Our Story

The Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School (SLU Lab School) is a unique collaboration between the Tangipahoa Parish School System and Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Education. Fully accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education as well as COGNIA, the Lab School is governed by Southeastern Louisiana University and proudly serves as a model of excellence in education.

Originally established as the "Training School," we opened our doors on January 16, 1940. For over 80 years, our faculty and staff have fostered the intellectual, social, and physical development of children, youth, and adults, continuing a rich legacy of educational leadership and innovation.

Our school is housed within the Charles E. Cate Teacher Education Center on Southeastern's campus. This specially designed facility features instructional classrooms, a science lab, a media center, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and physical education—creating an engaging, hands-on learning environment for all students.

Our school motto—“We are Caring, Creative, and Encouraging. We strive for excellence in all areas by being better today than we were yesterday. We are the future.”—is more than just words. It reflects our school community’s commitment to personal growth, high achievement, and positive contributions to the world around us.

SLU Lab School serves approximately 260 students in grades Pre-K through 8. With one class per grade level, we offer a close-knit educational setting where students receive a well-rounded education that includes core academic subjects as well as enrichment in art, music, and physical education. Many of our students also participate in gifted programs and talented programs in art, music, or drama through the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

Students also enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, including basketball, volleyball, track, and cheerleading. Beyond athletics, we offer enrichment experiences such as science and social studies fairs, art shows, field trips, and collaborative projects with Southeastern student organizations and local community groups.

At SLU Lab School, we are laying the foundation for bright futures. Our students consistently perform above state and national averages on standardized assessments, excel in high school and college, and go on to lead successful, impactful lives.

All student programs and activities are guided by our dedicated principal and faculty in close partnership with Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Education, educational researchers, and the Tangipahoa Parish School System. Together, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders—one student at a time.