University of Chicago Lab Schools campus in Chicago, IL

University of Chicago Lab Schools

Chicago, ILDay · Co-edGrades SK – 12Non-sectarianEst. 1896
Grades
SK – 12
Enrollment
1,500
Founded
1896
Campus
5 buildings acres
Gender Policy
Co-ed

About University of Chicago Lab Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools are home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community. We ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity.

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, established in 1896 by educational reformer John Dewey, is a private, co-educational institution serving students from nursery through high school. Affiliated with the University of Chicago, the school emphasizes progressive education and experiential learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility among its diverse student body.

Core Values

KindnessDiversityCuriosityCreativityConfidenceScholarship

Teaching Philosophy

Lab builds on founder John Dewey's historical legacy to provide an outstanding academic program for N-12 students at the world-renowned University of Chicago. The Lab program delivers strong academics, effective social-emotional learning, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Our curricula, teaching modalities, and classroom environments build intentionally and effectively as students progress through our four divisions. At every developmental stage, students grow in curiosity, creativity, and confidence. A play-based curriculum that cultivates an environment of possibility, choice, initiative, and confidence. An activity-based curriculum that provides hands on activities advancing the concepts learned in EC. The beginning of an intellectual, social, and emotional journey that instils the independence and confidence for high school. Engaging students in a rigorous, discussion-based curriculum that prepares graduates to actively engage in a democratic society.

Faith Tradition: Non-sectarian

What Makes University of Chicago Lab Schools Special

  • Strong emphasis on experiential learning
  • Diverse and inclusive community
  • Financial aid & scholarships offered
  • 130+ years of heritage (est. 1896)
  • 8 competitive sports programs

Academics

Curriculum

University of Chicago Lab Schools offers Progressive and Other curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, Languages, and Sports.

Academic Environment

Academic Culture
Rigorous

Programs & Extracurriculars

Arts Programs

8 programs
ActingDanceDrama/TheatreMusic (instrumental)Music (vocal)Visual artsFilm/TVOther

Sports

8 programs
BasketballFootballSoccerSwimmingTennisTrack and fieldVolleyballOther

Clubs & Activities

13 programs
DebateModel UNRoboticsNewspaperDramaChoirBandEnvironmental clubService clubSTEM clubBook clubStudent governmentOther

Campus & Facilities

University of Chicago Lab Schools sits on a 5 buildings-acre campus with science lab, theatre, and art studio.

Uniform not required

Photo Gallery

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid
Available

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Admissions

Requirements

  • Application form
  • Report cards
  • Interview
  • Entrance exam
  • Essay
  • Shadow day
  • Other

Community & Culture

Lab cultivates a community centered on intellectual curiosity, kindness, and respect for diverse perspectives. Students engage in experiential learning across four divisions, from play-based early childhood through rigorous discussion-based high school curricula. The school emphasizes that children are to be taken seriously as thinkers and contributors, fostering relationships built on mutual respect. With 59 nationalities represented and more than 60 languages spoken at home, Lab's student body reflects the diversity that shapes the world, creating an environment where students explore their passions through robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular activities.

Diversity & Inclusion

Lab explicitly values honoring diversity as a core principle. The school notes that as the nation's first laboratory school, its student body has reflected the many differences that shape the world for generations—a major reason families choose Lab. The community includes families identifying 59 different nationalities and speaking more than 60 languages. The school's admissions policy states it does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other protected class. Lab is committed to making its world-renowned academic program affordable through need-based financial aid, with 70% of students receiving some form of tuition assistance.

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions that all applicants must attend information sessions and that parent meetings are required for certain grade levels during the admissions process, but specific ongoing parent engagement opportunities, volunteer programs, or parent committees are not described.

Accreditations & Recognition

Ministry-inspectedOther

Contact University of Chicago Lab Schools

Address

1362 E 59th St, Chicago, IL, United States

Phone

(773) 702-9450

Email

info@ucls.uchicago.edu

Website

Visit School Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Chicago Lab Schools

University of Chicago Lab Schools serves students in grades N-12.

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