Burris Laboratory School
D. Miller, Principal; V. Edwards, Assistant Principal; M. Peo, Assistant Principal
www.bsu.edu/burris
Burris Laboratory School was established in 1929, as part of Teachers College, Ball State University and the Muncie Schools. In 1990, Burris, with the addition of the Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities became part of University Schools.
Burris Laboratory School is named after Dr. Benjamin Burris, Dean of Teachers College, Ball State University at the time of the construction of the school. This building, which underwent an 11.7 million dollar renovation in 1993, has always been the home of Burris Laboratory School. The renovation not only improved the appearance of the inside of the building but also up-graded the facilities to include four computer labs, a distance learning studio and well equipped science laboratories.
Burris Laboratory School’s mission is to foster a culture of respect and trust where every student is challenged to pursue excellence by engaging in a well-rounded, technologically-enhanced, rigorous curriculum in a safe and secure environment. As a model school, engaged in best-practice research and the preparation of highly effective educators, we collaborate with community partners to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.
Burris is fully accredited by AdvancED and the State of Indiana. Burris does not have a school board; therefore, the Ball State University Board of Trustees is the ultimate authority for school policies.
Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
Vickie Barton, Executive Director
www.bsu.edu/academy
The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is a residential school for three hundred of Indiana’s most academically gifted high school juniors and seniors. The Academy also has approximately 25 local students enrolled through the Academy’s non-residential program and approximately 15 international students. A rigorous curriculum is required for all students. The academic program gives students the opportunity to experience advanced elective courses from Academy’s curriculum as well as the university’s. Students can also pursue individualized research and experiential education opportunities. They are required to “give back” by earning service hours through work in both the Indiana Academy and the larger community.
The Indiana Academy also offers outreach programs that serve students and teachers outside of the Academy. Several advanced distance learning classes are offered for students in Indiana, the United States, and throughout the rest of the world. Each summer, under the auspices of the College Board, the Academy hosts an Advanced Placement Summer Institute for around 300 teachers studying to be Advanced Placement teachers. Throughout the school year and summer, the Academy offers Enrichment Programs and summer camps (both day and residential) for students from elementary through high school.