Now Enrolling

Now Enrolling
The Academy at Elkin is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year - learn more and enroll your child today!
Welcome to the Academy at Elkin
The Appalachian State University Academy at Elkin is a free, public lab school located on the campus of Elkin Elementary School.
The Academy at Elkin opened in August 2022 and is one of nine UNC System lab schools in North Carolina. A partnership between Appalachian State University and Elkin City Schools, the Academy at Elkin serves students in grades 2-4.
A learner-centered community
The Academy at Elkin is a learner-centered community that promotes exploration-based learning. Students are encouraged to think deeply and critically about learning that is meaningful and relevant to their culture, lives, and future. Exploration-based learning promotes:
- Curiosity
- Exploration
- Discovery
- Inquiry
- Integrated content
- Growth mindset
- Constructivism
An emphasis on early literacy is also a primary focus of the school. This includes the implementation of a literacy workshop approach where students receive adaptive, guided, small group instruction. The goal is to improve and enrich literacy via immersive reading and writing instruction.
Latest News

Enrollment opens for App State's Lab Schools in Triad
There are two in the Triad that service elementary aged students, one in Elkin and another in Walkertown. Dr. Hannah Reeder, Assistant Dean of App Sta...

At App State lab schools, empowered teachers foster supportive classrooms for K–5 students
At Appalachian State University’s two lab schools in Walkertown and Elkin, K–5 students have access to a one-of-a-kind elementary experience....

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Amie Snow
We are redefining education and developing schools where an entire community works together to provide educational and social-emotional support for ou...