Early Learning & Research Center Historical Milestones

1947

Founded as Highland Preschool by Therese Baum

1955

School moved to 3556 Walker Ave.
Dr. Rosestelle Woolner joined Therese Baum in further establishing the school

1959

Adopted as the laboratory school for Memphis State University Department of Education-- housed in the University Training School Building and offering two classes for children ages four to six
Name changed to MSU Preschool

1967

School moved to occupy present facilities at 3771 Poplar Ave

1971

Name changed to Children's School

1978

Duration Club School, a preschool that merged with the Children's School, creating the first inclusive preschool in Memphis

1979

Kindergarten and infant programs began at the preschool

1986

Children's School became the Barbara K. Lipman Early Childhood School and Research Institute
The Montessori program joins the preschool

1987

Received first Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, D.C.

1992

Housed Project Memphis, the first early intervention program in the United States

1996

Received its first DOE accreditation

1997

Installed computers with Internet access, funded by Project Smart

1998

Broke ground for the Lipman School Multipurpose Building Annex

2003

Established the dual track demonstrations of Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching and learning, making Lipman School the only lab school in the United States with this type of constructivist environment

2004

Received licensure from the Tennessee Department of Education because of educational status
Became charter members of NAREA (North American Reggio Emilia Association)
Joined ACT (Association for Constructivist Teachers)
Renewed our NALS (National Association of Laboratory Schools) affiliation

2006

Dedicated the Dr. Leslie C. Phillipsen Outdoor Classroom

2007

- Dedicated the memorial sculpture “Spirit Rising” by artist, Yvonne Bobo, in the Leslie Phillipsen Outdoor Classroom

2012
- The Center for Research on Women honored “100 Years, 100 Influential Women” – Barbara K. Lipman was one of the 100 women honored
2013
- We were the educational site for the Great American Shake Out and the International Earthquake Conference hosted by the U of M Earthquake Center, Dr. Gary Patterson
2017
- Hosted the International Association of Laboratory Schools Annual conference

2019

University Schools established

ELRC, Campus School, University Middle

2020

Harwood partnership established providing educational opportunities for students with a wide array of learning needs

2022

University High School is established, completing the compendium with ELRC, Campus school, and University Middle

2023

Received its continuous accreditation since 1987 from the National Association for the Education of Young Children
ELRC breaks ground on renovating the outdoor classroom, to be completed early 2024