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����԰��Ƶ’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity is leading the region in launching lab schools that will create a seamless pathway for advancing student learning from kindergarten through college and into the workforce. Under the leadership of Dr. Karen Sanzo, the Center’s director, the Center will provide subject matter expertise to Virginia lab schools, coordinate research initiatives and disseminate best educational practices, identify and scale innovative educational strategies and programs, and promote long-term sustainability of lab school efforts in Virginia. In addition to the development of these schools, ����԰��Ƶ is also serving as fiscal agent for 5 partners schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

����԰��Ƶ is working in close collaboration with its school division partners to launch 4 new lab schools in Fall 2025. These four schools are:

• The Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore (AAES) is a collaborative effort between Accomack County Public Schools and Northampton County Public Schools, in partnership with ����԰��Ƶ, to provide high school and dual enrollment courses focused on aerospace-specific courses in engineering and data science.
• The Maritime Engineering & Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) is a partnership between Newport News Public Schools and ����԰��Ƶ and is based at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. This high school program focuses on maritime and environmental studies and prepares students to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry.
• The STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary (SABTW) is an elementary-level partnership between Suffolk Public Schools and ����԰��Ƶ focused on STEM-integration through community- and field-based learning to prepare our youngest learners for a STEM-focused future.
• The Computer Science Lab School (CSLS) at Oscar Smith Middle School is a middle-school level partnership between Chesapeake Public Schools and ����԰��Ƶ focused on providing innovating learning opportunities in the computer science field.

These four schools share several core elements. ����԰��Ƶ Partnership Lab Schools provide Innovative STEM Education, integrating hands-on, STEM-focused curricula, preparing students with critical skills for success in education and future careers. They are focused on Strengthening Teacher Preparation, providing ongoing support and practical experience implementing cutting-edge instructional methods for developing and experienced teachers. They promote Diversity and Inclusion, by fostering equitable access to high-quality education, creating inclusive learning environments that inspire all students to achieve their potential. By connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges, they promote Workforce Readiness, building a talent pipeline for high-demand industries like aerospace, cybersecurity, and maritime engineering. They also promote collaborative Educational-Industry Partnerships, that ensure that the College Partnership Lab Schools’ curricula align with workforce needs, bridging the gap between education and career opportunities.

“This planning year for the Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity and our four ����԰��Ƶ Lab Schools has been an incredible period of growth and collaboration,” said Dr. Karen Sanzo. “Although the schools are not yet open, the groundwork we are laying—from innovative STEM curriculum development to creating inclusive and creative learning frameworks—reflects our commitment to rapidly changing education one innovation at a time. The progress we’ve made positions us to launch transformative programs that will empower students and educators for years to come.”