What does it look like when a school division and a university come together to rethink how high school works? In this episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Dr. Donica Hadley, Executive Director of the JMU Lab School, to explore how this innovative partnership between Rockingham County Public Schools and James Madison University is creating new learning opportunities for students.

Dr. Hadley shares how the Lab School model emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning, student voice, and real-world problem solving, while still meeting graduation requirements. Katie and Donica explore the way that the classes work at each grade level.

The conversation also highlights the role of community partners, and Dr. Hadley explains how families can learn more about whether the Lab School might be a good fit for their students. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration and innovation can help prepare students for life beyond high school.

The application for RCPS students who would like to participate in the Lab School simply involves students submitting their names and addresses, and the application window will be open from March 30 to April 30.