Superintendent's Message
Building the Future of Education Through
College Partnership Lab Schools
Official Photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin
The Commonwealth is in a defining moment in education. Families are demanding higher-quality options, employers are calling for a better-prepared workforce, and our colleges and universities are eager to take a more active role in shaping the future of K-12 education.
College Partnership Lab Schools are one of the most promising ways to deliver on innovation, accountability, and opportunity for every student. These models are exactly what they sound like: schools operated in direct collaboration with colleges and universities. These public schools bring together the best minds in education and industry to create new, real-world rigorous learning opportunities for students.
In just two years, Virginia is now home to 15 Lab Schools, serving more than 3,800 students across more than 60 school divisions. They are serving as incubators of innovation where we can test ideas and instructional models before scaling them statewide. Lab Schools foster a culture of high expectations and excellence and are open to public school students across the Commonwealth.
These schools are especially important for growing our state's economy. By linking K-12 classrooms directly with higher education and industry partners, we are creating pipelines into high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. This is education truly preparing students for workforce needs and emerging industries.
I am especially proud to highlight the launch of several transformative Lab Schools over the past month:
The Laurel Ridge Community College Campus of the Future Educators Academy, the second campus offering high school juniors and seniors an accelerated, high-quality teacher education and licensure pathway - ensuring more homegrown teachers return to serve their own communities.
The Isle Maritime Trades Academy at Paul D. Camp Community College, preparing students for high-demand careers in welding and marine electrical trades. These students will graduate with a high school diploma, a Technical Studies degree, and multiple industry credentials - ready to step directly into critical workforce roles.
The Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, developed with Old Dominion University, providing students in a rural region the chance to study engineering, aeronautics, and data science alongside NASA and Virginia's rapidly growing aerospace sector - taking education to new heights.
The STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary, developed with Old Dominion University, giving our youngest learners, grades K-5, the chance to practice creativity, empathy, and problem-solving through design thinking and integrated STEM instruction in partnership with community and economic leaders.
George Mason University's Data Science & Computing Academy (DSCA) Lab School, opening new opportunities in data science and computing, equipping rural and suburban students alike with the digital tools, problem-solving skills, and research experience that will define tomorrow's workforce.
Each of these models represents the best of what lab schools can do: connecting academics with real-world opportunity, keeping talent local, and building clear, sustainable pipelines into high-wage, high-demand careers. Together, they stand as proof that public education can - and must - evolve to meet the moment, ensuring every student, no matter where they live, can step confidently into a future filled with opportunity.
As a state leader, both in my former role and now as state superintendent, I am proud to champion these partnerships. Virginia's Lab School ecosystem is more than a network of schools. It is a model for how education can drive innovation, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. I am grateful to our families, educators, higher education partners, industry leaders, and local divisions who make this work possible. Together, we are preparing our students, and our Commonwealth, to thrive.
Emily Anne
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