FAMU Developmental Research School K-12
The FAMU DRS has a rich and interesting history. Founded in 1887, the DRS (formerly known as Lucy Moten), was established as a Teacher Training School for Florida A&M University. Then in 1932, the Lucy Moten Elementary at Florida A&M University was established as an outgrowth of the Model School. The school was created specifically for students studying at the grammar school or Colored Normal School. Over the years, the name of the school has changed several times to include Demonstration School, Laboratory School, and FAMU High School.
During the early years of the school's existence, it served only elementary students and was located in temporary quarters at 424 Osceola Street in Tallahassee, Florida. In the Fall of 1921, it was known as the Demonstration Elementary School. Due to increased enrollment, The Model School (as it was then called) moved its three intermediate grades to the junior high school building on South Boulevard. The new facility had been known as the Teacher’s Cottage.
The "laboratory school" nomenclature was functional until the Florida Legislature enacted the Sidney Martin Developmental Research School Act of 1991, which designated the K-12 laboratory School as a Developmental Research School. Further, the legislation mandated that FAMU DRS operate as a designated public school district, and stipulated that "the mission shall be the provision of a vehicle for the conduct of research, demonstration, and evaluation regarding management, teaching, and learning. Further, FAMU DRS shall emphasize mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages."
FAMU SMART Academies
FAMU SMART Academies (21st CCLC) is a School-Within-A-School, after school program, housed at FAMU DRS. Commensurate with the federal and state education mandates, FAMU SMART Academies embraces the opportunity to positively influence student performance through the implementation of innovational educational practices. Select academic disciplines are offered in after-school and summer programs for students enrolled in grades K-12 at DRS.
FAMU SMART Academies feature five academies in the areas of Science, Mathematics, the Arts, Reading, and Technology. The Arts, including visual, performing and culinary are infused in each academy. The academies provide opportunities that address the academic needs of students through project-based learning activities, homework assistance, tutoring, field experiences, career exploration, service learning, character education, physical education, recreational activities, and dropout prevention.
All instructions are delivered through curricular materials that are research-proven. Academies offer parent involvement opportunities to facilitate character development and encourage family literacy.
Interested in FAMU SMART Academies?
The SMART Academies program is designed to support DRS academic structure; enhance students’ performance on the FCAT; increase high school graduation rates; and boost at-risk students' academic achievement and admission to college.
Apply Now!
To start the FAMU Smart Academies enrollment process, start here!
Welcome To FAMU DRS
The FAMU DRS is committed to providing our Baby Rattlers with opportunities to grow and develop through interactive and supportive instruction and activities, expand their love of learning, and hone their ability to get along with others.
FAMU DRS contains an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. No matter which one they attend, students receive differentiated instruction because their learning styles are as varied as they are.
Contact Us
| Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
|
Linda Green |
linda.green@famu.edu | 850-561-2271 |
|
Rufus Ellis, Ph.D. |
rufus.ellis@famu.edu | 850-599-3675 |