About the Xavier University Lab School

Our vision is to provide an innovative, holistic education where young minds are nurtured to become compassionate leaders, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. Grounded in the Jesuit Catholic tradition, we cultivate every student’s unique potential through personalized education, academic rigor, and spiritual growth. Our students emerge as well-rounded individuals prepared to shape a just and sustainable world, embodying the values of reflection, discernment, and service. As an integral part of the School of Education at Xavier University fosters the growth and development of future generations who will successfully contribute to society. 

XULS is one of only two Jesuit Catholic laboratory schools in the nation and is the only Preschool-6th grade school in Cincinnati that is part of a university. This connection to higher education gives lab school students a distinct advantage by providing access to a depth of expertise in elementary education, educational leadership, special education, literacy, library science, neuroscience, and more. 

Personalized Learning 

At XULS, your child will benefit from experienced and innovative teachers who will support their individual needs. Licensed teachers in a lab school setting are not just following textbooks, they will use a firm foundation of evidence-informed practices combined with active experimentation to deliver what works best for your child to build their curiosity and foster an attitude of lifelong learning. Teaching methods for your child are informed by the latest research on how children learn best, so your child’s educational experience is meaningful and rigorous. 

Nurturing Community 

The collaboration between teachers, teacher candidates, and School of Education faculty will create a caring and safe space where your child feels valued. Since everyone involved is focused on learning about what works best for your child and contributing to your child’s intellectual and spiritual formation, it ensures that the school is a place where children feel understood, cared for, and respected. This helps them grow in confidence and emotional well-being so they can become compassionate leaders. 

Philosophy of Continuous Improvement 

The lab school approach emphasizes continuously thinking about how to make learning better. Teachers reflect on what works, what could be improved, and how to make lessons more enjoyable and effective for children, and they model these behaviors for students. This ongoing focus on improvement means your child will experience a learning environment that adapts to meet their needs and incorporates cutting-edge practices and that your child will see discernment and critical thinking in action.