Your Guide to Getting Into The Lab School of Washington

Is The Lab School of Washington a Good School?

Good? It’s a game changer. The Lab School of Washington is a creative haven for students in grades 1 through 12 who learn differently. Think ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges—not as roadblocks, but as starting points for something amazing. Lab doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all learning. Instead, it builds a personalized, arts-rich experience that meets each student exactly where they are. If school has ever felt like a bad fit, Lab is the place that makes learning feel like it finally clicks.

Since 1967, Lab has been more than a school. It’s a beacon for bright, outside-the-box thinkers who just need the right environment to thrive. Teachers here are part educator, part detective, part cheerleader. They spot strengths, support challenges, and make sure every kid feels seen. Whether your child learns best through movement, music, or hands-on experiments, Lab knows how to make it work. And when students feel understood, they don’t just succeed, they soar.

Student Diversity

According to data from Niche, the student population at The Lab School of Washington is predominantly White, making up 60.9% of the student body. African American students represent 13.8%, while Hispanic and Multicultural students each make up 11.2%. Asian students account for 2.1%, and Native American students represent 0.7% of the total enrollment. This breakdown reflects a diverse but majority-White student community.

How Hard Is It To Get Into The Lab School?

Getting into The Lab School of Washington isn’t easy, and that’s not by accident. With only about 385 students from grades 1 through 12, there simply aren’t many seats to go around. The school keeps things small on purpose so every kid gets the attention, support, and personalized learning they need. That also means admissions has to be picky.

Lab is looking for students with diagnosed learning differences who will truly benefit from its hands-on, arts-based approach. It’s not about perfect grades or test scores. It’s about the right fit. If your child’s strengths don’t show up in a bubble test but they light up in the right environment, Lab might be a great match. Just know that with limited spots and high standards, getting in takes more than just interest—it takes intention.

What’s The Lab School’s Admissions Process?

Applying to The Lab School of Washington isn’t your typical admissions process, and that’s a good thing. From the first info session to the final decision, every step is designed to be clear, thoughtful, and as low-stress as possible. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect along the way.

1. Lab School Application: Joining a Virtual Info Session

Start by attending a Virtual Admissions Information Session. It’s a great way to get to know Lab’s approach, meet some friendly faces, and see if the school feels like a fit.

2. Completing the Lab School Online Application

Once you’re ready, hop online and complete the application. If you’ve connected with Lab before, reach out to the admissions team to access your account.

3. Submitting Required Documents for Lab School Admission

This includes psychoeducational testing, report cards, teacher evaluations, and anything else that helps Lab understand how your child learns. It’s paperwork with a purpose.

4. The Lab School Family Meeting & Student Visit

After your file is complete, you’ll be invited to a virtual family meeting. If it seems like a match, your child will also get a chance to visit and experience life at Lab firsthand.

5. Lab School Admissions Decisions: What to Expect

If your application is in before the deadline in January, you’ll get your decision the first Friday in March. Rolling admissions may be available afterward, depending on space.

What are the application requirements for The Lab School?

To complete your application to The Lab School, you’ll need to gather a few important documents and forms. Here’s what they ask for:

Psycho-educational Evaluation for Lab School Admission

This is one of the most important pieces of the application. The Lab School uses it to get a deep understanding of how your child learns—how they take in information, solve problems, process language, manage attention, and more. A comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation should include both cognitive and academic assessments. The most commonly accepted ones are the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) for cognitive ability and the WIAT-III (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test), Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, or similar assessments for academics. The report should also include testing observations, diagnosis (if any), and educational recommendations.

Evaluations must be current (typically within two years) to reflect your child’s present-day needs and strengths.

Submitting School Records to The Lab School

Lab asks for recent report cards, teacher comments, and attendance records. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about seeing how your child is doing in their current environment. Have they found ways to thrive? Have they been supported well—or not so much? These records help provide that context.

Pro tip: If there’s something you think needs explaining (a sudden dip in grades, a long absence, a switch in schools), you can include a brief note with the records. It’s not required, but it can give helpful context.

