
From the Midway—Hands-on experience with paleontology through the University of Chicago’s Fossil Lab
From the Midway—Hands-on experience with paleontology through the University of Chicago’s Fossil Lab
Go behind the scenes of Lab’s ambitious accreditation journey—a community-wide effort to reflect, collaborate, and shape the future of our Schools.
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.
Celebrating Lab’s place among the best private schools in Illinois.
Lab karate athletes earned world titles and national medals this summer, highlighting their skill, dedication, and leadership.
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.
Lab alum teams up with UChicago chemists to recreate George Washington Carver’s 1927 blue pigment—blending art, science, and history.
More than athletic talent, Signing Day recognizes the exceptional discipline and resilience it takes to excel.
From the Midway: For the first time in school history, both the newspaper and yearbook programs have received a top national award
Lab alum teams up with UChicago chemists to recreate George Washington Carver’s 1927 blue pigment—blending art, science, and history.
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.
One of the highest alumni honors awarded by the University, the award recognizes exceptional career achievement.

Senior Getaway was the turning point for one couple. An invitation to listen to the new Miles Davis record marked the beginning for another.
How Lab graduates have revolutionized medicine through groundbreaking contributions to health care.
Highlighting Lab alumni who were pioneers of Chicago's house music and hip hop genres.

Jose Corpuz ’85 built the Millennium Falcon. 30 years later, this Lab alumnus serves as a mentor to his alma mater’s Robotics team.
Exploring Lab's growing connection to the prestigious MacArthur award
Sam Rezaei and James Dill recollect their walk from New York to California as a “completely different chapter of our lives”
Extended Day at Lab provides opportunities for your child to connect with friends, discover and develop interests, and relax before and after school.
Extended Day is designed to provide students with constructive, intentional, and meaningful opportunities to engage socially with one another, creatively with materials and concepts, and civically in the life of the Schools and community. Extended Day brings all of this to life within the familiar and enriching school environment you have chosen for your child.
Extended Day Phone
773-702-9449
Extended Day Email
extendedday@ucls.uchicago.edu
Tom Burke, Director
Domonique Isaac, Associate Director, Administration
Nancy Kubel, Associate Director, Operations and Programs
Kortney Davis, Assistant Director ESH
Kat Kohler, Assistant Director HC
Callie Richeson, Program Manager
Zoey Blickstein, Coordinator
Madeline Thompson, Project Assistant
Lucrisha Washington, Transportation and Travel Coordinator
| Open Registration | Term Dates | |
|---|---|---|
Fall Term |
August 19–26 | September 2–November 21 |
Winter Term |
October 20–27 | December 1–March 6 |
Spring Term |
February 2–9 | March 24–June 10 |
Early Day provides a comfortable transition into the school day for nursery- through eighth-grade students at Earl Shapiro Hall and the Historic Campus. Children will have an opportunity to begin their day with quiet activities like arts and crafts, reading or being read to, and puzzling, or by getting in some physical activity to help prepare them for concentrating during their school day.
The program begins at 7:30 a.m. Children can be dropped off at the designated entrance until 8 a.m. and an Early Day staff member will escort them to the Early Day classroom. If your child arrives after 8 a.m., they will need to wait until the daytime doors open. Students will be escorted to their classrooms on time.
Bridge is available to nursery and kindergarten students who would like to bridge the gap between their dismissal and that of an older sibling's or for those who simply need a slightly later dismissal time. Bridge offers care Monday through Friday until Grades 1 and 2 dismissal. Students participating in Bridge will join the Late Day group of students in their homeroom. In many cases, Nursery 3 students may nap during Bridge, as well as have time to play with friends before heading home. You must pre-register for Bridge.
Extended Day is available to students in grades Nursery 3–8 who need care extending to dismissal time at 5:15 p.m. With a variety of rotating activity blocks, students take the lead on Fun in a high energy environment. With fresh options and new experiences daily, each afternoon is unique, engaging, and full of possibilities.
