Our intellectually rigorous program prepares students for life after high school through authentic, interdisciplinary project work, dual credit Advanced Placement options each year of high school, leadership experience, and internship work. Student days are filled with workshop style classes, seminars, arts, physical activity and language learning. Studio+Lab students also participate in forest school on Fridays, where learning is taken outdoors to enhance the academic experience and support physical & mental wellbeing. 

The VSL Studio + Lab High School is founded on research, fueled by student curiosity and guided by teachers passion - it is a place where creativity meets experimentation. Studio Lab is a small-by-design high school where learning is built on close teacher mentorship, rich seminar discussions, and the freedom to design your own unique trajectory. The Studio + Lab high school is a place where students build true independence and purpose.

Graduation Requirements:

Kentucky graduation requirements

  1. 4 English credits

  2. 4 Math credits (must include Algebra 1 and Geometry)

  3. 3 Social Studies credits

  4. 3 Science Credits (must include two lab-based science courses)

  5. 0.5 credit Health

  6. 0.5 credit PE

  7. 1 Visual and Performing Arts credit

  8. 6 credits total aligned with individualized learning plan (5-7 can be included in these 6 credits)

VSL graduation requirements (in addition to KY Requirements)

  1. Scientific or technical writing or computer or technical build

  2. Visual or performing art or creative writing

  3. Public speaking

  4. At least one individual project

  5. At least one group project

  6. Portfolio and portfolio defenses

  7. Internship or community work

  8. Competency in 2 languages other than English

  9. 4 years of Art

  10. 4 years of Physical Activity and Health

  • No. VSL Studio+Lab High School is intentionally small and personalized. It is designed for students who benefit from close mentorship, flexible pathways, and meaningful project-based work rather than a conventional high school structure.

  • Yes, but rigor is defined as depth, quality, independence, revision, evidence, problem-solving, and authentic work. Families can view the four-year pathway, standards, transcript plan, project rubrics, and writing/work samples.

  • At VSL’s Studio+Lab High School, students follow a thematic pathway that helps them understand themselves, analyze the world, create meaningful solutions, and graduate ready to act with purpose. Core subjects remain strong, but learning is connected through meaningful questions rather than isolated classes.

    9th Grade: Human Questions- Students explore identity, belonging, fairness, and what it means to be human.

    10th Grade: Systems, Structures & Change- Students examine power, communities, institutions, ecosystems, conflict, and transformation.

    11th Grade: Innovation & Inquiry- Students investigate discovery, design, experimentation, technology, creativity, and problem-solving.

    12th Grade: Ethics & Future- Students synthesize learning through ethical inquiry, future-focused thinking, and a Senior Capstone.

  • Students who do their best work in a smaller community where teachers know them well and support their growth. Learners who can grow into independence and who are ready for meaningful work with support and accountability.

  • Students whose highest priority is a large social pool, many traditional clubs, school-based competitive athletics, or a conventional high school schedule may be better served elsewhere.

  • Students will build a portfolio, complete capstone work, and develop a pathway plan: their growth will also be documented through progress narratives and transcripts.

  • Students will connect through advisory, mixed-age activities, student government, project exhibitions, shared events, community partnerships, and outside enrichment. VSL also plans to invite homeschool students and students from other schools to participate in selected clubs, art, music, and physical activities, helping to create a broader circle of peers around the Studio+Lab High School. Families should understand that the daily peer group will be small, but our goal is for students to feel connected to a wider learning community.

Frequently Asked Questions