![Sixth grader Taj sits at a replica resolute desk at the Obama Presidential Center]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1783697029/chicagolab/ivytz5jrkf7dm1iswzrb/IMG_3041.jpg","width":2200}])
Before the Obama Presidential Center welcomed its first public visitors, a group of Lab sixth graders got an exclusive tour—all because one student had the courage to ask.
![Image of a student working on their tree project]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782081660/chicagolab/mbvqbdobh2jip8xg0jp8/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---The-Year-We-Looked-at-Trees7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782081660/chicagolab/mbvqbdobh2jip8xg0jp8/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---The-Year-We-Looked-at-Trees7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782081660/chicagolab/mbvqbdobh2jip8xg0jp8/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---The-Year-We-Looked-at-Trees7.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782081660/chicagolab/mbvqbdobh2jip8xg0jp8/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---The-Year-We-Looked-at-Trees7.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of a moon rock]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782084305/chicagolab/zwokwkd0krfetcvyr3on/University-of-Chicago-Lab-Life-From-the-Moon-itself1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782084305/chicagolab/zwokwkd0krfetcvyr3on/University-of-Chicago-Lab-Life-From-the-Moon-itself1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782084305/chicagolab/zwokwkd0krfetcvyr3on/University-of-Chicago-Lab-Life-From-the-Moon-itself1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782084305/chicagolab/zwokwkd0krfetcvyr3on/University-of-Chicago-Lab-Life-From-the-Moon-itself1.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of special collections historical documents in the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781872817/chicagolab/ltmvhpq9pqpe63zagrep/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Humanity-in-their-Hands---Special-Collections-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781872817/chicagolab/ltmvhpq9pqpe63zagrep/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Humanity-in-their-Hands---Special-Collections-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781872817/chicagolab/ltmvhpq9pqpe63zagrep/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Humanity-in-their-Hands---Special-Collections-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781872817/chicagolab/ltmvhpq9pqpe63zagrep/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Humanity-in-their-Hands---Special-Collections-1.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of students in the first Woodlawn Laboratory Nursery School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781883802/chicagolab/l7fm64r6n8t6ew0p3xaj/University-of-Chicago---Lab-Life---From-Woodlawn-to-the-World-c.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781883802/chicagolab/l7fm64r6n8t6ew0p3xaj/University-of-Chicago---Lab-Life---From-Woodlawn-to-the-World-c.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781883802/chicagolab/l7fm64r6n8t6ew0p3xaj/University-of-Chicago---Lab-Life---From-Woodlawn-to-the-World-c.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781883802/chicagolab/l7fm64r6n8t6ew0p3xaj/University-of-Chicago---Lab-Life---From-Woodlawn-to-the-World-c.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of student's hands forming clay on the wheel in the pottery studio in Gordon Parks Arts Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781872164/chicagolab/iuda9uzahpzemuulknpb/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Ways-of-Being8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781872164/chicagolab/iuda9uzahpzemuulknpb/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Ways-of-Being8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781872164/chicagolab/iuda9uzahpzemuulknpb/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Ways-of-Being8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781872164/chicagolab/iuda9uzahpzemuulknpb/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Ways-of-Being8.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of teacher with first grade students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781875109/chicagolab/pm78ufr3grh1gew5onxa/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Michael-Eldridge---Behind-the-Scenes.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781875109/chicagolab/pm78ufr3grh1gew5onxa/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Michael-Eldridge---Behind-the-Scenes.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781875109/chicagolab/pm78ufr3grh1gew5onxa/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Michael-Eldridge---Behind-the-Scenes.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781875109/chicagolab/pm78ufr3grh1gew5onxa/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---Michael-Eldridge---Behind-the-Scenes.jpg","width":1200}])
![Image of U-High National Scholarship Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780946539/chicagolab/crmolzfvj5ntdownzcsm/Lab-Seniors-Earn-Top-National-Academic-Honors_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780946539/chicagolab/crmolzfvj5ntdownzcsm/Lab-Seniors-Earn-Top-National-Academic-Honors_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780946539/chicagolab/crmolzfvj5ntdownzcsm/Lab-Seniors-Earn-Top-National-Academic-Honors_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780946539/chicagolab/crmolzfvj5ntdownzcsm/Lab-Seniors-Earn-Top-National-Academic-Honors_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780946539/chicagolab/crmolzfvj5ntdownzcsm/Lab-Seniors-Earn-Top-National-Academic-Honors_1.jpg","width":1600}])
![Seniors and nursery students together outside Gordon Parks Arts Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780681341/chicagolab/iyzq2zwqscwmbbw4y6o9/Lab-Community-Celebrates-Class-of-2026-at-Senior-Clap-Out_1_Jayna-Rumble.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780681341/chicagolab/iyzq2zwqscwmbbw4y6o9/Lab-Community-Celebrates-Class-of-2026-at-Senior-Clap-Out_1_Jayna-Rumble.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780681341/chicagolab/iyzq2zwqscwmbbw4y6o9/Lab-Community-Celebrates-Class-of-2026-at-Senior-Clap-Out_1_Jayna-Rumble.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780681341/chicagolab/iyzq2zwqscwmbbw4y6o9/Lab-Community-Celebrates-Class-of-2026-at-Senior-Clap-Out_1_Jayna-Rumble.jpg","width":1200}])