Monday 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Chess
The instructional program will include the basics and beyond with an emphasis on professional chess knowledge. There will be specific lessons, puzzles, and game-playing time. For the beginning student, learning all about the board, piece movement and values, opening theory, plus basic tactics will be taught. Life skills will be developed throughout the program for greater academic success. Exciting new vocabulary and higher math skills will be included. It will be a fun, exciting, positive, and dynamic chess class in which to participate.
Tuesday 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Wednesday 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Acting Adventures: Witches, Wizards, & Wild Things
Students will contribute their personal ideas and interests towards the creation of an original play. Students will use expressions, voices, and their bodies to create characters for the play and work together to create design elements that are used in the Final Sharing. At the end of the program, students will perform together in a Final Sharing for an invited audience
Thursday 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Sculpture Explorers
In this hands-on class taught by an Easel Art Studio teacher, young artists will dive into the exciting world of 3D art! Over the session, kids will explore different materials—like clay, plaster, cardboard, and foil—to build, shape, and create unique sculptures. While experimenting with textures and forms, students will strengthen their fine motor skills, spark their imaginations, and gain confidence in working with three-dimensional art. Each class is designed to keep little hands busy and creative minds engaged as they bring their ideas to life in sculpture.
Friday 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Monday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Chess
The instructional program will include the basics and beyond with an emphasis on professional chess knowledge. There will be specific lessons, puzzles, and game-playing time. For the beginning student, learning all about the board, piece movement and values, opening theory, plus basic tactics will be taught. Life skills will be developed throughout the program for greater academic success. Exciting new vocabulary and higher math skills will be included. It will be a fun, exciting, positive, and dynamic chess class in which to participate.
Drawing and Painting
Join Easel Art Studio for a fun and creative journey into the world of drawing and painting! In this class, young artists will learn foundational techniques as they explore line, shape, color, and texture. Guided by an experienced Easel Art Studio teacher, students will practice and develop their artistic skills while experimenting with a variety of materials. Each week, kids will bring their imagination to life and create their very own masterpieces. At the end of the session, each student will take home a portfolio filled with their artwork to celebrate their progress and creativity.
Flag Football
If your child loves to run, catch, throw, and play with friends — our Flag Football class led by Lab Faculty, Luke Murphy, is the perfect way to get moving, learn new skills, and have a blast this fall. Age-appropriate instruction in throwing, catching, running, and defense. A fun, supportive environment where teamwork and sportsmanship come first. Lots of exciting games, drills, and scrimmages — no tackling, just flags! Confidence-building activities for every skill level Whether your child is brand new to the sport or already a seasoned vet, we’ll help them grow their love for the game while having tons of fun.
Music X Gaming
Learn music production with games! Imagine on your birthday hearing a song you've never heard before. The melody brings you to tears. This song was made by your child, just for you. At Overture Games, kids learn to create their own music through interactive games and technology. This program was founded by Northwestern University alumnus Aspen and Steven — featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Chicago Tribune — and is led by certified musicians. Ready to hear your child's first original song? Sign up today!
**Returning to the Music x Gaming program? Each quarter features all-new themes, content and skills: Fall Leafy Lands, Winter Blizzard Beats, Spring Symphony Stories, Summer Beat Laboratory.
Tuesday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Afro-Latin Dance
This class will focus on teaching the roots and fundamentals of Afro-Latin dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, and/or Bachata. We will learn dance choreography that will be performed at the end of the session! This class is led by Maria Torres, a professional dancer, counselor at ESH, and dance/movement therapist. This class will incorporate activities that will foster self-esteem, creativity, and expression.
Discovery Lab
Discovery Lab invites students to dive into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on projects and problem-solving challenges. Each week, students will explore how things work by coding with Code & Go mice, building structures, experimenting with simple machines, and designing their own creative inventions. The class is designed to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and build critical thinking skills while keeping learning fun and interactive. Students will practice early coding concepts, teamwork, and creative design thinking in a supportive environment that celebrates imagination and innovation. By the end of the term, students will showcase their projects in a STEAM Fair-style presentation, sharing what they’ve discovered and created with families and friends.
