Welcome to Horace Mann Laboratory School!
Welcome to Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families, located on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. Horace Mann is one of only a small number of laboratory schools in the United States. Horace Mann provides a hands-on, project based learning, individualized approach that is only possible with small class sizes and multiple teachers. Students of all ages make Horace Mann home, from our youngest kindergarten students to University practicum students. Master teachers provide a unique learning environment for all students that include technology, innovative best practices, and exemplary educational experiences. From measuring temperatures and creating data tables at our University Pond, learning about recycling at the on campus recycling center, roller skating and swimming lessons in Physical Education class, and multicultural education from student organizations on campus, Horace Mann provides the best educational experience for your child.
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- Innovative and interactive teaching practices
- Individualized Education
- Technology integration
- Rigorous, rich and varied curriculum focused on educating the whole child
- Access to University programs and activities
- Diverse population
- Student leadership and service learning
Come and see for yourself what Horace Mann Laboratory School has to offer. I welcome you and invite you to schedule a tour of our facilities.
The Horace Mann Laboratory School serves as a clinical teaching environment for students in Northwest's School of Education. Horace Mann is a learning community of children, families, master teachers, support staff, administrators, practicum students, graduate assistants, and faculty members.
The Horace Mann logo includes a shield. The shield design incorporates a rich history with current best practices to bring the best educational opportunity to our students. The shield is separated into three parts that represent parents, students, and practicum students, with Horace Mann making up the fourth section.
- Parents are an integral part of Horace Mann. Involving parents in daily activities, field trips, lessons, evening programs and activities, and communicating school events.
- Horace Mann students receive a one of a kind education where students can learn at their own pace, are engaged in the learning process, and are encouraged to develop to their full potential.
- Practicum students have a hands-on learning experience where best practices and current strategies are in place.
- And Horace Mann brings it all together and links them to create a learning environment where "A Higher Education Begins Here."
Letter from the Principal
Welcome,
Horace Mann Laboratory School has a unique place in the history of Northwest Missouri State University. As a laboratory school, we are dedicated to educational excellence, teacher preparation and child study and research.
As a learning laboratory for Northwest Missouri State University students, we make it our priority to provide learning experiences that enable pre-service teachers to observe and implement practices that honor and value developmental learning. Problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration experiences are supported and encouraged in the lab school. Meeting the needs of every child, challenging and supporting all students, and providing a rich and engaging experience are just a few of the reasons Horace Mann Lab School is the school of choice for our families.
We value children by encouraging them to share, listen, learn, and explore. We embrace each child’s energy, curiosity, and developing skills. Horace Mann Lab School is an extension of home with a warm, welcoming learning atmosphere. Horace Mann is centrally located on the Northwest campus and looking out our classroom windows, you see Colden Pond, Nature Explore Outdoor Learning Classroom, Bearcat Stadium, Missouri Academy of Science, Math and Computing, and Owens Library. Our students participate in learning opportunities in all of these locations.
We invite you to visit our campus, tour our school, and meet with the teachers and students to experience our exceptional learning environment. Please contact us: phone 660.562.1233; email horace@nwmissouri.edu.
About Horace Mann
Established in 1906, Horace Mann Laboratory School is a training ground for education majors. Laboratory schools provide the environment in which best practices in education flourish and innovative research projects begin. Laboratory schools provide students the opportunity to not only learn from master teachers but to participate in best instructional practices.
Northwest Missouri State University has over 600 education majors that walk through the halls of Horace Mann each year. These students have the unique opportunity to participate in an onsite training facility. Our elementary students receive the benefits of best practices teaching strategies, individualized instruction, and integrated studies.
Our Curriculum
Horace Mann provides academic programs for children in transitional kindergarten through sixth grades. We believe in educating the whole child and want to help children develop their talents in all areas. We offer a variety of courses that are an essential part of Horace Mann’s mission to educate the whole child. Master teachers instruct children in art, music, and physical education.
University practicum students work with the master teacher to instruct children in literacy, math, science, and social studies. Daily instruction occurs in both whole class and small group settings using a variety of innovative instructional best practices.
Horace Mann develops a rich, varied, and rigorous curriculum using Missouri Learning Standards. Horace Mann teachers work closely with university departments to provide educational resources for students. Collaboration with various departments creates a continuous learning environment for all Horace Mann students and University students.
No two children learn in the same way or at the same pace. At Horace Mann, the academic program strives to meet the unique learning needs of each child. Academic programs are constantly modified and adjusted to meet these needs. Learners with special learning needs receive specialized instruction from a highly qualified teacher.
At Horace Mann we believe that experiences outside the regular classroom greatly enhance the child’s learning.
