A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School
General Information — A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School
About (Overview)
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School is a combined K–12 developmental laboratory school affiliated with Florida Atlantic University, located on FAU’s Boca Raton campus (with additional structure in Jupiter for high school). The institution began as A.D. Henderson University School in 1968 with philanthropic support aimed at creating a research-oriented lab school to enhance instruction and educational innovation. Over time the program expanded upward to include FAU High School, the only public high school in the United States in which students, following their freshman year, become full-time enrollees at the university while finishing their high school diploma and concurrently pursuing college credit and, in many cases, a bachelor’s degree.
The school’s mission emphasizes exemplary instructional practices, rigorous curriculum, research-based innovation, and equitable accessibility. Students at Henderson/FAU High benefit from direct access to university faculty, research opportunities, STEM and advanced coursework, and a seamless bridge from K through collegiate studies. This hybrid model fosters acceleration, interdisciplinary challenge, and real-world exposure. The school operates publicly with no tuition, but maintains selectivity especially for high school admission. Over its history, it has become an exemplar lab school combining K–12 and early college trajectories.
Contact Informations (Address, Phone Number, Email Address)
Address: 777 Glades Road, Building 26, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
Office Phone: (561) 297-3970
Fax: (561) 297-3939
School Facts (Founding Year, Motto, etc.)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Founded / Lab School Establishment | 1968 as A.D. Henderson University School |
| High School Launch | 2004 for FAU High School |
| Type | Public developmental laboratory K–12, affiliated with FAU |
| Grades Served | Kindergarten through Grade 12 |
| Enrollment | Approximately 1,333 students (K–12) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~29 : 1 (as reported by Niche) |
| Proficiency Rates (Reading / Math) | ~93% reading, ~92% math (state test proficiency) |
| Graduation Rate | 100% (for the high school cohort) |
| Average SAT / ACT | ~1390 SAT, ~31 ACT (based on Niche data) |
| District / Governance | FAU Lab Schools under Florida Atlantic University |
| Model | Lab school for research, innovation, and teacher development |
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Rankings (National & State)
| Ranking Source | Position / Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niche | A+ overall | Reflects performance across academics, teachers, college prep, diversity |
| Niche (Public K–12, Florida) | #2 in Florida | Among top public K–12 schools statewide |
| Niche (College Prep Public High Schools, National) | ~#20 nationally | Recognized for its dual enrollment & early college model |
| GreatSchools | 10 / 10 | Rated top performance relative to Florida public schools |
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Academics
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science / STEM / Engineering Integration
- Social Studies / History / Civics
- World Languages (e.g. Spanish)
- Fine Arts / Music / Visual Arts
- Physical Education / Health
- Research / Innovation & Technology
- Dual Enrollment / College Liaison
- Student Support / Intervention & Enrichment
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core coursework in reading, writing, communication, mathematics, science, social studies across K–12
- STEM electives and applied engineering courses (robotics, environmental research)
- Advanced Placement and honors-level subjects (in upper grades)
- Dual enrollment courses in university-level content (e.g. college algebra, biology)
- Early college major tracks: biology, computer science, engineering, and liberal arts
- Research seminars and capstone projects guided by university faculty
- Internship and mentored undergraduate research experiences
- Enrichment electives in arts, music, design, and interdisciplinary studies
- Bridge and acceleration programs for high-performing students
- Seminar / independent inquiry / innovation workshops
Online Learning
The school supports hybrid and blended instruction where appropriate, especially for advanced or university-level courses. Some classes or modules may be delivered online or asynchronously, allowing flexibility for students engaged in university-level coursework or lab scheduling constraints. Digital learning platforms support coursework, assessments, collaboration, and resource access. In periods of disruption, the institution is capable of shifting instruction online while maintaining continuity of learning and research engagement.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Exam | Reported Average / Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT (composite) | ~1390 | From Niche profile, based on 366 responses |
| ACT | ~31 | Based on 50 responses per Niche data |
| AP / University Credit Enrollment | High participation | Many students accumulate large volumes of college credit |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The high school cohort at FAU High achieves a 100% graduation rate, reflecting strong student support, rigor, and alignment with university expectations. Because the school is continuous from K through high school, retention is measured via year-to-year continuation through grades and program persistence. The lab school monitors attrition carefully, supports transitions, and intervenes early when students struggle academically or socially. The continuity of environment from K to 12 helps maintain student engagement and trajectory.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to the high school portion (FAU High) is selective. Students entering 9th grade undergo admissions screening including standardized test scores (SAT, ACT or Accuplacer), middle school transcripts, recommendations, and interviews. While exact GPA cutoffs are not publicly stated, accepted applicants typically are high academic achievers with strong standardized results, maturity, and readiness for rigorous dual enrollment. Entry into earlier K–8 grades (Henderson) is lottery-based rather than academically selective.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High School Admission Rate | Competitive but not publicly disclosed | Acceptance is selective among qualified applicants |
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Application Requirements
Prospective students for FAU High submit a comprehensive application including academic transcripts for the past two years, teacher recommendations, discipline record, personal statement / essay, and standardized test scores. Applicants are also assessed via diagnostic testing such as the Accuplacer (or SAT/ACT) and may participate in interviews to validate readiness and fit. For Henderson (K–8), entry is via lottery; families complete application and are entered into the random selection system aligned with demographic composition goals.
