University of Chicago Laboratory School
Chicago, Illinois
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is an internationally renowned school enrolling 1770 students from prekindergarten to 12 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 considered one of the top preparatory schools in the United States, reflected in the Wall Street Journal's findings that the school is amongst the top five feeder institutions in the nation for elite colleges. It has also been heralded as one of the more diverse independent schools with about 35% students of color and over 44 nationalities represented.
The high school has approximately 400 students and offers students a challenging and diverse curriculum. Music and art are integral parts of the High School curriculum, with students required to take a minimum of one year each, selected among music theory, performance, fine arts, drawing, painting, photography, and drama as well as other selections.
High school students have many opportunities to pursue their interests outside of class. They run an award-winning publications empire, fully staff a nationally-recognized Model United Nations team, and run many other clubs and organizations. Interscholastic sports are also popular: Lab fields 28 different teams in nine different sports (baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball).
A top school in the country offering a challenging curriculum and diverse student population (previously including the Obamas!) – Welcome to University of Chicago Laboratory Schools!
Academics
The High School curriculum emphasizes analytical reading, writing, research, and strong math and science skills, with students taking five to seven courses per quarter, all of which would be considered honors-level in a public school system. Most students take at least one of the seventeen AP courses offered, and some qualify to attend courses at the University. Although Lab has rigorous course requirements, students also have flexibility in their selections. With the help of their advisors and counselors, students can put together an individualized course of study that will prepare them well for future success. College Acceptance 99%.
Arts
Acting Studio, Drama, Technical Theatre and Production, Alternative Credit in Drama, Directing, Mixed-Media, Advanced Drawing/Painting, Sculpture: 3 Dimensions, Beginning Photography, Advanced Photography, AP Art History, Fine Arts, Designs in Music, Music History & Literature, AP Music Theory, Instrumental Performance – Orchestra & Band, Electronic Music Studio, Jazz Band, Choir.
Location
UCLS shares its campus with University of Chicago in Hyde Park, Chicago. Chicago is considered the business, educational, and cultural capital of the Midwest. Located on Lake Michigan, Chicago is a magnificent city offering students great architecture, shopping, museums, and a variety of professional sports. In addition to these activities student can also enjoy beaches, parks, and free Lincoln Park Zoo.
Starting Date
Early September
| Student Population: | Grades: | ESL Programs: |
|---|---|---|
| Co-educational | PreK-12 | No |
| School Uniform | Teacher/Student Ratio: | Number of Students: |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 1:10 | 1775 |
Foreign Languages:
AP Courses:
- Art History
- Biology
- Calculus AB
- Calculus BC
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- European History
- French
- German
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Music Theory
- Spanish
- Statistics
- US History
- World History
Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Dance
- Fencing
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Clubs:
Partial List of College and University Acceptances:
American University, University of Arizona, Bard College, Boston University, Brandeis University, University of British Columbia, Brown University, Carleton College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve, University of Chicago, University of Cincinnati, University of Colorado, Columbia University, Cornell University, Curtis Institute of Music, Dartmouth College, Hamline University, Harvard University, University of Illinois/ Urbana-Champaign, Indiana University, University of Iowa, Kalamazoo College, Macalester College, University of Maryland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McGill University, Miami University of Ohio, University of Miami, University of Michigan, Middlebury College, University of Missouri, New York University Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, Parsons School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, Pepperdine University, Pomona College, Reed College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sarah Lawrence College, Skidmore College, Southern Illinois University, Southern Methodist , University, Stanford University , Syracuse University, Temple University, Trinity College, Tufts University, Vassar College, Villanova University, University of Wisconsin, Yale University
Closest International and Local Airports:
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
