Burris Laboratory School
Dr. Robert Marra, Superintendent; Dr. Abigail Comber, Principal and Chairperson; Mr. Eli Jones, Director of Academic Innovation and Community Engagement; Mrs. Brandi Hankins, Senior Operations Manager and Systems Specialist
Burris Laboratory School was established in 1929 as part of Teachers College, Ball State University. The school is named after Dr. Benjamin Burris, Dean of Teachers College at the time of the school’s construction.
Burris Laboratory School’s mission is to foster a culture of innovation where faculty and students are supported in their pursuits of excellence. As a laboratory school engaged in developing methods of inquiry-based and individualized instruction, Burris provides exemplary clinical experiences for emerging and established K-12 educators, while collaborating with community partners to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.
In 2025, Burris was named Outstanding Laboratory School of the Year by the International Association of Laboratory Schools. The school continues to lead in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, and educational innovation, with a strategic focus on student agency, real-world learning, and community engagement. Burris students excel academically, physically, artistically, and musically in a setting that values creativity and personal growth.
Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
D. Kavars, 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.