The Lab Schools Still Count: 1857

In 1857, as Illinois State Normal University was founded, University President Charles Hovey established a Model School to serve as a living laboratory for future teachers who were studying at ISNU. The Model School met a Major’s Hall in Bloomington, the site of Abraham Lincoln’s lost speech. Hovey served as the first principal. The first high school classes began at the Model School in 1862.

The Lab Schools have existed to give practical classroom experience to university students preparing to be teachers since they were established. That mission still matters.

LSEA is working to make sure the Lab Schools still count — now and for generations to come.