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.