Summer at The Lab School of Washington Is Anything But Ordinary

Ah, summer. The season of popsicles, flip-flops, and awkward tan lines. For many of us, it’s the golden age of childhood memories—bike rides until dusk, catching fireflies, and maybe even a few regrettable haircuts. But while school’s out, that doesn’t mean our brains need to hit the snooze button. Enter The Lab School of Washington, a place that’s figured out how to make summer just as enriching as it is fun.
Why Are Summer Programs Important?
Summer programs do more than just fill the calendar. They keep young minds sharp, confident, and curious. Without them, all those hard-won academic gains from the school year can quietly slip away—kind of like your kid’s memory of where they left their swim goggles. Plus, let’s be honest, summer programs give parents a much-needed breather. Think of them as a win-win: kids stay engaged, and you get to enjoy coffee while it’s still hot.
The Lab School Summer Programs: Engaging Learning for Diverse Students
If I could enroll myself in a summer program just for the thrill of it, I’d pick The Lab School in a heartbeat. This place doesn’t just do summer. It totally owns it. For 58 years, they’ve been guiding students with learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia, and their summer programming is no exception. It’s the same love of learning, just with more sunshine and less homework.
Let’s start with the Lower School. Kids in grades 1 through 6 get to explore the rainforest in an immersive Academic Club where they become little scientists and adventurers. They learn about mammals, reptiles, and insects while making art, playing games, and building knowledge through hands-on activities. It’s the kind of learning that smells like markers and sounds like giggles. Each day includes small-group literacy lessons using the Orton-Gillingham approach, math games that sneak in number sense and logic, and movement classes where they work on balance, coordination, and a healthy dose of fun.
Middle and Upper School students get something just as exciting. The Summer Project is a deep dive into the wonders of space. Students explore galaxies, space travel, and big questions about the universe while sharpening their reading, writing, and math skills. It’s like sci-fi, but smarter. They also get to collaborate, create, and build projects that mix science with storytelling and art. Think cosmic exploration with a side of academic glow-up.
And then there’s the bonus round. The Advanced Writing Workshop helps students write like future college applicants. The Fundamentals of Executive Functioning teaches kids how to stay organized, manage time, and basically get their life together. Mission Possible gives high schoolers a quiet, supportive space to tackle those summer assignments they’ve been pretending don’t exist.
If your child needs a little more support, the Lab School has a full menu of one-on-one services too. We’re talking speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, virtual tutoring, and even programs like Story Sleuths and Road to Reading and Spelling. Each one is designed to meet students where they are and help them grow.
So no, summer doesn’t mean putting the brain on autopilot. Not at The Lab School. Here, kids are learning, creating, laughing, and unlocking their potential one hands-on activity at a time. Long after the popsicles melt, this is the summer they’ll remember.
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For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances at The Lab School, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do summer programs at The Lab School offer college credit?
As cool as that would be, no, The Lab School’s summer programs don’t come with college credit. These programs are more about growth, confidence, and academic skill-building than transcripts and credit hours. Think of it as a brain-boosting summer reset, not a fast track to a college diploma. But don’t let the lack of credit fool you. The writing workshops, executive functioning classes, and space-themed projects give students the kind of skills colleges love to see. So while they won’t earn college credit, they’ll definitely earn some serious confidence and readiness points. Bonus: no GPA pressure, no 3 a.m. finals panic. Just good, solid learning wrapped in creativity and sunshine.
- Can students from other schools join The Lab School’s summer programs?
Absolutely. You don’t have to be a full-time Lab student to join the fun. In fact, many summer students come from other schools just to get a taste of what makes The Lab School special. Whether your child is curious about a new learning environment or just needs a creative, supportive place to stay engaged during the summer, they’re more than welcome. The application process is simple, and once you’re in, you’re part of a community that knows how to celebrate differences and build skills in a way that feels fun. So go ahead—pack that lunchbox and join the adventure. All that’s missing is your kid and a sturdy backpack.
- How do I sign up for a summer program at The Lab School?
Easy peasy. Just head to the Lab’s online portal at labschool.campbrainregistration.com and follow the prompts. If you’re new, you’ll fill out a quick application, upload a few helpful documents, and pay a $100 application fee. That includes things like recent evaluations, teacher recommendations, and school reports. If your child already goes to Lab during the school year, your process is even simpler—no extra forms or fees, just a smooth registration and a happy inbox. And don’t wait too long. Programs fill up faster than your kid finishes their favorite snack. So grab your coffee, open your laptop, and get that summer spot locked in.
- Are there virtual options for families who don’t live nearby?
Yes, and they’re awesome. The Lab School’s virtual tutoring program is made for families who want flexibility without giving up on quality. Whether you’re living out of state or just prefer learning from home in your pajamas, these one-on-one sessions offer real academic support with none of the commute. Tutoring is available for grades 1 through 12, and it’s tailored to your child’s needs. You choose the schedule, the pace, and the focus. It’s like having a mini Lab School that fits in your living room. The only thing you need is Wi-Fi and a child who’s ready to learn—snacks optional but highly encouraged.