FAU Lab Schools Earn National “School of the Year” Recognition, Highlighting a Growing Educational Movement
Florida Atlantic University Laboratory Schools, home to A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School, has been named one of only six schools in the nation to receive the prestigious 2026 “School of the Year” recognition as part of the Discovery Education Awards.
The recognition places South Florida’s university-connected K–12 laboratory school system among a select group of institutions being recognized nationally for educational innovation, STEM learning, and applied research-driven instruction.
The award specifically honored FAU Lab Schools for their:
vertically aligned, inquiry-based STEM instruction
nationally recognized research and applied learning model
interdisciplinary curriculum
authentic laboratory and research experiences
and university-integrated educational environment
As a public K–12 laboratory school district embedded within Florida Atlantic University, the schools combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences beginning in the earliest grades.
A National Model Emerging from South Florida
While FAU Lab Schools have long been recognized for academic excellence, the national award signals something broader happening within education across the country: growing interest in university-affiliated laboratory schools as models for the future of learning.
Unlike traditional public schools, lab schools are designed to function as innovation environments where research, teaching, and applied learning intersect. At FAU, students engage in:
experiential learning
interdisciplinary STEM instruction
peer mentoring
public demonstrations of learning
and university-supported research opportunities
The schools also emphasize a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework that combines high academic expectations with personalized student support systems.
“Being named Discovery Education School of the Year is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional work taking place throughout Florida Atlantic University Laboratory Schools,” said Joel Herbst, Ed.D., vice president for PK-12 pre-baccalaureate programs and FAU Lab Schools superintendent.
“Our students benefit from a world-class faculty and staff who create a learning environment grounded in applied learning through innovation, curiosity, and discovery, all driven by experiential learning and woven into the fabric of Florida Atlantic University, a top 100 R1 university. This recognition reflects the deep commitment of our faculty and staff, who have developed a model that prepares students not only for academic success, but to think critically and contribute meaningfully to our community, state, and nation,” Herbst said.
Why University Lab Schools Are Gaining National Attention
FAU’s recognition also reflects a larger national shift toward educational models that more closely connect K–12 education with higher education, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems.
Across the country, families, educators, and policymakers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional classroom models in favor of:
project-based learning
accelerated academic pathways
research-driven instruction
interdisciplinary curriculum
and earlier access to college-level experiences
University-connected schools are uniquely positioned to provide these opportunities because they operate alongside research institutions and can integrate advanced learning environments into everyday instruction.
At FAU High School, students begin taking university coursework at Florida Atlantic University as early as 10th grade. Many graduate with substantial college credits, while some complete associate or bachelor-level pathways during high school.
This early college model has become increasingly attractive nationally as families look for ways to reduce college costs while accelerating workforce readiness and academic achievement.
Innovation, Research, and the Future of Education
The Florida Atlantic University Laboratory Schools model stands out nationally because it blends public education, university immersion, applied research, STEM learning, and innovation-focused instruction into a single connected ecosystem. Purpose-built science spaces, peer mentoring programs, and university-supported research opportunities allow students to actively participate in experimentation, inquiry, and discovery rather than passively consuming information.
That approach reflects a broader shift happening across education and workforce development nationwide. As industries such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, healthcare technology, and engineering increasingly demand advanced technical and research-oriented skills earlier in the talent pipeline, educational institutions are being viewed not only as schools, but as long-term innovation and workforce infrastructure.
In regions like South Florida, where efforts to strengthen the technology, life sciences, and entrepreneurship ecosystem continue accelerating, university laboratory schools are becoming increasingly relevant as models for talent development and economic growth. The FAU Lab Schools framework demonstrates how tighter integration between K–12 education, higher education, research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development can create more connected pathways for preparing future innovators and leaders.
That integration is already visible in the types of experiential opportunities available to students. FAU High students regularly participate in university-connected innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, including programs such as the annual FAU Center for Molecular Biology and BioTech Bridge Hackathon and Florida Atlantic University’s annual Business Pitch Competition. These experiences expose students to collaborative problem-solving, scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world industry challenges well before traditional college pathways begin.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Lauren Robinson, Ed.D., principal of A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School. “This honor celebrates the incredible curiosity, creativity, and dedication our students and teachers bring to learning every day. From the earliest grades, our students are immersed in hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences that empower them to explore boldly and share their discoveries with confidence. This award is a reflection of a school community that truly embraces innovation, collaboration, and a passion for discovery.”
A Globally Recognized Educational Partner
The award was presented by Discovery Education, a global education technology company serving more than 100 million students worldwide and supporting learning in 45% of U.S. K–12 schools across more than 100 countries and territories.
For South Florida, the recognition reinforces that FAU’s lab schools are not simply high-performing local institutions, but part of a nationally relevant movement redefining how education, research, and innovation can work together to prepare future generations.
For more information about the 2026 Discovery Education Awards, visit here, and for the award announcement, visit here.