EC Newspaper Club
The EC Newspaper Club is interested in working with 1st or 2nd graders in developing their writing skills and creating the next newspaper for our school! As a group, we will identify the needs of our school's next newspaper.
Students will work in teams and/or independently to strengthen their informative and persuasive writing skills, develop the criteria for our next school newspaper, and begin the process of disseminating our writing. Students will engage with various tools to develop our newspaper which can include camera, microphones, iPad, and/or art.
**This class is best suited for students who enjoy the writing process and are interested in becoming stronger writers.**
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Yoga Explorations
Join Elspeth Stowe-Grant in this playful and dynamic class, which will energize the body and mind and help students find ways to use yoga in their everyday lives. Learn yoga poses and sequences, play games and learn mindfulness techniques to build strength, flexibility (physical and mental), focus and calm.
Wednesday 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
A Culinary Adventure with Junior Chefs Kitchen
At Junior Chefs Kitchen, we do more than teach kids how to cook—we help them build life skills, confidence, and a healthy relationship with food. Our after-school classes are hands-on, fun, and developmentally appropriate, with themed weekly recipes that reinforce early math, science, and motor skills. We focus on food exploration to reduce picky eating, encourage teamwork, and foster independence in the kitchen. Each session ends with a tasting and leftovers so kids can share what they’ve learned. Plus, we are the only purveyor that cooks with all proteins and works with a Registered Dietitian. Materials fee of $100 will be applied. Recipes will be different from the Fall Term, so students can sign up again for the Winter Term.
Improv Adventures: Sensational Scene Partners
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! In this improvisational theatre class, students will learn to take action onstage with bold choices as they create characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, and confident unscripted storytelling. On the last day of class, as the newest improv troupe, we will host a mini improv show right in our classroom!
Beginner Violin
Introduce your child to the basics of violin playing through the Suzuki method of education. The Suzuki method originated in Japan and emphasizes repetition/review, listening, parental involvement, and community learning. Students in this introductory course will learn how to hold their instruments, play beginner pieces, and experience the joy of music-making with friends. Students should not sign up if they participated in the class previously as this is a Beginners course.
Violin rental from William Harris Lee & Co. is a requirement for participation unless your child already has a violin.
This class is not affiliated with the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Music Department or curriculum.
Chicago Fire FC Soccer
Chicago Fire FC soccer programs are the perfect way to introduce your child to the world’s fastest-growing youth sport and develop their soccer skills. Through small-group instruction, certified professional coaches will guide students through activities structured around themes such as dribbling, passing, attacking, and defending. Chicago Fire FC soccer programs incorporate nationally recognized SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) traits and values, such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and teamwork, into their activities.
Thursday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Diorama Worlds
In this hands-on art class, young artists will embark on a creative journey to design their very own 3D dioramas! Whether it's an underwater kingdom, a galaxy far, far away, or a prehistoric dinosaur land, students will use a variety of art materials like paints, clay, fabric, and natural textures to bring their imagination to life. Guided by an artist-teacher from Easel Art Studio, kids will learn about color, shape, and space as they build their miniature worlds, all while having fun exploring new artistic techniques. Students will have the chance to create three different dioramas. By the end of the class, each child will walk away with a unique, hand-crafted dioramas of their very own creation, ready to showcase their artistry and storytelling skills!
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Scratch Jr.
Using coding skills in Scratch Jr, students will design their own games, such as Coin Collecting, Hide-n-Seek, Magic Cups, Dodgeball, Pac-Man and more! Each class offers a new and exciting backdrop where kids can let their imaginations go wild!
Friday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Basketball
A beginner-friendly basketball class where players learn dribbling, shooting, passing, and basic strategies to enjoy the game and improve their skills.
At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and a stretching routine tailored to the sport. Following that, we will focus on gameplay. When introduced correctly, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants can develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.
