Lab School

[Anonymous]

I know there are a lot of threads about Lab here but would be interested in hearing from current parents on your experience, particularly if your child has any visual spacial issues, executive functioning, or ADHD. Also, does anyone know what the admissions rate is for 5th grade? I would also be interested in hearing from parents that moved from APS to Lab and whether you notice a difference.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

5th is a good year at Lab. Small classes, solid teachers and a strong admin in Intermediate. Not sure of the admission rate but I suspect many kids transitioning out around middle schools.
Jr. High at Lab gets treacherous. Hormones and kids with ADD/ADHD lends to a less than positive environment. That coupled with a lack of control by Jr. High admin is something to consider.

[Anonymous]

Don't know the admissions rate, but the Intermediate admin and teachers are truly wonderful. The OT/ST therapists have been lifesavers.

[Anonymous]

Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

I think you live in a bubble and an axe to grind against Lab.

[Anonymous]

PP I doubt that woman is making this all up just for fun. I've experienced s similar situation with my DS at a different school, and this is exactly how I would describe it. It may not be your experience at Lab, but that does not mean that her experience is false -- people are pretty angry after being bullied and excluded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP I doubt that woman is making this all up just for fun. I've experienced s similar situation with my DS at a different school, and this is exactly how I would describe it. It may not be your experience at Lab, but that does not mean that her experience is false -- people are pretty angry after being bullied and excluded.

My guess is that anyone who writes:

'Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school.'

sounds like they are trolling. Middle school pretty much stinks no matter where you are. Also, remember that kids in the middle school and h.s. share the same building as the junior high students. The halls "echoing" with name calling is a complete exaggeration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

I think you live in a bubble and an axe to grind against Lab.

+1. Without a doubt. This person sounds unhinged, sadly. This has not be our experience at all with Lab. I feel badly that this parent is in pain, but this is simply not the reality. By the way, how would a parent hear such words in the hallways? Parents aren't and shouldn't be on the floors. This is clearly someone who is desperately sad and has an axe to grind. Dear parent, you should move on and transition to another school if you are so unhappy. Someone else will gladly take the spot.

[Anonymous]

My daughter reports a lot mean spirited behavior at Lab. It sounds like the above poster's child isn't a direct victim of bullies but witnesses a lot of crap. Definitely a lot
going on there and from what I've heard the jerk kids get a slap on the wrist. Schools with small enrollments usually have more conflict.

[Anonymous]

OP here - wow, this was not what I was expecting. I know there is bullying everywhere but it sounds like that aspect is worth looking into before we seriously consider it. Any thoughts on the academics? Has it made a difference for your child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

Why don't you put your name on this and sent it to the lab school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP I doubt that woman is making this all up just for fun. I've experienced s similar situation with my DS at a different school, and this is exactly how I would describe it. It may not be your experience at Lab, but that does not mean that her experience is false -- people are pretty angry after being bullied and excluded.

My guess is that anyone who writes:

'Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school.'

sounds like they are trolling. Middle school pretty much stinks no matter where you are. Also, remember that kids in the middle school and h.s. share the same building as the junior high students. The halls "echoing" with name calling is a complete exaggeration.

I'm sure this ISN'T trolling. People who who feel good/secure about themselves don't put others down. People who are the most vicious are often the most insecure and feel terrible about themselves. It's psychology 101.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

PP, Please send this to the administration. You should not stand by either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - wow, this was not what I was expecting. I know there is bullying everywhere but it sounds like that aspect is worth looking into before we seriously consider it. Any thoughts on the academics? Has it made a difference for your child?

OP, as a Lab parent, I think this poster's characterization of bullying at Lab as extremely overblown. I'm sure bullying goes on at every school, however intermediate and h.s. kids are in the same building as junior high kids. The insults "echoing through the hallways" does not happen b/c all the parents would be aware of it. Also, if you search the archives for this forum, there is a poster who consistently posts on this even going so far as to alluding to some female students as being mentally ill. So I would take it with a grain of salt.

Tour the school. You'll see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longtime Lab parent here. Lab has been mostly positive as far as academics go. Our child has Executive functioning issues and ADHD, too. Small classes are the key. The intermediate division head is outstanding, caring and responsive. The lower school is terrific, too.
Things go down hill as you enter Jr high. There are some outstanding instructors but a few are merely mediocre.
The social situation/ bulling at Lab is terrible. It escalates around 6th. I have two children in other local privates; Every school has bullying and social cruelty but Lab's the most severe, by far. The admin preaches diversity and acceptance but there is something fundamentally wrong at Lab. A great deal of cruel behavior is ignored or swept under the carpet. So much for equity, diversity and acceptance. You'd think that a school dedicated to appreciating "differences" wouldn't tolerate abusive conduct. Our child mostly blends in but is a witness to daily acts of cruelty towards others. It's difficult to stand up to bullies when each grade tops off around 35 kids and you fear retribution. My child has an underlying dread each day, wondering "will I be the next target?". The halls echo with the words "queer", "bitch", "slut", "fag", "fat slob", "retard" etc. The nastiness extends after school hours on social media. Lab has a policy about conduct on social media but Lab kids use fake names on social media accounts. That and obvious exclusion tactics to exact their ill will. My child reports that many of the nicer kids adopt an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" stance to avoid being the next target. It's survival. Asking my child about their day is depressing as it is peppered with awful stories. I can't imagine how some of these poor kids walk into that building each day! I cringe when I see my kid's Lab "friends" on social media ( you need to monitor so you can help your child deal with all the (obvious and passive aggressive) negativity & X rated content). The girls are worse than the boys.
Maybe kids with learning disabilities feel so badly about a perception of themselves "being lesser" or they are embarrassed to be in a "special" school. Maybe they have the need to knock others down in order to make themselves feel better. Whatever it is, these kids are some of the most aggressive bullies we've ever experienced.

I think you live in a bubble and an axe to grind against Lab.

+1. Without a doubt. This person sounds unhinged, sadly. This has not be our experience at all with Lab. I feel badly that this parent is in pain, but this is simply not the reality. By the way, how would a parent hear such words in the hallways? Parents aren't and shouldn't be on the floors. This is clearly someone who is desperately sad and has an axe to grind. Dear parent, you should move on and transition to another school if you are so unhappy. Someone else will gladly take the spot.

Calling this poster "unhinged" is kinda bullying, isn't it? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Maybe they are right about bullying.
If the person labeling this person as unhinged actually read the full post, the parent did not say that they personally heard the verbal swears in the hall, that patent I lied that his child reported the environment but was not a direct victim.