PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Over the course of 3-5 weeks, learners are immersed in Quests (project-based learning cycles) where they actively construct their own learning and collaborate with peers to complete a public product that responds to a question, challenge, or point of curiosity. Quests empower learners to discover themselves and the world around them using an interdisciplinary, learner-centered approach. Each Quest cycle ends with an event for families called an Exhibition.

During weekly visits to our local farm partner, Gnarled Oak Farm, learners prepare seasonal garden plots and develop animal caretaking skills, in addition to building self-esteem, confidence, independence, and creativity through hands-on nature-based experiences. 

The Lab School offers learners introductory exposure to Spanish that focuses on highly interactive (and fun!) Spanish immersion sessions.

The Lab School is committed to the health of the whole child. We believe providing spaces and opportunities for learners to play and be active, combined with healthy, supportive experiences both in and outdoors, will ensure learners thrive both physically and mentally.

Through a partnership with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, learners at The Lab School explore visual arts using the Smithsonian Early Enrichment art curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes interactive, multi-sensory learning, placing objects and works of art at the center of a child’s day through process-focused art making. Intentional integration of the rich resources of the community into the curriculum enhances learning .

The Lab School learners explore music theory and are introduced to playing various instruments through interactive sessions around basic music notation, rhythm, and foundational music concepts.