My best friend’s son is a junior at Lab and has been there since 4th or 5th grade. It has been transformative for him. He has ADHD and dysgraphia, along with a personality that just SHUTS down. He also hates homework and just doesn’t complete things bc he forgets or doesn’t see the point, BUT he’s finally maturing. And he’s brilliant. He would have sunk anywhere else. Lab has helped him become more successful, allowed him to SOAR in his strength, pushed him outside his comfort zone, and, most importantly, has given him skills that he will be able to take with him forever.

Anonymous wrote:Have your child do a shadow day at both. I know kids who loved McLean, and kids who are looking to transfer out of the high school.
I know kids who loved Lab, and kids who did not.
The High School at Lab has a very small cohort. When you are touring ask what is the current enrollment for 12th grade and follow on to ask what was the size of the previous year's graduating class.
Because the cohorts are so small, the personalities can change year to year which makes your question hard to answer.

Thanks, do you know what they loved or didn't like about the two schools?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What grade?

Entering 9th, so the current 8th graders

My child is in the current 8th grade and always says that even if they are close, everyone gets along. There are definitely a few kids who could be considered “troublemakers” but from what I hear at home, it really only is 2 or 3. What I love about it is that they all accept each other, seem to be supportive of one another, and are comfortable being themselves without the fear of being judged.

I second doing a shadow day. However, I will say my child was not sold during their shadow day, but when we decided to send them bc we knew it would be the best place, they came out of their shell more than we ever expected. The first few weeks were an adjustment, but it was the best decision we made in regard to their education. We are excited for them to be there in high school.

Have your child do a shadow day at both. I know kids who loved McLean, and kids who are looking to transfer out of the high school.
I know kids who loved Lab, and kids who did not.
The High School at Lab has a very small cohort. When you are touring ask what is the current enrollment for 12th grade and follow on to ask what was the size of the previous year's graduating class.
Because the cohorts are so small, the personalities can change year to year which makes your question hard to answer.

Current McLean parent. Upper School is like a smaller version of any high school I think. There are sporty kids, theater kids, kids into STEM, more social kids, less social kids, some take AP, some don't. Some need more academic support than others. What's nice though for us and a change from public - kids are generally nice to eachother and the teachers help students become the best version of themselves. They learn self-advocacy and are well prepard for college.

Anonymous wrote:What grade?

Entering 9th, so the current 8th graders

What grade?

OP you might have more luck posting in the Special Needs forum

Anyone? Thanks

How would you describe the "personality" of the student body of McLean or Lab's upper schools?