The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago, Illinois)

 university, school, lab

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (also Lab School and abbreviated UCLS) is a private, co-educational day school in Chicago, Illinois.

The Lab School was founded on the principles of hands-on learning and exploration by American educator John Dewey in 1896 in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Its campus was designed by James Gamble Rogers. The school is a progressive institution that goes from nursery school through 12th grade. It is affiliated with the University of Chicago, and about half the students have a parent who is an employee of the university. It is now considered one of the top private schools in the Midwest, known for its rigorous curriculum. It has been heralded as one of the more diverse independent schools (about 35% are students of color), although many in the community feel the school could still improve in that area.

Today the school is divided into the Lower School (Nursery through 4th grade), Middle School (5th through 8th grades), and High School (9th through 12th grades). Many children begin the school in nursery and continue through their high school graduation, and 75% of applications are for nursery school or 9th grade. The school has close to 1,700 students currently enrolled, though there are plans to increase the size. Ninety-nine percent of each graduating class enrolls in a four-year college or university.

The high school math team and the science team are regular contenders for state titles, and the Model United Nations team is considered one of the best in the country. The school's newspaper (The Midway) and the school's yearbook (U-Highlights) regularly win regional and national awards, as does the arts magazine, Renaissance. Other popular activities include theater, ethnic clubs, and Student Council.

The school's athletic teams, the Maroons, compete in the Independent School League (ISL) and are members of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The high school has eight boys and eight girls teams, while the middle school has five boys and five girls teams. Both operate with a "no cut policy," meaning any student who wishes to participate may. The main rivals are the Francis W. Parker School and The Latin School of Chicago.

www.ucls.uchicago.edu/
architecture.uchicago.edu/locations/laboratory_schools/