Kent State University School

At times referred to as a "laboratory school," the Kent State University School was maintained on Kent State University's main campus from 1914 until 1982. Not a typical primary school, the University School provided individualized education to kindergarten through 12th grade students, while offering student teachers the opportunity for practical classroom experience. Additionally, the University School provided the University's College of Education with an opportunity for research, observation and experimentation in curriculum and practice.

The University School began as Kent Normal High School in 1914. The idea for a high school originated when eighth grade students from the existing Teacher Training School expressed their interest that a high school be formed to continue their studies. As a result, Kent State Normal School launched a high school program consisting of a single freshman class. The program proved successful and additional grades were added over the next three years. In 1918, the first class of seniors graduated Kent Normal High School with a total of 14 students.

Kent Normal High School became the William A. Cluff Training-School on March 23, 1929 with the dedication of a new building, the Teacher Training Building (now Franklin Hall). Previously housed in portions of Merrill Hall and Science Hall (now Kent Hall), the new building offered the school, comprised of kindergarten, elementary, junior high school and senior high school students, much needed space. Named for the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the new building included a gymnasium, rooms for music and the industrial arts, home economics, locker rooms and showers.

A final move in 1956 relocated the school to the University School building (now the Michael Schwartz Center) and the observation-based teacher-training program became known as the University School. This new facility provided even more space for the growing school population as well as the addition of classrooms for hard of hearing and special education classes.

By 1972, the University School had closed the senior high school division, grades 10 though 12, due to financial and educational concerns. Nearly 300 students were affected by the change, leaving many to find new school districts for the following year. The closing of the upper three grades roused protests from parents and students alike, having enjoyed the individualized education provided by the school. One of only two on-campus student teaching programs left in the state, the University School found that it was no longer a significant part of the educational trend. On January 25, 1982, the Faculty Senate formally recommended that the program be ended after 68 years. For the first time in Kent State University's history, a major academic program was terminated.

From the guide to the Kent State University School records, 1914-1986, (Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.)