How about a place where open floor plans open minds? That’s precisely what you will find at the University of Chicago Laboratory School Early Childhood Campus. It is located at 5800 S. Stony Island Avenue. This campus is more than just a school. It is a place where young minds begin their educational journey.
The University of Chicago Laboratory School Early Childhood Campus is part of the larger University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. These schools are also known as Lab or U-High. They represent a private co-educational institution. Lab Schools serve students from pre-school through 12th grade. The Early Childhood Campus specifically houses children in nursery through second grade. Approximately 625 children learn and grow here.
Lab Schools have a rich history dating back to 1896. The renowned American educator John Dewey founded them. Dewey sought to create a unified school system. This system would span from kindergarten to university. Managed by the university’s Department of Philosophy, Psychology, and Education, the school became a laboratory. Here, Dewey could test his educational ideas and hypotheses.
Notably, Dewey acknowledged his wife Alice Dewey’s significant contributions. She played a vital role in the school’s early development. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools consist of two interrelated campuses. There is the Historic Campus and the Early Childhood Campus. The Early Childhood Campus opened in September 2013.
The Early Childhood Campus is housed in Earl Shapiro Hall. Valerio Dewalt Train and FGM Architects designed this state-of-the-art building. The building’s design reflects the ethos of early childhood education. Its open floor plans aim to stimulate young minds. Earl Shapiro, a 1956 Lab graduate, is the building’s namesake.
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools emphasize hands-on activities. They focus on real-world applications of academic concepts. The school values diversity. Every person is treated with respect. The school fosters a community of belonging. This community acknowledges the identities of everyone.
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools are ranked the best private school in Illinois. This is according to Niche’s 2024 rankings. The school serves as a living laboratory. Here, groundbreaking educational theories are tested. The school challenges conventional norms. It nurtures critical thinking. It prepares students to engage democratically in society.
Lab’s mission is to ignite a spirit of scholarship. The school nurtures curiosity and creativity. It builds confidence. Learning is experiential. Kindness is valued. Differences are honored. The school boasts over 100 clubs and activities. It maintains four libraries holding over 105000 volumes. The University of Chicago Laboratory School Early Childhood Campus is not just a building. It’s a vibrant beginning.