“Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to build lab schools across the state is moving forward. The Department of Education has awarded 13 planning grants to Virginia colleges to help launch their schools, Youngkin’s office announced Tuesday.

Lab schools are similar to charter schools in that they do not charge tuition, are nonreligious and are open to the public. But they are free to set their own curricula and budgets, and they are associated with colleges and universities. Each lab school will have its own niche.

'Students in the commonwealth deserve the opportunity to be immersed in an innovative educational experience that provides both exposure and experience in the world beyond the school walls, which prepares them for academic and lifelong success,' Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said in a statement,'" reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Photo:  Gov. Youngkin spoke in January 2022 before signing a memo that he hoped would pave the way for lab schools in Virginia. A number of college and university presidents were present for the meeting at the Patrick Henry Building, along with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, second from left.  Bob Brown, Times-Dispatch.