When Tonika Lewis Johnson spoke to Lab faculty this fall, she shared how art can illuminate the social landscape—and soon after, the world recognized her vision, naming her a 2024 MacArthur Genius.
This fall, the Laboratory Schools welcomes Dr. Sue Groesbeck as interim director—a leader whose nearly five-decade career includes service in public and independent schools throughout the United States and abroad.
U-High’s production was chosen for performance at the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF), marking their debut appearance at the state festival
On January 7, Lab seniors gathered for a panel with alumni who shared their college experiences and advice, helping the Class of 2025 prepare for their next chapter.
Lab is still accepting applications to select grades for 2026–2027.
Schedule of Events
The exhibits and Corvus gallery are open to families Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Visitors to LabArts on weekdays must enter through the Judd Hall on Kimbark Avenue, and should have a Lab- or UChicago-issued ID or a state-issued identification card to enter the building.
Opening Reception, Friday, May 9, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Families are welcome to visit the opening reception marking LabArts open. Join us at the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall where the Senior Art Exhibition is now showing. Artwork from every grade will be on display throughout the first and second floors of Gordon Parks Arts Hall and the first floor of Judd Hall.
DigiMUSE concert, Friday, May 9, 7 p.m., Griffin Auditorium
Grade 5/6/7 Orchestra Concert, Tuesday, May 13, 7–8 p.m., Mandel Hall
Urinetown—U-High Spring Musical, Thursday–Saturday, May 14–17, 7–8:30 p.m., Sherry Lansing Theater
Set in a dystopian society far in the future where there has been a severe drought and things like private bathrooms have been banned, the musical is comedic satire that roasts the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics.
Pancake Breakfast and Family Maker Day, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Join us for an incredible day. All Lab students and families are welcome from Nursery 3–Grade 12. This is a totally free event—breakfast and activities!
9–11 a.m. Breakfast—have some pancakes and load them up with your favorite toppings. Vegan and gluten-free breakfast options will be available.
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.—Join some of Lab's art teachers in their classrooms to make art! Activities include tie-dye (shirts provided), Robert E. Paige-inspired window-film design and decoration (with special guest artist Robert E. Paige), sun prints and screen printing, a painting party with live dance music, or for interested parents—a half-hour discussion on how to support your creative child (open to all parents of Middle and High School parents).
1:30–3 p.m.—U-High Film Fest. Watch films made by U-High students in Griffin Auditorium.
7 p.m. High School Spring Musical, Sherry Lansing Theater
Rites of May, Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Kenwood Mall
LabArts exhibits on the first and second floors of Gordon Parks Arts Hall will be open during the Rites of May event.