Minecraft: Superheroes
The Minecraft world is in danger! In this class, students will learn coding fundamentals and use them to create powerful superheroes with special abilities. Each class creates a new opportunity for our coders to save the Minecraft world against a new danger! From traveling to a ruined city and exploring a frozen bunker to saving the White House and more! Students will have an amazing time putting their coding skills to the test! Projects include: Anvil Rain using commands and loops, Programmable Robot Bodyguard with selector variables, Gladiator using position variables and fill commands. Prior coding or Minecraft experience not required.
Origami
See the magic of origami unfold! Nexplore Origami takes a modern STEAM spin on traditional paper folding. Students hone their fine motor skills while learning standard folds and turning ordinary objects into extraordinary creations. While making art, students learn about the world through hands-on STEAM activities, like using their paper basketball hoops to conduct experiments about force or their sailboats to discover lines of symmetry. Paper artists will feel a sense of achievement with the beautiful figures they take home to keep.
Monday 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Dance Fusion
Join Sonia Perez in this exciting and energetic class that combines various dance styles, including hip hop, salsa, and more. Designed to help students explore movement, express themselves, and build confidence, this class focuses on learning choreography and developing creativity. Students will also enhance their coordination, rhythm, and overall fitness in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether they are seasoned dancers or trying dance for the first time, students will discover the joy of dance and have fun creating their own routines.
Robotic Challenges
Sign up for this exciting new opportunity to design and build programmable robots using motors, sensors, gears, wheels, and other technical components. Students will learn to build, test, troubleshoot, and revise their creations to improve robot performance and participate in specific challenge events (mystery mazes, speed racing, trailer-load pulling, line-following courses, etc.). Join Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, Jeremy Schwartz, in fun and engaging activities to gain practical, hands-on experience and apply critical thinking skills in programming, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Education program. New projects will be introduced every term so students can up every session!
Quickfire STEM Challenges
In this class, students will complete a series of quickfire science and engineering design challenges. These quickfire challenges require students to work cooperatively, think creatively, and budget wisely while solving weekly dilemmas. Students will be placed into new groups each class period, with limited resources and a tricky task. The class is fun, fast paced, and a great way to get excited about trying something new.
Voices on the Rise
Does your child love to sing? Making music is always more fun with friends! Join Ms. Code and Mrs. Henricks for an hour of singing! We are so excited to welcome Ms. Code back this winter! Voices on the Rise will engage in ensemble singing focused on complex songs with partwork. This is a great alternative to private voice lessons for young children. Children will learn many diverse songs, rounds, and arrangements which will culminate in an “informance” to showcase our learning to family and friends.
Tuesday 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Computer Programming Challenges
Learning how to write computer programs to solve problems and create innovative digital artifacts, students participating in the “Computer Programming Challenges” activity will have fun and interact with an engaging challenge-based program. The instructor for this class will be Jeremy Schwartz, Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, and the class will take place using desktop computers in a Computer Lab space. Whether a student is just starting with coding or has some programming experience, this after-school activity class can help everyone take their skills to the next level. Students can register to expand their knowledge and develop new understandings in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will have repeated opportunities to select from various simple to complex programming challenges, ranging from game design, data processing puzzles, calculation and computation riddles, etc.
Additionally, students will explore coding using block- and/or text-based languages, such as Scratch and/or Python. The curriculum for each term session will be different, allowing interested students the option to sign up for this same class in the fall, winter, and/or spring of the school year, as the content will not be repeated. Students can explore new and different critical thinking and problem-solving challenges each term.
Dungeons & Dragons (Grades 3-8)
This class teaches how to play and host the 5th edition of the classic tabletop role-playing game, suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Led by Dungeon Master, Warren Shepro, Dungeons & Dragons provides a spotlight for theatrical and improvisational role-playing of fantasy characters, challenging students to explore their creativity. It also offers opportunities to learn mathematics and board game tactics through its procedural character creation system and its turn-based resolution of encounters with monsters and a dangerous fantasy environment.
