The College Partnership Laboratory Schools Fund (Fund), set out in § 22.1-349.2 of the Code of Virginia, was first established in 2010 for the purpose of establishing and supporting College Partnership Laboratory Schools.

Pursuant to § 22.1-349.1(A) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 2 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, a "College Partnership Laboratory School" (or Lab School) means a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school in the Commonwealth established by a public institution of higher education, public higher education center, institute, or authority; or an eligible private institution of higher education as defined in § 23.1-628 related to the Tuition Assistance Grant Program.

Lab Schools, as defined in § 22.1-349.1(B) of the Code of Virginia, are designed to:

• Stimulate innovative programs in preschool through Grade 12;
• Provide opportunities for innovation in instruction and assessment;
• Provide teachers with an avenue for delivering innovative instruction, school scheduling, management, and structure;
• Encourage performance-based educational programs;
• Establish high standards for both teachers and administrators;
• Encourage greater collaboration between pre-kindergarten and postsecondary program providers; and
• Develop model programs.

Lab Schools are aligned with the readiness priorities of the School Performance and Support Framework to ensure students are prepared for the enrollment, employment, and enlistment opportunities that await them upon graduation from Virginia’s public schools.

Lab Schools serve as innovation hubs for regional workforce development, creating tailored programs in partnership with local industries and employers to address specific workforce demands across the Commonwealth. Further, Lab Schools serve as models for effective instructional practices that can influence better outcomes for all Virginia students. Launching these innovative schools provides Virginia with a unique opportunity to bridge K-12 and higher education, making learning more relevant to the real life education and training opportunities that are available after high school. With access to world-class labs and state-of-the-art research facilities, students develop relationships with faculty and employers who are both teachers and mentors.

During its 2022 Session, the General Assembly appropriated $100,000,000 to the Fund. The Virginia Board of Education (Board) was authorized to award up to $5,000,000 for planning grants to entities pursuing the creation of new Lab Schools and up to $20,000,000 for initial start-up cost funding grants (Start-Up Grants) for entities approved by the Board and awarded a contract to create a new lab school. Additionally, the Board was to distribute the remaining balance ($75,000,000 or more) in per-pupil operating funding grants (Per-Pupil Funding Operating Grants) from the Fund for entities with approved Lab Schools.

Section 22.1-349.2 of the Code of Virginia and Item 137.C.44 of the 2022 Appropriation Act directed the Board to establish criteria and guidelines for the distribution and award of monies from the Fund prior to disbursement. From that point forward, school divisions, community partners, institutions of higher education (IHE), and industry partners embarked on nearly two years of strategic and collaborative planning to bring Lab Schools to life in their communities. This period of strategic planning included intentional conversations with all stakeholders including opportunities for parental input and technical assistance by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

After applicants finalized their planning process, their application went through a rigorous evaluation process. First, a VDOE team of subject matter experts provided multiple rounds of feedback. Next, applicants presented their school to the Lab School Standing Committee (a subcommittee of the Board); and then, if recommended by the Lab School Standing Committee, applicants were invited to present to the Board and field questions as part of the thorough evaluation for approval. The Board then voted to authorize the approval of the Lab School. The Board will regularly monitor implementation progress, academic performance, operational compliance, and fiscal stewardship and stability.

The Virginia General Assembly approved an amendment to the 2022-2024 biennial budget (“Caboose Budget"), which was signed by the Governor, that became Chapter 1 of the 2024 Acts of Assembly Special Session I and took effect on May 13, 2024. Budget language was modified to state that notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of § 22.1-349.1, Code of Virginia, for the purpose of Item 137.C.44 and Fund, a "college partnership laboratory school" means a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school in the Commonwealth established by a baccalaureate public institution of higher education." This definition excluded five Board-approved Lab Schools from being eligible to access Operational Per-Pupil Funding monies from the Fund to operate. Language in the Caboose Budget further provided that, subject to specified conditions, institutions that are not eligible for funding under the definition may partner with a public baccalaureate-awarding IHE in Virginia to access Operational Per-Pupil funding from the Fund.

Budget language required: (1) the public baccalaureate-awarding institution to have an approved Lab School application to serve as the fiscal agent and partner (“FA&P") by June 30, 2024; (2) the resubmission of contracts to the VDOE to meet such FA&P requirements; and (3) that the Lab Schools reach financial sustainability by the end of their initial approval period as defined in § 22.1-349.8. These five Lab Schools established partnerships with Old Dominion University, which also serves as each institution’s fiscal agent, in order to meet the budgetary requirements.

In June of 2024, the Board approved the awarding of funds to Old Dominion University to support their partnership and fiscal agency on behalf of the five, two-year and private higher-education-institution-led Lab Schools, responsive to the requirements of the amended 2022-2024 biennial budget. As a FA&P, Old Dominion University is contractually required to act as fiduciary agent and comply with all state and federal laws regarding appropriation, manage all fund disbursements for operating funds, and ensure compliance with applicable Board guidelines. The General Assembly recaptured $25 million of the Lab School Fund monies after the change in eligibility requirements and the Board distributed the remaining balance of the Fund.