The University of North Carolina System Laboratory School initiative was established by the North Carolina General Assembly to provide enhanced educational programming to improve student performance and to plan demonstration sites for the preparation of future teachers and school administrators. Appalachian State University operates the App State Academy at Middle Fork.The Academy at Middle Fork uses an innovative, team-based teaching model that promotes co-teaching and inclusive practices. The teacher will be a member of a collaborative grade level span and will use co-teaching and small-group instructional strategies to meet the needs of students. Each week, the teacher will be provided a full day without instructional responsibilities to co-plan with colleagues, attend Professional Learning Team (PLT) meetings, and participate in professional development.