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When students model a system with their own movement, it’s a deeper kind of understanding than memorization alone can provide
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![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
But a great school that is also part of a world-class research university?
Now that is something entirely different.
The Lab experience starts with the notion that children are to be taken seriously—as thinkers and as contributors in a community of learners. Then, between teacher and student, adult and child, a relationship develops that is born of respect—and an understanding that each person’s voice deserves to be heard.
Destined for Greatness
Lab is home to the youngest scholars at the University of Chicago.
As the nation's first laboratory school, for generations, our student body has reflected the many differences that shape our world—a major reason many families choose Lab.
Considering Lab for the upcoming fall term? We’d love to hear from you! Although many of our grades are full, our enrollment needs can shift. We invite you to submit an inquiry; our team reviews these regularly and will reach out with an invitation to apply should space become available in your student’s grade.
Looking further ahead? If you are interested in enrollment for Fall 2027, we encourage you to submit an inquiry now. Joining our inquiry list ensures you will receive timely updates regarding our admissions timeline, upcoming open houses, and the official start of the application season.
University of Chicago Recruited Faculty & Academics, please fill out this information form, and a member of our team will follow up.
What Makes Lab Special
![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.
Where Our Students Go After They Graduate
At a Glance
60
languages spoken in students’ homes
26
classroom pets at Earl Shapiro Hall
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
It's so good to be in an environment of people who love learning.
Zoe Cobb, Grade 10 Student
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.
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.
Joining Our Community at Lab
For close to 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.
You belong here.
We invite you to take the next step.