![Nine Lab Alumni gather together at a panel for seniors.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738251418/chicagolab/pjuznuykxst5bufdlu18/AlumniStoryPhoto.png","width":2200}])
![Adrea Ghez '83]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1708630123/chicagolab/wtrcwerfr4kyc4f4lrbr/Andrea-Ghez2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1708630123/chicagolab/wtrcwerfr4kyc4f4lrbr/Andrea-Ghez2.png","width":380}])
![Janet Rowley-thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771449402/chicagolab/hffrftzmahnl2klfbs8q/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---Janet-Rowley.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771449402/chicagolab/hffrftzmahnl2klfbs8q/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---Janet-Rowley.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771449402/chicagolab/hffrftzmahnl2klfbs8q/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---Janet-Rowley.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771449402/chicagolab/hffrftzmahnl2klfbs8q/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---Janet-Rowley.jpg","width":1200}])
![Duro Wicks-thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771449076/chicagolab/ptw5s1sggl7od8uxi0xk/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Tale-of-Two-Genres.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771449076/chicagolab/ptw5s1sggl7od8uxi0xk/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Tale-of-Two-Genres.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771449076/chicagolab/ptw5s1sggl7od8uxi0xk/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Tale-of-Two-Genres.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771449076/chicagolab/ptw5s1sggl7od8uxi0xk/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Tale-of-Two-Genres.jpg","width":1200}])
![Amanda Williams_main image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762545228/chicagolab/pwd04syf5oquuylx2or8/Amanda-Williams---The-Genius-of-Lab---University-of-chicago-Laboratory-Schools.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762545228/chicagolab/pwd04syf5oquuylx2or8/Amanda-Williams---The-Genius-of-Lab---University-of-chicago-Laboratory-Schools.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762545228/chicagolab/pwd04syf5oquuylx2or8/Amanda-Williams---The-Genius-of-Lab---University-of-chicago-Laboratory-Schools.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762545228/chicagolab/pwd04syf5oquuylx2or8/Amanda-Williams---The-Genius-of-Lab---University-of-chicago-Laboratory-Schools.jpg","width":1200}])
![A Walk Across America_thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771448594/chicagolab/smfb1hs3nj0kspjqz2rp/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Walk-Across-America.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771448594/chicagolab/smfb1hs3nj0kspjqz2rp/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Walk-Across-America.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771448594/chicagolab/smfb1hs3nj0kspjqz2rp/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Walk-Across-America.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771448594/chicagolab/smfb1hs3nj0kspjqz2rp/University-of-Chicago-Laboratory-Schools---LabLife---A-Walk-Across-America.jpg","width":1200}])
A Great School is One Thing
The Bold Idea That Started It All
In 1896, John Dewey opened a school in a small house on the South Side of Chicago with a novel idea: that children are not vessels to be filled but citizens already—curious, capable, and ready to engage the world.
One hundred and thirty years later, that idea still runs through everything we do.
Lab is the only school in Chicago where a child can spend nursery through twelfth grade as a member of one of the world's great research universities. The intellectual culture of the University of Chicago—rigorous, open, restless—doesn't stop at the campus gates. It starts at the Laboratory Schools.
The Lab Academic Approach
From our youngest learners who thrive in a play-based curriculum to our college-bound graduates who credit habits learned on campus for their success, Lab promotes intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and a respect for evidence.
The Life of a “Labbie”
Our vibrant and inclusive community encourages students to explore their passions. Beyond the robust arts department, competitive athletics program, and multitude of extracurriculars, students at every level join in unique Lab traditions and community building activities.
It's so good to be in an environment of people who love learning.
Zoe Cobb, Grade 10 Student
Where Our Students Go After They Graduate
At a Glance
60
languages spoken in students’ homes
70%
receive financial assistance
5
gyms
13
wet science labs
>100
clubs & activities
8
out of 10 teachers hold advanced degrees
11
teachers awarded the prestigious Chicago Golden Apple
>25
Advanced Placement & Topic courses
What Sets Lab Apart?
![Middle School Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1717205256/chicagolab/z3icpe2nxv5qlvrqfxla/Academics---Learning-and-Counseling---Wellbeing.jpg","width":2200}])
Lab families identify themselves as having 59 different nationalities and speaking more than 60 languages.
![Middle School Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1717199712/chicagolab/nvgnjf2wphmq5nxalc7e/Academics---Middle-School-Highlights.jpg","width":2200}])
The Schools work to respond to the needs of each child while maintaining academic and evaluative standards.
What’s a Laboratory School?
A laboratory school is an independent school that is traditionally operated in association with a university or college. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a part of the progressive educational movement, Lab was traditionally designed to aid in educational experimentation, educational research, and professional development, namely the training of future teachers.
We are the country’s first laboratory school. Learn more.
An Extraordinary Education
More Accessible Than You Think.
For 130 years, our school has nurtured the whole child with a world-class academic curriculum that cultivates and prepares students to democratically engage and lead in an ever-changing society.
To ensure that students are able to benefit from, and enhance, the Lab experience regardless of their ability to pay, Lab is committed to making our world-renowned academic program affordable.
Learn more about tuition and financial assistance.
You belong here.
We invite you to take the next step.