High School students in science class

Upper School

Students build on their strengths and passions, embrace leadership opportunities, and develop strategies to tackle what’s challenging.

Through a unique arts-centered curriculum, the Upper School offers engaging courses that build the academic skills needed for college and career success, while simultaneously promoting organization, study, and test-taking skills.

Soccer team running

The Lab School’s program is guided by the principles put forth by John Dewey who promoted a progressive education based on a variety of authentic learning experiences that engage the natural curiosity of students.

We want our students to:

  • be problem solvers, collaborators, and creative thinkers.
  • be self-aware and self-directed, take risks, confront challenges, and stretch themselves.
  • know that we’ll be there to support them.
  • discover their strengths and passions and develop strategies to tackle what’s challenging.

“Having ADHD is awesome, actually. Everyone else is looking at the world through a tiny straw, but people like me who have ADHD see the whole picture.”
— Lab School Student

More in this Section

A Day in the Life of Upper School Students

icon for sunrise icon for night sky
Teacher pours unknown liquid from chemistry beaker
Click to play the video

Life Science

Students headed to the wetlands to conduct an experiment on the carbon cycle.

Student photo
Avery
10th Grade
Student using canvas to paint a book
Student using canvas to paint a book

Paper and Beyond

Students learn about papermaking, printmaking, and bookbinding including different printing methods such as marbling and relief printing.

Student portrait
Andre
10th Grade
Student working with tweezers at metal smithing bench
Student working with tweezers at metal smithing bench

Jewelry Making and Metal Smithing

"This class is a good example of learning to make something that is both aesthetic and functional, and it also offers the students solid experience in a makerspace." - Teaching Artist Rebecca Alberts

Student portrait
Jack
11th Grade
Female student at desk reading a book
Female student at desk reading a book

English

In Mr. Wetsell's class, students explore novels with dystopian themes. 

Student portrait
Meira
10th Grade
Block A-1.0
Teacher pours unknown liquid from chemistry beaker Click to play the video

Life Science

Students headed to the wetlands to conduct an experiment on the carbon cycle.

Student photo
Avery
10th Grade
Block A-2.0
Student using canvas to paint a book

Paper and Beyond

Students learn about papermaking, printmaking, and bookbinding including different printing methods such as marbling and relief printing.

Student portrait
Andre
10th Grade
Block A-3.0
Student working with tweezers at metal smithing bench

Jewelry Making and Metal Smithing

"This class is a good example of learning to make something that is both aesthetic and functional, and it also offers the students solid experience in a makerspace." - Teaching Artist Rebecca Alberts

Student portrait
Jack
11th Grade
Block A-4.0
Female student at desk reading a book

English

In Mr. Wetsell's class, students explore novels with dystopian themes. 

Student portrait
Meira
10th Grade
Our arts complex allows students to stoke their imaginations.
Lab students travel across the country and world to learn and experience new cultures.
Paul Rabil speaking to students at Lab
Paul Rabil Profile photo

Paul Rabil

Professional Lacrosse Player, Atlas Lacrosse Club

The Lab School hosts lacrosse star Paul Rabil during a pep rally full of fun and inspiration.

Full Story

Leadership

Reach out to us at anytime. We are here to help.

View all Upper School faculty and staff
Audra Krupp

Audra Krupp

  • Head of Upper School
Chris Lanier

Chris Lanier

  • Associate Head of Upper School
  • Freshman Seminar Teacher
Contact Information For:

Prospective Students and Families

Nakia Hackett

Nakia Hackett

  • Admissions Associate