What is a Laboratory School?

An elementary laboratory school is a school affiliated with a university (Salem State University) that educates children from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade while serving as a hub for educational research and teacher training. Unlike traditional public schools, its primary purpose extends beyond student enrollment to actively advancing the field of education itself.

The benefits of laboratory schools include:

  • Cutting-Edge Education: Instruction is based on the latest, evidence-backed educational research and curricula before they are rolled out to traditional public schools.
  • Low Student-Teacher Ratios: Low student-to-teacher ratios result in highly individualized attention.
  • Progressive, Child-Centered Learning: Instruction typically prioritizes critical thinking, inquiry-based exploration, and hands-on projects.
Horace Mann Laboratory School Pledge
Horace Mann Laboratory School students

PAWS Values

Persevering

Acting respectfully and responsibly

Welcoming

Safe

At HMLS we are all “PAWSome” community members pledging daily to show our PAWS.

The HMLS Parent Teacher Committee (PTC)

The HMLS Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) is a partnership between caregivers and staff.  We are committed to enhancing and maximizing the education of every student, and supporting school and family interaction. Please look for updates on ParentSquare under HMLS Family Connections, the PTC Community Group and the PTC WhatsApp Group Chat.   

Contact: hmlsptc@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook at HMLS PTC.

HMLS PTC Community Group.

Join the PTC WhatsApp Group Chat.

The HMLS School Site Council

The school site council is a collaboration of parents, teachers, and staff that gathers once a month to create community and inform school practice and policy. EVERYONE is welcomed! We meet three times a year. Reach out to the principal to learn more and join @ jtully@salemk12.org