Application Process
- Submit online application when the window opens (typically September)
- Applicants to Henderson (K–8) enter lottery selection if slots are limited
- Applicants to FAU High (9–12) submit full documentation (transcripts, test scores, recommendations, essays)
- Diagnostic or admission testing is scheduled and completed
- Interviews or further assessments may occur
- Admission decisions are released (often via spring)
- Enrollment confirmation and orientation take place following acceptance
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 1 | For both Henderson and FAU High programs |
| Early Applicant Round Deadline | November 1 | For FAU High early decision consideration |
| Regular Applicant Deadline | January 15 | Final deadline for FAU High applications |
| Lottery Deadline for Henderson | December 1 | Applications for K–8 lottery due |
| Admission / Lottery Notification | Spring (April/May) | Families informed of placement |
| Enrollment Confirmation | Late spring | Accepted students confirm their seats |
| School Year Start | August | Orientation and class commencement |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Applicants to FAU High may be asked to respond to a personal statement or essay prompt focusing on intellectual curiosity, readiness for academic challenge, research interest, or goals for contributing to the dual enrollment environment. The prompt invites students to reflect on why they wish to engage in this accelerated academic path and how they envision their growth.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Scholarships
Because the school is public and tuition-free, traditional scholarships are not required for attendance. However, students who graduate from FAU High may receive the Talon Scholarship in coordination with FAU, enabling qualified graduates to complete their bachelor’s degree at FAU without tuition cost within two years of high school graduation. The school also supports students in applying for external merit scholarships, research grants, or competitive funding for advanced programming.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Tuition and Fees (Costs)
| Cost Type | Amount / Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 | Public lab school, no tuition charges |
| Activity / Student Fees | Nominal | Students may pay for extracurriculars, trips, clubs |
| iPad Fee (9th grade) | Fee required | Freshmen pay for iPad rental used for coursework and textbooks |
| Transportation / Parking Fees | Required | Students pay FAU parking or transportation access fees |
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The student body is diverse across grades K–12. According to SchoolDigger, racial composition comprises approximately 39.5% White, 27.2% Hispanic, 13.9% Asian, 13% African American, and others with multiracial identity. Gender distribution is balanced, and age spans from early childhood (kindergarten) through late adolescence (12th grade). The K–8 Henderson program and FAU High cohort mix to reflect both general population and academically motivated students.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Data suggests that about 22.4% of students receive free or discounted lunch, indicating a moderate share of economically disadvantaged families. The school, as a lab school, also includes supports for students with learning differences, disabilities, and other needs—providing intervention, accommodations, scaffolding, and inclusive practices to ensure equity and access across diverse learners.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~1,333 students in K–12 | Niche profile reports 1,333 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~29 : 1 | As reported by Niche for grades K–12 combined |
| International Students | Not prominently reported | The school primarily draws from domestic students |
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Diversity
Diversity is central to the school’s mission: the lab school uses a lottery system at K–8 to reflect the demographic breakdown of the Florida population, promoting racial and economic diversity. In practice, Henderson/FAU High fosters a community of varied socio-economic backgrounds, racial identities, and ability levels. The integrated K–12 model means students engage across age groups, promoting cross-grade mentorship and peer learning. The school also supports research into equity, differentiated pedagogy, and inclusive instruction. Because FAU High draws academically high-achieving students, the socioeconomic mix shifts somewhat in those upper grades but remains committed to accessibility and opportunity through its public model and scholarship/fee structures. The diversity of thought, culture, and student perspectives enriches collaborative inquiry, research projects, and classroom discourse, enabling the school to model inclusive, advanced education that lifts all learners.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Average Earnings
As a K–12 institution, the school does not track alumni earnings. However, its model emphasizes maximizing future opportunity: by enabling students to accumulate significant university credits, associate degrees, or even bachelor’s degrees prior to full high school graduation, it effectively reduces time-to-degree and cost of higher education. This translates into potential long-term increases in earnings and reduced debt burdens. Graduates who matriculate into competitive universities or professional fields do so with a head start, and the school’s success in placing alumni in top institutions and research pathways supports the expectation of elevated lifetime earnings relative to typical high school trajectories.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty include K–12 certified teachers, university-affiliated professors, instructional researchers, lab school staff, technology and research support personnel, curriculum specialists, and administrative leadership. Because the institution is lab school and research-oriented, many staff engage in educational research, curriculum development, and innovation in pedagogy alongside teaching responsibilities. Staff roles extend beyond classroom instruction to supervision of student research projects, data analysis, and partnership with university initiatives.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Many faculty members have advanced degrees, publish in educational research, and partner with FAU faculty on projects in STEM, cognition, or pedagogy. Instructors may supervise student-led research, lead innovation labs (e.g. robotics, autonomous systems), or mentor publication efforts. The school is known for integrating advanced technologies (e.g. unmanned aerial and terrestrial vehicles) into curriculum. The Cane Institute for Advanced Technologies, a K–12 STEM institute, is among the flagship programs supported by donors and faculty expertise. Faculty accolades include rankings in “Best Teachers” lists by Niche and recognition for research contributions, innovation, and excellence in teaching.
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a K–12 day school integrated into the FAU university campus, there is no residential housing; students live off-campus in the surrounding region. Campus life merges K–12 culture with university resources: students participate in regular school assemblies, clubs, athletics, and research labs, often sharing facilities with FAU such as libraries, auditoriums, and campus green spaces. Upper-grade students may attend university lectures or engage in campus-level events. Student life is enriched through cross-grade mentoring, research symposiums, STEM clubs, arts, service projects, and academic competitions. The school fosters an environment in which high school students feel part of a collegiate community while still anchored in K–12 culture.
Transportation (Access to Campus, Public Transport, On-Campus Mobility)
Students access the campus via private transport, public transit, or district-provided routes where available. The school is situated near major roadways (e.g. Glades Road and I-95), with designated entry and parking areas coordinated with FAU’s campus infrastructure. On campus, students walk between K–8 buildings, high school classrooms, shared labs, and common university facilities. The campus layout allows efficient transition and connection between K–8 and high school zones. Older students, especially those enrolled in courses across campus, may use FAU transit or walking paths to reach university classrooms, labs, or other resources.