First Students

Many of the students who came to the Fifth District Normal School in Maryville were already teachers at rural schools. These uncertified teachers came to the Normal School to acquire certification and to ensure the standardization of education of Missouri students. For many years, the Normal School's largest enrollment occurred during the summer months when its uncertified teachers-turned-students were not holding classes.

The training school – which evolved into today’s Horace Mann Laboratory School – began at the same time as the Fifth District Normal School, allowing Normal School students to teach grade-school children and gain practical experience. The training school classrooms were originally located on the first floor of the Administration Building until the completion of what is now Everett Brown Education Hall in 1939.