History

If you have any historical information for us, please contact JeniHopkins@MissouriState.edu

Greenwood's Centennial Celebration was held during the 2007-2008 School year

Greenwood Laboratory School was originally established in 1908 as part of the teacher training curriculum at Springfield Normal School. In 1924, Greenwood Training School, named in honor of the great Missouri educator, J.M. Greenwood, moved into in the new education building, now Hill Hall, on the South campus of then Southwest Missouri Teachers College. The new building, a stately piece of architecture, was now able to house the entire K-12 training school. Greenwood Laboratory School has continued to provide the finest kindergarten through grade twelve college prep education in the area for more than 100 years. As a laboratory school located on the campus of Missouri State University, Greenwood is a department within the College of Education. Clifton M. Smart is President of Missouri State University and Dr. David L. Hough is the Dean of the College of Education. Dr. Janice R. Duncan serves is Director of Greenwood Laboratory School and Mr. Stephen E. Seal is Assistant Director.

Best known for its finest tradition, academic excellence, K-12 students are offered state-of-the-art technology and inquiry-based learning in a small class environment. Greenwood has a comprehensive K-12 college prep program with an enrollment of approximately 370 students. High school enrollment is approximately 130 students. Our faculty and staff take pride in preparing graduates to attend some of the finest universities across our nation. The Greenwood student ACT average is the highest in the entire area.

Since 1927, Greenwood has been accredited by AdvancED and meets the graduation requirements of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

More than 90% of the teaching faculty have a masters’ degree or higher and have an average of 9 years teaching experience at Greenwood Laboratory School. Many faculty members hold multiple certifications.

Upon graduation, 100% of Greenwood students proceed onto a 4-year college or university of their choice.

Greenwood Laboratory School is located on the northern edge of the Missouri State University campus on Harrison Street. The current Greenwood facility was built in 1966. Our school recently added a 9,000 sf state-of-the-art 6-12 Science Scholars’ Laboratory addition as well as a K-5 Science Scholars’ Center.

Cathy Corbett Long
Class of 1969

Tradition

For more than 100 years, Greenwood students have excelled as scholars, athletes and citizens. Some of the more notable traditions of Greenwood include Honor Day, Homecoming Spirit Week, the annual Blue & Gold and Pink & White Lady Classic holiday basketball tournaments and community service. Greenwood’s tradition of limited enrollment creates an extraordinary learning environment allowing students to participate in multiple activities and programs. Graduates are well- rounded and academically prepared for success in college. Greenwood balances its traditions of the past while moving forward to meet the needs of the next generation of learners.

Honor Day

Tradition is important at Greenwood. Honor Day, which is held at the end of the school year, is one of our most beloved and cherished traditions. Honor Day was established in 1926 where Fair Greenwood and First Citizen first presided. From 1944 to 1946, First Citizen and Fair and Sir Greenwood lead Honor Day activities. In 1947, Sir Greenwood replaced First Citizen and it was decided that Fair Greenwood and Sir Greenwood should reign over Honor Day ceremonies.

One senior boy and one senior girl are selected each year by fellow classmen for best representing the ideal student in scholarship and citizenship. They are given the honor of bestowing upon worthy students 'The Order of the Rose', symbolized by a single red American Beauty Rose. A senior parent is selected by students each year to speak to honored scholars in grades 7-12 who are recognized for outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, music, leadership, community outreach and athletics. Faculty, parents and alumni gather every year for a brunch preceding this special ceremony and annually attend the festivitie

Memories of Honor Day

"Honor day, a special tradition since 1926, celebrates the academic and athletic achievements of the students at the end of the year. Each student is individually recognized for their accolades on stage and admitted to the 'Order of the Rose.' Being asked to preside as Sir Greenwood was an honor for me personally."

Robert D. Graham, II, MD, Class of 1989

MIT undergraduate BS in Mechanical Engineering, 1993
Duke University School of Medicine- MD, 1997
Duke University Orthopaedic Residency, 2002
Private practice Orthopaedic Surgeon in Austin, Texas

Crest

The Greenwood Crest, though designed many years ago, continues to define the many goals set by our students even today.

The Latin motto, Civitas Discendo meaning “Citizenship through Learning”, is a great reminder of our collaboration with Missouri State University’s fine Public Affairs Program and our commitment to graduate students who are knowledgeable and engaged in their community and understand its needs.

The ancient torch symbolizes Knowledge - The light is the gift of learning.
The gavel symbolizes Leadership - The strength and responsibility of citizenship.
The beautiful red rose represents Honor - The queen of flowers, awarded for achievement.
The laurel wreath symbolizes Victory - The triumph of the human spirit.
The loving cup represents Athletic Competition - The spirit of sportsmanship.
The open book represents Discovery - The search for understanding.

The blue jay, our school mascot, is known to be a strong and skillful forest dwelling bird. Often seen around bird feeders in North America, jays are intelligent and adaptable birds. Blue jays are social and routinely fly in small flocks. Because they often store acorns underground and fail to eat the excess, blue jays help renew the growth of forests. The jay’s unique imitation of varied sounds also includes calls of many types of hawks.