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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