Flag Football
This session focuses on the fundamentals of flag football, including passing, catching, and defensive strategies. Participants will engage in structured drills and practice games to enhance their understanding of the sport.
At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and stretching routine, specifically tailored to the sport being played. Following that, we will focus on game play. When introduced the right way, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and most importantly, self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow, both physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants will have the opportunity to develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.
The Paint Lab
The Paint Lab is a vibrant and inclusive special class where young artists in grades 3–5 will learn to express themselves through painting. Students will explore watercolor, tempera, and acrylics, while experimenting with color, texture, composition, and style. Alongside hands-on creative projects, students will learn about diverse artists from around the world — including artists like Alma Thomas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama — gaining inspiration from their unique voices and visions. This is a space for imagination, learning, and fun — no experience needed, just a love of color and creativity!
Wednesday 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!
All Aboard the Hogwarts Express! This course designed for young enchanter enthusiasts to dive into the fascinating world of Harry Potter! In this engaging program, students will craft magical wands, brew ""potions"" using safe ingredients, and participate in house-themed challenges that bring favorite wizard stories to life. Young wizards-in-training will explore their creativity by designing magical creatures, creating enchanted maps, and discovering the imaginative elements that make these beloved stories so captivating. You'll get to participate in wizard-themed games, learn about the literary elements behind magical storytelling, and develop friendship bonds through collaborative magical challenges! This course will empower scholars with a deeper appreciation for fantasy literature while encouraging teamwork, creative thinking, and the magic that happens when imagination is given room to flourish. Please Note: This is a hands-on, literature-inspired creative class for students focused on crafts and games, not a reading-intensive book.
Chess
For the student continuing on building the chess knowledge, there will be a review of all the basics and beyond, plus move into different openings, middle game tactics and strategies, plus the end game combinations. Showing and discussing world famous games, and reviewing their own, will be part of the program. Learning how to notate their games for review is also part of this program. Finally, the development of life skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and other skills for greater academic success, will be continued. This will be a wonderful, fun, positive, and dynamic chess program for the students.
Fashion Lab: Design Your Style
Unleash your creativity and personal flair in this fun, hands-on fashion class! Students will explore the world of fashion design through sketching, fabric play, and simple hands-on projects. Students will learn about fashion history, design principles, and current trends while developing their own unique style. Each week, we’ll learn about different styles and famous designers — both current and historical — to inspire students to create their very own designs. From DIY accessories to clothing creations, students will get the chance to bring their ideas to life. No prior sewing experience needed—just curiosity and imagination. Perfect for aspiring designers, trendsetters, and anyone who loves to express themselves through style!
Music X Gaming
Learn music production with games! Imagine on your birthday hearing a song you've never heard before. The melody brings you to tears. This song was made by your child, just for you. At Overture Games, kids learn to create their own music through interactive games and technology. This program was founded by Northwestern University alumnus Aspen and Steven — featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Chicago Tribune — and is led by certified musicians. Ready to hear your child's first original song? Sign up today!
**Returning to the Music x Gaming program? Each quarter features all-new themes, content and skills: Fall Leafy Lands, Winter Blizzard Beats, Spring Symphony Stories, Summer Beat Laboratory.
Thursday 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
A Culinary Adventure Junior Chefs Kitchen
At Junior Chefs Kitchen, we do more than teach kids how to cook—we help them build life skills, confidence, and a healthy relationship with food. Our after-school classes are hands-on, fun, and developmentally appropriate, with themed weekly recipes that reinforce early math, science, and motor skills. We focus on food exploration to reduce picky eating, encourage teamwork, and foster independence in the kitchen. Each session ends with a tasting and leftovers so kids can share what they’ve learned. Plus, we are the only purveyor that cooks with all proteins and works with a Registered Dietitian. Materials fee of $100 will be applied. Recipes will be different from the Fall Term, so students can sign up again for the Winter Term.
Advanced Elementary Acting: Intro to Improv
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! In this improvisational theatre class, students will learn to take action onstage with bold choices as you create characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, and hilarious unscripted stories. On the last day of class, as the newest improv troupe, we will host a mini improv show right in the classroom!
