University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

View full size Get directions

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked IL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 2,212 students
Yearly Tuition: $44,310
Acceptance rate: 79%
Application Deadline: Nov. 15
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Nursery	137
Pre-K	136
Kind	138
1	141
2	139
3	142
4	142
5	143
6	154
7	156
8	157
9	160
10	157
11	153
12	157

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

1896

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

2,212 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Academic Profile

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Number of AP Courses

25 courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Progressive Education Network (PEN)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Nov. 15

Yearly Tuition Cost

$44,310

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Varies depending on grade level

Acceptance Rate

79%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Irene M. Reed

Admissions Associate

Manali Barua Grades 3-8

Sports

Total Sports Offered

12 sports

Sports

Track and FieldVolleyball

School Mascot

Maroons

School Notes

The Laboratory Schools are home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community.
At Lab, we ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Our Schools value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity.Lab educates a diverse community of approximately 2,200 students from Nursery through grade 12.
Established in 1896 by renowned philosopher and educator John Dewey, the Laboratory Schools is a pioneer in the progressive education movement and, to this day, continues to provide a best-in-class learning curriculum-more than 125 years later.

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide an experience-centered, rigorous and well-rounded education for a diverse community.
The Laboratory Schools are home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community. At Lab, we ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Our Schools value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity.Lab educates a diverse community of approximately 2,200 students from Nursery through grade 12. Established in 1896 by renowned philosopher and educator John Dewey, the Laboratory Schools is a pioneer in the progressive education movement and, to this day, continues to provide a best-in-class learning curriculum-more than 125 years later.
In addition to a rich history of innovation and excellence, Lab is strengthened by its relationship with the University of Chicago, a world-class university where lifelong learning is modeled for all of its students. About half of Lab students are children of faculty and staff of the University; many of whom are distinguished professors, researchers and authors. As a result, Lab students live and learn in an extended community that places a unique value on intellectual curiosity and creativity; open-mindedness; critical thinking and analysis; and respect for evidence. Located on the University`s campus in the historic Hyde Park community, the Laboratory Schools embrace a deep commitment to diversity-in all of its expressions-equity, and inclusion.Lab is one of the nation`s largest independent schools and boasts a lively, close-knit community where every student is known and cared for as an individual. Students are encouraged to stretch, take risks, and to see education as a lifelong adventure.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Justice John Paul Stevens' 37 - United States Supreme Court Justice
- Janet Rowley '42 - Geneticist, winner of Presidential Medal of Freedom
- John Rogers, Jr. '76 - Founding chairman and chief executive officer of Ariel Investments
- Andrea Ghez '83 - Astrophysicist, MacArthur Foundation Fellow (2008), Nobel Prize winner (2020)
- Maria Hinojosa '79 - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, radio host, producer
- Erwin Chemerinsky '71 - Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law
- Arne Duncan '82 - Former Chicago Public Schools CEO and US Secretary of Education

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does University of Chicago Laboratory Schools cost?

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools's tuition is approximately $44,310 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of University of Chicago Laboratory Schools?

The acceptance rate of University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is 79%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from University of Chicago Laboratory Schools?

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools famous alumni include: Justice John Paul Stevens' 37, Janet Rowley '42, John Rogers, Jr. '76, Andrea Ghez '83, Maria Hinojosa '79, Erwin Chemerinsky '71 and Arne Duncan '82.

Does University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offer a summer program?

Yes, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offer?

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Fencing, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.

What is University of Chicago Laboratory Schools's ranking?

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for University of Chicago Laboratory Schools?

The application deadline for University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is Nov. 15.

In what neighborhood is University of Chicago Laboratory Schools located?

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other private schools located in Hyde Park.

School Reviews

Endorse University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

September 01, 2026

How Much Homework Is Too Much?

Learn how to compare private school homework expectations, recognize excessive workloads, evaluate assignment quality, and ask better questions about academic balance before choosing a school for your child.

September 01, 2026

Learning Support Without a Formal Program

Learn what private schools mean by informal learning support, how services differ from formal programs, and which questions families should ask before choosing the right school today.

September 01, 2026

Beyond AP vs. IB: How to Judge Academic Rigor

Learn how to judge academic rigor at private schools without AP or IB by examining curriculum depth, assessments, faculty expectations, advanced coursework, student work, and college preparation outcomes.

Request Info

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chicago, IL is $13,709 for elementary schools and $19,173 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Chicago, IL is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).