Lab School of Washington delivers a project-based, interdisciplinary education designed for students who thrive through hands-on exploration and collaborative problem solving. Rooted in the philosophy of John Dewey, the school integrates academic rigor with real-world creative and scientific inquiry.
Across its campuses in the capital region, the school positions itself as a laboratory for educational innovation, pairing research-driven pedagogy with small class sizes and a diverse, technology-rich environment.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1967 |
| Age Range | Toddler (age 2) through Grade 12 |
| Campuses | Georgetown and Bethesda |
| Curriculum Focus | Interdisciplinary, project-based learning with STEM and arts integration |
| Accreditation | Middle States Association, NAIS member |
| Head of School | Dr. Rebecca B. Parlakian |
Project-Based Learning Across Disciplines
At Lab School of Washington, students engage in extended projects that connect science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. These interdisciplinary investigations encourage critical thinking, iterative design, and public presentation of findings.
Faculty structure projects around compelling questions, requiring students to synthesize research, prototype solutions, and reflect on their learning through portfolios and exhibitions.
Inclusive Support for Neurodiverse Learners
Individualized Learning Profiles
The school specializes in supporting students with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. Each student receives an individualized learning profile that guides instructional strategies and classroom accommodations.
Therapy and Academic Support Integration
On-site speech-language, occupational, and reading specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to embed targeted support within daily lessons, ensuring that therapeutic goals reinforce academic progress.
Admissions Process and Timeline
Prospective families complete an online application, including teacher recommendations and student work samples, by priority deadlines. The admissions committee reviews each application holistically, considering academic profile, learning needs, and school fit.
Interviews and campus visits help both sides gauge alignment with the school’s collaborative, research-oriented culture. Decisions are communicated within the standard notification window, followed by guided enrollment steps.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Community Engagement
Tuition reflects small-group instruction, specialized staff, and integrated learning technology. The school offers need-based financial aid and maintains a sliding scale to broaden access.
Parents participate through classroom partnerships, governance committees, and volunteer opportunities, strengthening the home-school connection and sustaining a diverse, vibrant community.
Strategic Vision and Continuous Innovation
Lab School of Washington advances its mission by investing in faculty research, evolving curricula, and leveraging partnerships with universities and cultural institutions.
- Adopt interdisciplinary, project-based units that connect classroom learning to community challenges
- Maintain small class sizes and integrated support for neurodiverse students
- Expand professional development in Universal Design for Learning and inclusive tech tools
- Strengthen data-informed instruction through ongoing assessment and reflection
- Engage families through transparent communication and meaningful participation opportunities
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the curriculum integrate technology and real-world problem solving?
Students use digital tools for data collection, coding, design, and multimedia storytelling, applying these skills to authentic projects that address local and global challenges through collaboration and innovation.
What specialized support is available for students with dyslexia and ADHD?
Each student benefits from individualized learning profiles, classroom accommodations, and on-site specialists who coordinate with teachers to embed evidence-based strategies across subjects.
Are the campuses in Georgetown and Bethesda interchangeable for families?
While sharing a unified curriculum and philosophy, each campus maintains distinct schedules, local partnerships, and community projects, allowing families to choose the environment that best suits their child’s needs.
What steps are involved in the financial aid application and decision process?
Families submit required financial documentation through the school’s portal, and awards are determined based on demonstrated need, with clear timelines and opportunities to discuss package details.