History
The school is named for the "Father of Modern Education," a former Secretary of Education in Massachusetts and U.S. representative. It opened in 1896, moved to its current site at Salem State College in 1912 and was dedicated to Horace Mann in 1935.
What is HMLS All About?
We think of the Horace Mann Lab School as the best-kept secret in Salem. Our smaller school size is very much an advantage for our students. Our experienced professional faculty has been fully trained in the latest programs in reading and mathematics. Our support staff of dedicated paraprofessionals is second to none in providing in-class support in many academic areas.
Academic Programs
Guided Reading is the foundation of our Literacy Program at Horace Mann at all grade levels. Our Reading Excellence Grant brought us more than $250,000 in reading materials and support resources in 2000 and we are committed to continuing this research-based approach to reading. One of the hallmarks of Guided Reading is that each child is assessed completely at the beginning of each school year and taught at his or her instructional level as they progress in reading. In mathematics, we are committed to the Everyday Mathematics program at all grade levels. This is a research-based program that focuses on a hands-on approach to learning math concepts and skills.
Technology
iMac computers are in every classroom. A full eMac computer lab is in use daily by our students under the watchful eyes of their trained teachers. Programs that link class work to computer software are installed on each computer in the lab. The World is our Lab is the Horace Mann school motto and with our Internet access, the motto comes alive every day.
Staff
Our professional staff has received training in some of the latest research-based academic and social programs. Among these are the First Steps philosophy, Guided Reading, Everyday Mathematics, and the Responsive Classroom. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Relationship with Salem State College
We are fortunate to be located on the Main Campus of Salem State College. This gives us the advantage of collaborating with college faculty and students in a variety of ways.
Responsive classroom
This approach to pro-active discipline links the academic curriculum with the social curriculum. Through this approach, we all learn how to appropriately greet one another, interact and develop important lifelong social skills.
Special Programs
We offer Chess Club, Destination Imagination, Theatre Arts programs, D.A.R.E. program, Art Club, Junior Achievement, Reading Recovery, Yearbook, Swim Program with Salem State, Literacy Night, Reading Buddies, Parent-Teacher Council events and more.
After-School Programs
These include Art Club, Music Together, sports activities, D.A.R.E., Basketball, and Campfire Program for those who need child care.
Art and Music Programs
We have a very strong arts focus at Horace Mann. A special Music Together program is offered to our youngest students. A choral program is an option for interested students in Grades 3-5. Recorder instruction is provided for all third-graders. An Art Gallery opening at Salem State College featuring our students' work is a regular fall event.
Community Service
Many opportunities are offered to our students to give back to the community, including visiting nursing homes to sing for senior citizens, helping our most needy families, taking collections for disaster relief and participating in community clean-up events.
Parent Involvement
Parents publish a monthly newsletter to publicize the activities at our busy school. Parents serve on our School Council, an advisory group that helps determine the future direction for our school.
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