STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School

As Virginia’s only K–5 College Partnership Lab School, ODU serves as the lead institution of higher education, operating in partnership with Suffolk Public Schools. Together, we function as a testbed for innovation, integrating new technologies, research-based methods, and the combined expertise of higher education and district leadership to shape next practices in K–5 STEM learning. The school serves as an innovative learning environment for students, a hub for educator preparation, and a research setting for both university faculty and K–12 practitioners. Through hands-on, experiential STEM learning and a focus on student agency, we build critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world connections for all learners. Grounded in equity and access, this model expands opportunity for diverse students while preparing educators to implement and scale innovative, research-informed practices.

Our mission is to support and promote:

1. Excellence in education.
2. Student active agency and student voice in their learning.
3. Experimentation with pedagogical approaches and experiential learning.
4. Innovative approaches to professional learning and educator preparation.
5. Integration of research and teaching. 

Our Vision

The Laboratory School’s vision is to foster deeper learning and the development of 5C skills (critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication and citizenship) through the application of classroom content in authentic, real-world learning experiences.