EKU breaks ground on new Model Laboratory School

Eastern Kentucky University celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Model Laboratory School on Tuesday, as well as the announcement of the formation of the School of Education within the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS). 

“This is an exciting day for EKU and Model Laboratory School, as we break ground on a new Model campus and celebrate the shared impact we have in shaping the future of education,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This new facility will be a hub of innovation and research—one of the most distinctive environments in the nation for post-secondary teacher preparation—offering immersive learning that equips the next generation of educators for success.”

As Kentucky’s only public teaching lab for grades P-12, Model Lab offers valuable hands-on experience to EKU undergraduate and graduate students from varying degree programs across campus through research and interdisciplinary education, helping them become skilled educators and professionals. 

“Innovation is essential in addressing Kentucky’s teacher shortage, and I applaud EKU and Model for building a dynamic and forward-looking facility that redefines teacher preparation,” said State Representative James Tipton, Kentucky House Higher Education Committee chairman. “This facility is a prime example of the importance of state investment in teacher pipelines.”

Construction of the new Model Laboratory School was funded through the Kentucky General Assembly in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 sessions for a total of $149.1 million. The state-of-the-art research and educational laboratory facility will provide a teaching and learning space to help train and serve those key professions that work in P-12 school settings. 

“As a proud EKU alumna and parent of a Model Lab graduate, the new Model building and EKU’s School of Education will impact our community and state for generations of teachers and students to come,” said Kentucky State Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon. “This new facility elevates Madison County and EKU as leaders in education, safety and student services.”

The school’s location will be on the southside of EKU’s campus on and around the Leslie Leach Driving Range on Kit Carson Drive. The new location’s proximity to the Kentucky Center for School Safety and the Department of Criminal Justice Training creates opportunities for collaboration in modernizing school safety.

“Gov. Beshear is committed to putting education first in the Commonwealth,” said Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “Model Lab and EKU serve as critical partners in fueling the teacher workforce and ensuring quality educators across the Commonwealth. Education is the catalyst for growth, and we know this investment will propel our state and the next generation forward.”

The new facility will house EKU’s early childhood development center and Model’s elementary, middle and high schools. Along with space to accommodate Model students, the new school includes college classrooms, faculty offices, a professional learning center with break-out rooms, an auditorium and a lecture hall—allowing EKU students in several degree programs to apply and practice their coursework in an immersive learning environment.

“This is a transformational moment for Madison County with this historic project building prestige, resources and talent for our region,” said Kentucky State Senator Jared Carpenter. “I’m proud to support a project that cements Madison County as a model for educational advancement in Kentucky.” 

In addition to naming the School of Education, EKU announced a pilot program launching this fall, where first-year education majors integrate into the Model Laboratory School environment and engage in core courses co-taught by Model and EKU faculty. 

“The School of Education is more than a name—it’s a reaffirmation of our historic mission to lead educator preparation in Kentucky and beyond,” said Dr. Elizabeth Smith, dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. “The School of Education will serve as a visible and distinct unit within CEAHS, strengthening our identity and deepening our impact on the future of education.”

The new School of Education and Model Laboratory School will work in close collaboration, ensuring a seamless blend of academic rigor, research and real-world educational practice. 

“As the only lab school in the state, this new building and announcement represent an enhanced synergy between EKU and Model and a deep commitment to the principles we were founded on—preparing quality educators for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said John Williamson, dean of P–12 education and superintendent of Model Laboratory School.

The new campus for Model Lab is expected to be completed for the 2027-28 school year.