On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin commended approval of a Lab School, brought forth by Old Dominion University, at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Suffolk.  This partnership centers on a comprehensive integration of STEM education that will be incorporated into hands-on STEM experiences in the elementary curriculum. The STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School is set to open Fall 2025. Please see the press release below for additional information:

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2024

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the Virginia Board of Education approved the establishment of two additional Lab Schools brought forth by Old Dominion University and George Mason University, one of which will reside at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Suffolk, Fall 2025.

Old Dominion University’s proposed Lab School, The STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, is a collaborative partnership between Old Dominion University and Suffolk Public Schools. This partnership centers on a comprehensive integration of STEM education that will be incorporated into hands-on STEM experiences in the elementary curriculum to enhance students’ academic proficiency for access and exposure to cultivate a generation of productive citizens equipped with skills and knowledge needed in STEM-related careers. The STEM Academy goals are to design an innovative STEM learning environment for students, create a learning hub for educator preparation and development, and provide a research setting for both university faculty and K-12 educators. 

"We are excited to partner with Old Dominion University to create the STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Together, we will work closely to enhance students' educational experiences in Suffolk Public Schools. Our Lab School will provide hands-on collaboration and engagement in real-world community issues and projects to facilitate cross-curricular instruction, and exposure to new learning opportunities. Using the design-thinking framework and approach to learning, collaboration, and problem-solving, instruction will lay the foundation for future leaders and innovators. By nurturing and helping to cultivate a world of new possibilities for our young minds, we will ignite creativity and curiosity among our students and inspire them to become leaders in STEM fields and beyond," said Dr. Okema Branch, Chief Academic Officer at Suffolk Public Schools. 

Virginia Lab Schools are designed to stimulate the development of innovative education programs for Virginia students from preschool through Grade 12. In partnership with local employers and community organizations, their academic programs focus on expanding opportunities for students with exposure to workplaces. For more information, please contact our School Administrative Offices at 757-925-6750.

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