Standardized Testing for Lab School: Guidance

If available, submit any standardized test scores your child has completed—these might include ERB (CTP), TerraNova, MAP Growth, or state testing results like the PARCC or SBAC. Lab uses these scores not to judge performance but to identify patterns: areas of academic strength, gaps in learning, and how well your child has navigated traditional testing environments.

If your child hasn’t taken standardized tests recently, don’t panic. Just indicate that in the application or during your admissions communication—Lab understands that not every student has a test history that fits neatly in a box.

Student Strengths and Needs Profile

This is The Lab School’s version of a teacher recommendation, but with more focus on how your child learns rather than just how they behave in class. It’s filled out by a current teacher, specialist, or someone who knows your child in an academic setting. They’ll be asked to share insights into things like classroom participation, learning preferences, social interactions, and how your child responds to support.

Think of it as a snapshot from someone who sees your kid in action every day. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about understanding how your child shows up, learns best, and what kind of environment brings out their best self.

Lab School Student Questionnaire: Sharing Your Voice (Grades 7-12)

Once your child hits 7th grade, Lab wants to hear from them directly. The student questionnaire gives them a chance to share their interests, experiences, and what they’re looking for in a school. This isn’t a pop quiz. It’s more like a “tell us about you” moment.

How to help your kid stand out:

Encourage them to ditch the polished perfection and just be themselves. If they’re passionate about film editing, rollercoasters, or environmental science, say that. Their answers should sound like something they’d actually say out loud, not something a grown-up would write after a second cup of coffee.

Try a little warm-up chat before they start writing. Ask questions like: – What class makes you feel the most confident right now?

• What do you love doing after school?
• When did you surprise yourself by doing something hard?

Jot down some notes together, but let them take it from there. Remind them this isn’t about sounding impressive. It’s about sounding like them. And tell them to skip the generic stuff. “I like school because I learn a lot” won’t stick. But “I once wrote a six-page story about a detective cat who solves food crimes” definitely will.

 Additional Application Documents for Lab School (Grades 10-12)

Applying to 10th, 11th, or 12th grade? There are a few extras to gather. You’ll need an official up-to-date high school transcript, any recent standardized test reports (like the PSAT, Pre-ACT, or state tests), and a letter of eligibility for accommodations from the College Board or ACT—if your student already has one.

These documents help Lab understand where your child is academically and whether they’ll need testing accommodations down the road. If you’re not sure whether you have everything, check with your school counselor. They’re usually the MVP when it comes to wrangling transcripts and official forms.

The Lab School Family Virtual Meeting: Getting to Know You

This is Lab’s version of the admissions interview, only more relaxed and genuinely conversational. It’s a virtual meeting where the admissions team gets to know your family and, most importantly, your child. They’ll ask about how your child learns, what interests them, and what kind of environment helps them grow. No need to rehearse anything. Just speak honestly and be yourselves.

It’s also a great time to ask your own questions. You might want to learn more about how Lab supports different learners, how students adjust to a new school, or what a regular day looks like. The goal is to have a real conversation and find out if the school feels like the right fit for your child and your family.

Tips to Prepare for the Virtual Meeting

• Skip the script. You don’t need a rehearsed speech or perfect answers.
• Focus on honesty. Talk openly about your child’s strengths, challenges, and personality.
• Highlight what makes your child unique. What do they love? What gets them excited to learn?
• Share what kind of school environment has worked (or hasn’t worked) in the past.
• Bring a few thoughtful questions. Ask about classroom structure, support systems, or community life.
• Keep it relaxed. This is a conversation, not a performance. The goal is to see if Lab and your child are a good match.

Experiencing Lab School: The Student Visit

Your child will get a chance to spend some time in the classroom, meet students and teachers, and experience a real day at Lab. This isn’t a high-pressure test. It’s a chance for them to see what life could look like here.

How to talk it through with your kid:

Let them know it’s okay to be nervous. Everyone they’ll meet knows what it feels like to be the new kid. Encourage them to stay curious, ask questions, and just be themselves. No need to act a certain way or try to impress anyone. If they’re kind, open, and interested, they’re doing it right.

IEPs & Therapy Reports for Lab School Application

If your child has an IEP, or works with a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist, those reports should be submitted too. These documents give the admissions team a clearer picture of what kinds of support your child receives and what works well for them.

