Arrivals
Families with children at both the Earl Shapiro Hall and Historic campuses typically find it easiest to drop off at Historic Campus first in the morning, then proceed to Earl Shapiro Hall.
Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH)
Summer Lab begins classes at 8:30 a.m. Students may arrive at camp no earlier than 8:15 a.m., and will not be allowed to enter the building until that time.
Students enrolled in a 10:35 a.m. class should arrive no earlier than 10:25 a.m.
All students attending a 10:35 a.m. class should enter through the front entrance of Earl Shapiro Hall on Stony Island Avenue.
Historic Campus (HC)
Summer Lab opens the Kenwood Mall gates on 59th Street from 8 to 8:15 a.m. For Mid- Morning and Afternoon class arrivals and dismissals, our Summer Lab staff will greet students and open the Kenwood Mall gates.
Late Arrivals
Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH)
Students who arrive outside of the arrival window must enter the building through the front entrance on Stony Island Avenue. Parents are expected to walk students to the Summer Lab office in room 202.
Historic Campus (HC)
Students who arrive outside of the arrival windows must enter the building through the Judd entrance at 5835 South Kimbark Avenue. Parents are expected to walk students to the Summer Lab office in Blaine S119. The gates at Kenwood Mall will be locked throughout the day.
Dismissal
We work hard to support students in their transition from our care to yours, and so we ask that parents/guardians collaborate with us in making this transition as smooth—and often as brief—as possible. Students should be picked up at the time for which they are registered.
Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH)
- The regular pick-up window is from 3:30–3:45 p.m.
- The midday pick-up window is from 12:35–12:45 p.m.
- Parents and guardians picking up must have placards visible for staff or their unique parent dismissal code from Homeroom.
Carline
When arriving or departing ESH by car, please follow the routes outlined in the appendix. Once your vehicle reaches the designated drop-off and pick-up area—the curb at the south entrance to ESH—you may quickly help your child in and out of the car. Cars must display their carline placard in the dashboard for dismissal. Placards are issued on the first day of camp.
Walk-up and Indoor Pick-Up
This summer, we are excited to introduce indoor pick-up at Earl Shapiro Hall for all N–2 families. By entering the building for pick-up, you’ll have a valuable opportunity to connect with lead teachers and receive daily updates about your child’s experiences and progress. This approach supports open communication and helps build a stronger partnership between home and school.
- Nursery–Kindergarten (N–K): Pick-up will take place in your child’s classroom, allowing you to see their learning environment and speak directly with teachers.
- Grades 1–2: Pick-up will take place in the ESH lobby, where lead teachers will be available to share insights and answer any questions.
- Late Day Pick-Up: All late day pick-ups will occur in the ESH lobby.
Ramp Procedures
For both entry and dismissal, please keep to the left side of the two-sided ramp when entering and leaving the building. This procedure ensures smooth and safe movement for all families and students.
ESH Campus Policies
- Stroller storage and bike racks are available at the main entrance in front of ESH, with additional bike racks located at the back of the building.
- Parents may park in the UChicago parking lot at 60th Street and Stony Island Avenue and walk to ESH.
- Parking is restricted immediately in front of ESH on the west side of Stony Island Avenue, but may be available on the east side of Stony Island Avenue and along Midway Plaisance.
- Visitor parking spots at ESH are reserved for those conducting school business; access to these spots is restricted during pick-up for safety reasons.
- Dogs and other pets are not allowed on campus and should not be brought during arrival and dismissal, regardless of their disposition.
Historic Campus (HC)
Families are responsible for ensuring their child(ren) knows their dismissal plan—that is, self dismissal, using the bus service, carline, or pick-up on foot.
Carline
To ensure a safe, efficient dismissal, please remain in your vehicle during the carline on 59th Street. Parents and guardians picking up should display their placards clearly. Our Summer Lab Team will ensure your child is brought to your vehicle. Once your child is safely secured, please promptly exit the carline.
Walk-up
All students will be dismissed on 59th Street in front of the Kenwood Mall gates, organized by grade. We encourage families walking or cycling to meet their child at their grade-level group.