Challenging Academics + Creative Experiences = Love of Learning

UCLA Lab School provides an innovative learning environment that encourages respect for the individual and care for the community. We encourage children’s ideas, creativity and imagination while also providing a strong academic foundation. The curriculum is rich in real-world experiences and thought-provoking activities to help children develop the ability to think critically, to use and question a variety of sources of information, and to apply their knowledge to solve complex problems.

State and national curriculum standards provide a framework for learning goals at each age level. Using the goals as a guide, teachers design thoughtful instruction that builds on children’s interests and helps them develop an understanding of science, social studies, mathematics, reading, writing, and art through projects, choice and in-depth study. They help children develop and refine their skills by requiring use of those skills again and again, in context, for a purpose and in ways that encourage high standards for each child as an individual. The combination of structured goals and engaging experiences helps children develop a lifelong love of learning.

Expert Faculty

All UCLA Lab School teachers are highly qualified. They’re recruited from all over the country and bring expertise from teaching in a variety of settings, both public and private, urban and suburban. In addition to advanced degrees, many have extensive knowledge in content areas related to elementary education. All teachers engage in research and conduct professional development. They regularly travel to professional conferences to share their work and gain new knowledge.

Levels, not Grades

Our multi-age classrooms are identified by levels. The children start in the Early Childhood level (ages 4-6) and then move to the Primary level (ages 6-8). Next they move to the Intermediate level (ages 8-10), followed by one year in Upper I (ages 10-11) and one year in Upper II (ages 11-12).

Multi-age groupings allow teaching to the child rather than the grade, and take into account the different rates at which children develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Assessment as Part of the Learning Process

Children are assessed continuously through their daily work. Teachers engage students in discussion and take note of how they articulate ideas. They ask them to show what they know in a variety of ways, including writing, constructing projects, using computer applications, creating drawings, painting, and performing. Teachers examine the work to assess what children have learned, determine what they still need to know, and plan what to teach next. This kind of on-the-spot assessment helps ensure that no child falls by the wayside or continues through the curriculum with gaps in his or her understanding. In addition, children are formally assessed twice each year and teachers meet indivually with parents to discuss in detail their children’s progress. Children ages 7-12 also take the Stanford 10 standardized test each spring. Children are given preparation for this test, but teachers at UCLA Lab School never “teach to the test.” The results provide just one more way of assessing how children are doing and whether the instructional program is meeting their needs.

A Safe School Environment

We are committed to the goal of fostering a caring community in which all our students feel safe, without physical, verbal or non-verbal harassment or threats of any kind. An important component of our Safe School System is Cool Tools, which guides children in resolving conflicts by increasing their repertoire of social skills and strategies. Because of our outreach and research commitments, there are now 20 other schools in the Los Angeles area that have implemented a safe school system based on the Cool Tools model.

Learning in Two Languages

The Learning in Two Languages (LTL) Program addresses the educational needs of Spanish-speaking students whose English language is limited while providing an opportunity for English-speaking students to learn a second language. It is based on a dual language model that develops proficiency in two languages for all participating students. Spanish speaking students have the opportunity to develop proficiency and literacy skills in Spanish while also learning English and being taught in English. English speaking students develop their English skills while learning Spanish.

The LTL Program is based on a set of beliefs that include:

• Reading skills from a child’s primary language can transfer easily to his or her second language
• Conceptual understanding is transferable between languages
• Children can best learn academic concepts and a second language in an integrated context
• Being bilingual or multilingual is an advantage for everyone in our society

Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Program (EDP) offers convenient, high quality care for UCLA Lab School students before and after school. The on-site program is integrated with the school day and focuses on the social and emotional issues of children's lives. It nurtures a strong sense of community, emphasizes values of caring and respect for others, and encourages appreciation of each child's culture, language, and ethnicity. Adults help children openly express their feelings and needs, and model ways to manage and reduce conflicts.

The EDP is structured to encourage children to make their own decisions about how to spend their time. Children choose among a variety of activities and projects including music, art, drama, science, woodworking, sewing, cooking, building, dramatic play, homework, and much more. A sense of being part of a community and caring for one another is conveyed through each activity.

For information, contact Marie Parks, EDP Director, (310) 206-5194.