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Learning is a Year-Round Experience

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2025 IS NOW CLOSED.

Summer Lab is Chicago's premier summer day camp with over 75 years of experience in summer programming.

Enrollment is open to all students entering Nursery 3–Grade 8, regardless of your association with the University of Chicago. Scroll down for dates, deadline, and important information.

At Lab, learning happens year-round and takes on many exciting forms—including Summer Lab! With the resources and faculty of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and experts from across the city, Summer Lab provides a host of cutting-edge learning experiences and activities for your child. With over 100 program offerings—from academic and hands-on to enrichment and adventure—every moment at Summer Lab is an opportunity for your child to thrive, learn, and develop cherished memories that will endure for years to come. 

At Summer Lab, the love of learning never goes on vacation.
Join in the fun!

image of the words summer lab

Nursery/Kindergarten

Nursery/Kindergarten

Grades 1–2

Grades 1-2

Grades 3–5

Grades 3-5

Grades 6–8

Grades 6-8
Summer Lab

A Different Kind of Summer

Summer Lab is guided by the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools’ mission, and enrollment is open to all students. Our distinguished Summer Lab instructors keep their material fresh, relevant, and engaging for their students. Their ability to do so is one of the key elements—among many—that sets Summer Lab apart. 

Summer Calendar

Full Session: June 23–August 1
Session I: June 23–July 3
Session II: July 7–July 18
Session III: July 21–August 1

Summer Lab is closed on July 4.

Report an Absence


Daily Hours

Summer Lab will be closed on July 4 in observance of the holiday.    

Nursery–Grade 2
Early Childhood Campus

Earl Shapiro Hall
5800 S. Stony Island Avenue

Classroom doors open at 8 a.m.
Arrival: 8–8:25 a.m.
Classes start: 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Late Day: 3:30–5 p.m.
Late Day dismissal: 5–5:15 p.m.

Grades 3–8
Historic Campus

U-High Entrance (Kenwood Mall)
5838 S. Kenwood Avenue

Classroom doors open at 8 a.m.
Arrival: 8–8:15 a.m.
Classes start: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Late Day: 3:30–5 p.m.
Late Day dismissal: 5–5:15 p.m.

Room Directories            

Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH) Session I
Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH) Session II
Earl Shapiro Hall (ESH) Session III

Historic Campus (HC) Session I
Historic Campus (HC) Session II
Historic Campus (HC) Session III
 

Click here for Summer Lab photos.

Resource Guide

In an environment where every child’s individuality is celebrated, Summer Lab students and campers explore their interests, make new friends, develop skills, create art, explore the outdoors, perform, and have endless opportunities to connect, play, and grow. The programs are fun, and like everything at Lab, they are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in each child.

Please review the following important "need to do" and "need to know" information to ensure you and your child are ready to begin a wonderful summer that University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. 

Family Handbook

Please download and read the Summer Lab Family Handbook.
The family handbook will be your go-to resources for information about Summer Lab staff, the daily schedule, pre-camp checklist, health and safety, policies and procedures, standards of behavior, registration and billing, and appendix.  

Need to Do

Need to Know