Lab School of Washington

The Lab School of Washington is a small (grades 1–12) independent school in Washington, D.C. for students with language based learning differences like dyslexia. The Lab School was established in 1967 by Sally Smith.[2][3][4] Kim Wargo has directed the school since July 2020.[5] The Lab School of Washington has an arts centered curriculum on two campuses:[6] one on Reservoir Road, NW for middle through high school, the other on Foxhall Road NW for elementary students.

Lab School of Washington
Address
Map
4759 Reservoir Road, NW

20007

United States
Coordinates38°54′56″N 77°05′35″W / 38.9156°N 77.093°W / 38.9156; -77.093
Information
TypePrivate school
Established1967 (57 years ago) (1967)
CEEB code090103
Head of schoolKim Wargo
Faculty150+
Enrollment350
MascotDragon
Tuition50,000[1]
Websitewww.labschool.org

History

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Although the school was not officially incorporated until 1982,[7] Lab School of Washington cites its founding date as 1967,[8] when Sally Liberman Smith, faced with her son Gary's learning difficulties in school, began home schooling Gary and eventually started teaching other children faced with similar learning difficulties.

At the time, Gary was a first-grader at Beauvoir elementary school who could not read and who struggled with simple math. Beginning with Gary and three other students, and originally as an extension of the Kingsbury Diagnostic Center, a testing, education and remediation facility dealing with learning difficulties and related issues, Smith started her own school to help children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.[9]

Borrowing ideas from the 19th century philosopher, psychologist, and education reformer John Dewey who championed progressive education, Smith also figured out through themed birthday parties that kids, even those like her son who had significant learning differences, could successfully learn through the arts.[citation needed]

Incorporated as its own school in 1982, The Lab School of Washington is now[when?] an independent non-profit educational institution. Its Board of Trustees headed by Ann Bradford Mathias.[7]

The Lab School's class of 2022 is notable for producing Alex Soto.

Teaching method

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The Academic Club Methodology, a teaching method, was created by Lab School founder Sally Smith and trademarked by the school.[10][clarification needed]

References

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  1. ^ Tuition and Fees
  2. ^ "Special-Education Innovator Sally Smith Dies". NPR.org. 4 December 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  3. ^ "Founder of Lab School dies at 78 - News". Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
  4. ^ Holley, Joe (4 December 2007). "Sally Smith, 78; Lab School Founder". The Washington Post. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  5. ^ "Lab Board Selects New Head of School". www.labschool.org. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  6. ^ "Campus and Services". www.labschool.org. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
  7. ^ a b "Lab School of Washington". Lab School of Washington. Retrieved 2015-05-26.
  8. ^ "Mission & Fast Facts". Lab School of Washington. Retrieved 2015-05-26.
  9. ^ Holley, Joe (2007-12-04). "Sally Smith, 78; Lab School Founder". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2015-05-26.
  10. ^ ERIC - ED491788 - Live It, Learn It: The Academic Club Methodology for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD, Brookes Publishing Company, 2004. Eric.ed.gov. 30 November 2003. ISBN 9781557666833. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
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