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Where big ideas hide in unusual places

Alexander D. Henderson University School is a public elementary and middle school on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. A.D. Henderson is a developmental research (lab) school established in 1968 to enhance instruction and research in specialized subjects to improve outcomes for all students in the country.

Front view of the A.D. Henderson main campus entrance at night

A.D. Henderson University School

A.D. Henderson’s student population reflects the demographic composition of the population of the state of Florida. All applications are categorized according to that demographic composition and are selected at random from the applicant pool.

A.D. Henderson University School is affiliated with the FAU College of Education and is not a part of a local public school district.

Quick Facts
#4
best public elementary school in America
#7
best public middle school in America
1:20
Faculty to student ratio
648
students
Partners and Recognitions
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Google Reference School
National Consotium of Secondary STEM Schools Logo
Niche
News - Impacting the World
All News
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FAU Lab Schools Ranked #1 School District in Florida on the 2025 Statewide Assessments
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School, developmental research schools on the Florida Atlantic University campus, proudly announce their top rankings in the 2025 Florida statewide assessments, confirming their position as the highest-performing district in Florida.
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Superintendent, Dr. Joel Herbst receives 2025 ICON in Education Design Award
We’re proud to announce that our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joel Herbst, has been named a recipient of the 2025 ICON In Education Design Award, a prestigious honor recognizing visionary leaders who transform education through innovation, design, and passion.
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Students Named National Winners in 33rd Annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Competition
Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have announced the eight national winners of the 33rd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition—the world’s largest K–12 science competition. This year’s winners submitted innovative proposals addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including healthcare, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
Announcements
All Announcements
Message From the Principal
Aug 6, 2025
It’s time to welcome our students and families back for the start of the 2025-2026 school year! Our faculty and staff are excited to reconnect with returning students and warmly welcome those joining us for the first time.
New Student Focus Usernames and Passwords starting July 24, 2025
Jul 21, 2025
This Thursday, July 24, 2025, Focus will implement a new login protocol for students in grades 3-12 to log in to their Focus account to increase student data security and data confidentiality within Focus.
2025-2026 School Calendar Update
Jul 16, 2025
Please note a change in the 2025-2026 school calendar to reflect Friday, November 21, 2025 is now a Teacher Work Day and there will be no school for students. Additionally, Friday, March 13, 2026 will now be a noon dismissal, following our Owls Run event.

Non-Discrimination Statements