Harvard University Emerging School Models Conference, 9/18/2026
Read the article about the panel featuring Star Lab founder, Alison Rini
- Broadening the Landscape for Choice · Next Steps
Events & News
2026
-
-
Star Lab named a finalist for the 2026 Yass Prize
Star Lab, a small school offering personalized learning in Newtown, Sarasota, has been selected as one of 26 finalists for the 2026 Yass Prize.
-
Star Lab in the News in 2026!
Read about our Snow Slide in the Florida sun - a creative way to reinforce math fluency! Microschools are making waves - check out our profile in the Back to School issue of the Observer!
- Snow Day Comes to Star Lab · Observer
- Microschools Grow Throughout Florida · Observer
-
Star Lab in the News in 2025
Click the links below to read these great articles - Star Lab has a national presence!
- Star Lab's Expansion · Forbes, 2/26/25
- Parent Choice · Next Steps, 5/1/25
- Educator Choice · Sarasota Herald Tribune, 5/10/25
- Friday Feature · Cato Institute, 12/19/25
2024
-
Newtown's Tempo Newspaper
Tempo News, Apr. 11 – Apr. 17, 2024: “Newtown Wins New Innovative Elementary School”
-
Newtown Families Welcome Star Lab
A new and innovative school for children entering kindergarten this fall is opening in Newtown.
- Newtown Families Welcome Star Lab · Suncoast Post, April 16, 2024
2023
-
Sarasota wins opportunity to launch innovative elementary school
Sarasota resident and innovative educator Alison Rini is founding Star Lab, an elementary school like no other, to open in the Newtown neighborhood in August 2024.
-
Star Quest: Empowering parents to support their children's learning
The Science of Reading is coming to Sarasota! Star Quest offers evening events where families can bring their children to different literacy stations to gauge their current levels of achievement and get suggestions for how to support their next steps at home.
-
New Drexel Fund-backed school to offer autonomy through competency-based education
A private elementary school that emphasizes self-paced, competency-based learning is set to open next year in the Sarasota community of Newtown.
- Read article on ReImaginED · ReImaginED
-
Star Lab chosen by The Drexel Fund
The Drexel Fund announces Star Lab as one of its chosen schools for its 23-24 portfolio.
“It’s time to reimagine school and create a place that promotes high levels of learning in a joyful atmosphere for students, teachers, and families. Let’s build upon our past experiences to design a program to truly engage our students’ hearts and minds. The children are our future - let’s give them the knowledge and skills to build a better tomorrow!”
Sign up for a tour!
We can’t wait to learn about you and your family!