This isn’t about labels or limitations. It’s about building the right support system from day one. The more the school knows, the better they can prepare to meet your child where they are. If you’re not sure whether to include a specific report, just ask. The team is happy to help.

Student Life at The Lab School of Washington

What Are Academics Like In The Lab School?

Lower School at Lab: Foundational Learning

In the Lower School, learning is a hands-on adventure filled with joy and discovery. From the earliest grades, students dive into reading, writing, and math through movement, play, and art. You might walk into a room where kids are acting out a story, building a model ecosystem, or writing poems inspired by nature walks. Science, social studies, music, art, PE, and library are all part of the week. Executive functioning skills are taught right alongside academics so kids learn how to plan, stay organized, and reflect on how they learn best. With small class sizes and lots of support, every child gets the space to grow with confidence and creativity.

Middle School at Lab: Growing Independence

Middle School is where curiosity gets a little more structure. Students explore literature, tackle real-world math problems, and experiment in science labs. They write essays, build projects, and learn how to study smarter, not harder. Classes in art, drama, and technology keep things fresh and expressive. Students also build skills in time management, self-advocacy, and organization without being overwhelmed. Therapies like speech-language or occupational support happen during the school day so no one misses out on learning or community. It’s a place where students start to understand how they learn and how to speak up for what they need.

Upper School

In the Upper School, students take ownership of their learning. The academic program includes everything from Advanced Biology and World Literature to Digital Arts and Constitutional Law. Students collaborate on projects, participate in seminars, and explore big ideas in ways that feel meaningful and personal. They get real-world experience through internships and college prep support that starts early and stays consistent. Classes are designed to be challenging, creative, and flexible so every student can find their strengths and push themselves further. By the time they graduate, Lab students are not only ready for college, they know how they learn, what they care about, and where they want to go next.

Upper School at Lab: Preparing for the Future

The Global Division is Lab’s online learning space, built especially for students with language-based learning differences like dyslexia. But don’t think for a second that “online” means impersonal. With daily live classes in reading, writing, and math, and weekly sessions in science, social studies, and visual art, students get both structure and spark. Whether they’re in Lower or Middle School, they work in small groups with skilled teachers who know how to make every Zoom feel like a real classroom. It’s not just about academics either. Students learn how to advocate for themselves, build confidence, and take academic risks knowing someone’s always in their corner. And yes, full course loads come with official Lab School transcripts, so it’s the real deal.

What is Arts Education Like In The Lab School?

At Lab, the arts aren’t a break from learning. They are learning. Students take one or two arts classes every single day, not just because it’s fun (which it is), but because it actually helps their brains grow. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, dancing, or performing, the arts tap into procedural memory, boost focus, and build real academic muscle. This is not your typical school art class. At Lab, students might explore physics through set design or tackle geometry through sculpture. The result? More connection, more creativity, and way more staying power for all that new knowledge.

 Arts and Cognitive Science at Lab

Lab has been blending neuroscience with creativity long before it was trendy. Working closely with experts in cognitive science, the school has created an arts-centered approach that helps students understand the world and themselves, in deeper ways. In Lower and Middle School, Academic Clubs use the arts to bring subjects to life. By the time students reach Upper School, they can even pursue an arts concentration that links directly to their academic work. Here, creativity is not an extra. It’s a key. Lab students don’t just think outside the box. They redesign it, paint it, and probably add a soundtrack too.

This approach matters so much at The Lab School because it meets students where they are. Lab is designed for kids with language-based learning differences, and traditional teaching methods don’t always click. The arts offer a different path in. They boost memory, focus, and understanding while giving students creative ways to show what they know. A student who struggles with writing might shine in sculpture or drama. Art also builds confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills. At Lab, learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The arts help make sure every student gets to learn in the way that works best for them.

What sports does The Lab School offer?

Lab isn’t just about creative classrooms and paint-splattered projects. There’s plenty of action happening on the courts, fields, and tracks too. Sports are a big part of student life, giving kids a chance to move, compete, and high-five their way through the school year.

Middle School Sports	Upper School Sports
Cross Country	Cross Country
Basketball	Basketball
Track and Field	Track and Field
Volleyball	Volleyball
Soccer	Soccer
	Tennis

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