Ceramics
This class focuses on basic hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and pressing slabs - all of which are widely applicable in making a variety of both sculptural (like a pretend bowl of noodles) and functional (like a real bowl you can use for actual, edible noodles) objects. I’ll fire all the clay pieces in the kiln, then the students have several options for decorating the surface of their pieces - including food-safe glazes. Materials fee of $100 will be applied.
Lego Robotics: Team Challenges! (Gr. 4-5 Only)
This is a great intro for kids that may want to be part of First LEGO League (FLL) team. The FLL competition is part Robotics and part Innovation project. The course teaches core values like teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and early engineering principles. In this class kids learn valuable coding concepts while tapping into their imaginations to design, create and program their own projects. They will complete fun missions, tasks, and overcome obstacles in small teams – all of which are modeled after challenges from previous First LEGO Leagues.
Science meets Art
In this class led by Sushma Lohitsa, students will have a chance to explore art techniques and learn the science behind the technique. We will work with a variety of traditional and nontraditional art mediums including paint, shaving cream, watercolor, oil pastel and paper mache. This is a great class if you enjoy making and creating art.
Friday 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Drones
Build a passion for technology and the science of flight! Everyone wants to fly a drone and this program is the perfect introduction. Students learn how to safely and accurately maneuver a drone through interactive steering, control, and racing challenges. Beyond only flying the drone, students will learn about machine maintenance and important technological principles that they can apply anywhere. They’ll take their drones through trick flight shows, deliveries, and even rescue missions. By combining science and art, this course cultivates a strong STEAM foundation in students!
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Speech and Debate
Are you eager to improve your public speaking and argument skills? This course covers speech and debate events of the National Speech and Debate Association, including public address events where you create your speeches on different topics and interpretive events where you perform published material, perfect for acting and theater enthusiasts. You'll also learn how to craft persuasive speeches and engage in debates on various subjects, enhancing your research, analysis, and communication abilities. This class will boost your speaking confidence and critical thinking, and no prior experience is required – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Monday 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Karate
Welcome to the Karate program led by Enso Karate. For nearly 20 years, Enso Karate has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to students at Lab Schools, fostering discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to learn and grow through structured martial arts training. Classes are led by Sensei Jay and Sensei Alex from the Early Childhood Physical Education department, along with other experienced instructors who are passionate about karate, fitness, and youth development.
Tuesday 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ceramics
This ceramics class challenges young artists to think beyond single pieces and consider how objects work together visually and functionally - taking their skills to the next level! Students are encouraged to think of sets, or objects intended to go together. For instance, one student might design a tea set with a cup, a saucer, and a spoon. Another student might create a tic-tac-toe game, with a game board and pieces. Another might create a series of figurines that have some visual commonalities. Students are encouraged to refine their hand-building skills, while also thinking about more complex design principles, such as repetition and a unifying palette. I’ll fire all the clay pieces in the kiln, then the students have several options for decorating the surface of their pieces - including food-safe glazes. Materials fee of $100 will be applied.
Dance Fusion
Join Sonia Perez in this exciting and energetic class that combines various dance styles, including hip hop, salsa, and more. Designed to help students explore movement, express themselves, and build confidence, this class focuses on learning choreography and developing creativity. Students will also enhance their coordination, rhythm, and overall fitness in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether they are seasoned dancers or trying dance for the first time, students will discover the joy of dance and have fun creating their own routines. Please note that the dates this class will meet are 12/2, 12/16, 1/6, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 and 3/3.
Wednesday 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Chess
For the student continuing on building the chess knowledge, there will be a review of all the basics and beyond, plus move into different openings, middle game tactics, and strategies, plus the end game combinations. Showing and discussing world famous games, and reviewing their own, will be part of the program. Learning how to notate their games for review is also part of this program. Finally, the development of life skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and other skills for greater academic success, will be continued. This will be a wonderful, fun, positive, and dynamic chess program for the students.