Discovery Lab School

Discovery Lab is awesome because of the wonderful group of caring adults and the community of students. My son has loved all of his teachers and most importantly he feels good about going to school everyday, even when he's struggling with reading or behavior. A truly caring, interested and driven community that fosters the talents and strengths of the students.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Discovery Lab for first and second grade. It is a small school and has a definite sense of community. The school does a lot to involve parents in on school activities. I was worried about her attending school with such older kids, but there hasn't been too many problems as there is only one classroom per grade, so easy to keep an eye on all kids. The first grade teacher is excellent, but the second grade teacher is young and lets the kids get out of control quite a bit. I'm hoping for better for third grade. It is definately preferable to a larger school like Roosevelt, for us.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Discovery Lab for about 6 years . Over those six years i have learned many thing and improved . though we got new teachers often it is still a very loveing enviroment. the teacher work great with the students since the buildings a very small but comferting.I recomend Discovery Lab to anybody who likes a little change and would love to be around not only older kids but also younger kids too. i loved this school and will miss it very much!! ~sincerely Adriana (graduate of Discovery Lab)~
--Submitted by a student

We've been at Discovery Lab for seven years now, and it is a wonderful choice for us. We have a fabulous new principal (fall 2007) who has made a huge difference in terms of supporting our excellent teachers, providing a safe and welcoming environment for our kids, and who has successfully advocated for increased resources. This year we are experimenting with more electives for the 6-8th years: we have Sign Language, Spanish, Home Ec, Bridge Building, Art, PE, Band, Orchestra, Technology.This year Dsicovery received a School of Distinction Award (one of 83 schools in the state) for consistent improvements in assessments over the past five years; we reached this distinction as both an elementary and as a middle school; which apparently is very unusual. Always a work in progress, Discovery Lab has much to offer!
--Submitted by a parent

My info. about the school is from about four years ago. On the positive side, it's a small school so students always get the teacher's attention and that creates a nice sence of community. On the other hand, when the school first opened there seemed to be a lack of direction and planning when it came to academics. In many senses, the students weren't following the same curriculum as their counterparts at larger public schools in the district. Thus, it might be difficult for some students to make the transition to high school classes. However, the creativity of what they do teach is so engaging that when the students do learn, it's actually enjoyable. It's an extremely safe environment, but I'm a little concerned about the leniency of the grading system, as well as the lack of extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a former student

The school counselor is sloppy in her research on students and, by many parents, lacks judgment. She has reported CPS incidents with erroneous facts that only the Superintendent eventually repaired. The school principal is more interested in covering their reputations than providing honest queries herself. Not recommended!
--Submitted by a parent

Small classes, small school, friendly environment, not the best for children with behavioral issues
--Submitted by a parent

Great school one of the best in the school district. Exellent school for kids with special needs. Princeipel is great. I highly recomend this school to anyone who wants to give their child a good education.
--Submitted by Cody Jordan, a student

This school needs a more parent-friendly full-time principal. Most of the teachers demonstrate a talent for teaching and are responsive to student needs. The small-school concept provides a safer, happier environment.
--Submitted by Carmen Petersen, a parent