about the future of Model Laboratory Schools and look forward to sharing this journey with our students, parents, and community. Thank you for your continued support and patience during this transition.

Latest Update

Eastern Kentucky University officially broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Model Laboratory School, marking a historic milestone for teacher preparation, educational innovation and community impact across Kentucky.

The facility will house P–12 classrooms, an early childhood center, EKU College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS) classrooms and offices, a professional learning center, and spaces designed for interdisciplinary collaboration—including a lecture hall and auditorium.

The ceremony also featured a significant announcement from the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences: the formal naming of the EKU School of Education. This new academic unit will elevate the visibility of EKU’s longstanding leadership in educator preparation while aligning with national best practices and providing a unified structure to support innovation, research, and outreach.

This project exemplifies the powerful integration of P–12 and higher education in a single facility. It’s not only an investment in infrastructure, but in the future of Kentucky—its students, educators, and communities.

Construction is now underway, with the new campus expected to be completed for the 2027-28 school year.

Stay tuned for continued updates as EKU builds the future of education, right here on campus.

FAQs

The decision to move Model Lab from its current location was based on a variety of factors including providing students with state-of-the-art facilities to support the growing needs of Model Lab students and faculty, cost and taking advantage of the existing infrastructure on Kit Carson Drive, containing all activities for the early education, elementary, middle, and high school on one footprint, alleviating traffic congestion on the Eastern Bypass (KY-876), and the providing students with the space necessary for hands-on clinical experience and research space.

The new campus is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2027-2028 school year.

The new campus will be built on the southside of EKU’s current Leslie Leach Driving Range/Big E Parking Lot on Kit Carson Drive.

Classes will continue in the current facility. There will be no interruption to the academic schedule.

The new campus will offer modern classrooms, enhanced security features, updated technology, and improved athletic and recreational facilities. These upgrades will create a better learning and teaching environment, promoting academic excellence and overall student well-being.

A detailed transition plan will be developed to ensure a smooth move to the new campus. This plan will include timelines, moving logistics and orientation sessions for students, parents and staff.

Yes, we plan to organize tours and open houses for parents and students to familiarize themselves with the new facilities before the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

We are committed to minimizing any disruptions to school activities and routines. Construction will take place away from the current school facilities, and we will communicate any necessary changes well in advance.

Regular updates will be provided through this website, newsletters and parent meetings. A dedicated section on the website will offer the latest news and updates about the construction progress.

Members of the media should contact EKU Media Line at 859-582-9260 or via email at media@eku.edu.

Yes, we are planning a series of events, including a groundbreaking ceremony and various activities to celebrate this milestone. More details will be shared as we approach the opening date.

Yes, focus groups have been conducted with Model Lab students, parents, faculty, staff, EKU faculty and staff and various groups within the Madison County community.

As of right now, there is no schematic diagram of the new building. Once we have the diagram, the website will be updated to contain those graphics.

Model Laboratory School:

  • Early Childhood (Pre-K)
  • Elementary (Grades K-6)
  • High School (Grades 7-12)
  • Athletic Facilities/ Complex/ Fields
  • Performing Arts Center
  • Central Administration
  • Professional Development Center
  • College of Education and Applied Human Sciences Offices and Classrooms

Interested in a degree from EKU?

Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.

Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.

Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.