Understanding the Tuition Landscape at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, often called Lab, Lab Schools, or U-High (UCLS), is a private, co-educational day school in Chicago, Illinois, affiliated with the University of Chicago. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey, the Lab Schools offer an experience-centered, rigorous, and well-rounded education for a diverse community, from nursery school through 12th grade. Choosing to enroll at Lab is an investment in a child's education and future, as the school prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio and personalized approach to education.
A Legacy of Educational Innovation
John Dewey founded the Laboratory Schools with the aim of creating a unified school system from kindergarten to university. The school is divided into a Nursery School (Pre-K and Kindergarten), Primary School (grades 1 and 2), Lower School (grades 3 through 5), Middle School (grades 6 through 8), and High School (grades 9 through 12). The Laboratory Schools consist of two interrelated campuses, the Historic Campus and the Early Childhood Campus. The Historic Campus, located at 1362 East 59th Street, houses grades 3-12 in five connected buildings: Blaine Hall, Belfield Towers, Judd Hall, the high school, the middle school, and Gordon Parks Arts Hall, which has 100 classrooms. The Early Childhood Campus, located at 5800 S. Stony Island Avenue, is home to approximately 625 children in nursery through second grade.
Academic Rigor and College Preparation
U-High offers over 150 different classes, all college preparatory in nature. There are more than 30 Advanced Placement or Advanced Topic courses available. High school students may also qualify to take classes at the University of Chicago at no extra charge. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is offering 12 AP courses. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools also have 75% of faculties whose degrees are master and above. In 2012-2016, some students attended Princeton University, Harvard College, Yale University, Columbia University and Stanford University.
The Cost of Excellence
While the exact tuition figures can fluctuate, it's generally understood that the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is an expensive private school. Faculty are believed to receive tuition benefits, as the cost is comparable to that of the University of Chicago itself (where undergraduate tuition is around $62,000 per year). The fees for individual and small group clinical services are charged over and above tuition.
Beyond Academics: Extracurricular Opportunities
High school students may choose from over 90 different clubs and activities. The high school math, science, and Model UN teams are regular contenders for - and winners of - state titles. Other popular activities include theater, identity and affinity clubs, Student Council, policy debate, and Model UN. Organized by the Office of Alumni Relations Development, members of the student body at U-High are nominated by faculty to serve in the Maroon Key Society. The high school's extracurricular activities occasionally make national and international news. For example, in 1990 then-Governor Thompson declared a "Matthew Headrick Day" and the US House made a proclamation when then-student Headrick appeared on talk shows including Today after winning the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The boys tennis team won the 1A state championship in 2018 and again in 2024, making the 2023-24 school year the first time in school history that both girls and boys tennis teams won state championships in the same academic year.
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The University Affiliation and Institutional Neutrality
As a part of the University of Chicago, the Lab Schools are expected to adhere to the University's Foundational Principles, including the Free Expression Principle and the Kalven Principle of institutional neutrality. The Kalven Report, established in the politically turbulent 1960s, defines the role of the university in terms of "political and social action." It asserts that most political statements made by any University of Chicago department or unit could undermine the diverse perspectives of individuals and exclude minority views.
In 2021, the Laboratory Schools science department decided to create a land acknowledgement statement. After the science department’s land acknowledgement was brought to the university administrators’ attention, they notified Laboratory Schools Director Tori Jueds that such a statement was in conflict with the Kalven report. Ms. Jueds informed the U-High faculty of this at the Oct. 4 faculty meeting, explaining why the university made this decision, emphasizing that individuals can still express their opinions, like including personal land acknowledgement statements in their syllabi.
Location and Community
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is located in the State of Illinois of USA. The closest major city is Chicago, which is about 6 miles away from school. Known for its iconic skyline, the city boasts architectural marvels such as the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center. Chicago is also home to world-class museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, famous for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Many children begin in nursery school and continue through their high school graduation, and 75% of applications are for nursery school or 9th grade.
Addressing Learning Differences
Attending a school for dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia like The Lab School gives students the chance to feel what success at school feels like - often for the first time. What’s more, incoming Lab students report actually enjoying learning, sometimes as soon as the first day or two of school.
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