University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Members of the U-High Class of 2026 are being recognized with some of the nation’s highest academic honors.

This year, thirteen seniors were named National Merit Finalists, with Devdan Jeffrey and Daniel Chang earning National Merit Scholar designations. In addition, Jeffrey, Victor Chen, and Charles Lichtenbaum were named candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for graduating high school seniors.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/lab-senior-national-honors

Lab Seniors Earn Top National Academic Honors Lab students consistently rise to the highest academic standards

Last week's Senior Clap Out for the was such a thrill; we can't get enough of it. , and as the excitement of our 2026 Commencement approaches, learn more about the history of the and hear directly from some of this year's graduating students about what this moment means to them.

Lab Community Celebrates Class of 2026 at Senior Clap Out “The Clap Out is one of the best parts of working in a Nursery through Grade 12 school community"

This week, the Class of 2026 made its final walk through the Historic Campus during Lab's annual Senior Clap Out, one of the Schools' most beloved new traditions. ❤️

Senior Darius Esmailzadeh described the experience as “ten really beautiful minutes” that captured the last fifteen years of his life.

Read more about the celebration and hear reflections from this year's graduating seniors: bit.ly/lab-class-of-2026-clapout

📸 ✨Jayna Rumble

A surprise for someone who has spent years showing up for our students. ❤️

This week, Early Childhood students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate Officer Sal as his five-year assignment at Earl Shapiro Hall comes to an end.

From morning greetings and crosswalk duty to high-fives, fist bumps, and countless moments of kindness, Officer Sal has been a beloved part of the ESH community and a trusted presence in the lives of our youngest learners.

Thank you, Officer Sal, for helping our students feel safe, seen, and cared for. You will always be part of the Lab family.

🏅 Eleven finalists. Eleven medals.

We are proud to celebrate 11 U-High students who advanced to the final round of the 2026 Midwest Chinese Speech Contest at Walter Payton College Prep.

These students demonstrated public speaking skills, cultural understanding, confidence, and poise before a panel of judges. Their success reflects months of dedication and preparation.

🥇 Gold Medal Winners
• Nora Kirkland (Grade 9)
• Katherine Notowidigdo (Grade 9)
• Jovin Alenghat (Grade 10)

🥈 Silver Medal Winners
• Adrian Greenstone (Grade 10)
• Axel Lintz (Grade 10)
• Theodore Lach (Grade 11)

🥉 Bronze Medal Winners
• Lillien Headley (Grade 9)
• Audrey Stewart (Grade 9)
• Anik Jeffrey (Grade 10)
• Jonah Wong (Grade 10)
• Elizabeth Feigenbaum (Grade 11)

Congratulations!

Bikini Bottom blue, yes we'll stay true! 🫧🧽🍍

Thank you to everyone who joined us under the sea for U-High Theatre's production of The SpongeBob Musical. We're so proud of our cast, crew, and creative team for bringing Bikini Bottom to life on stage.

Enjoy a few highlights from this unforgettable show, and we'll see you next fall! 💙

📸: Devin Wideman

This June, join us as we celebrate the history, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ communities. 🌈

A sweet afternoon on campus! 🥤✨

These sixth graders and their second-grade buddies enjoyed a walk to Botany Pond to enjoy dollar milkshakes yesterday. So many joyful moments shared between buddies this school year❤️.

There's still time to visit LabArts! 🎨✨

Don't miss more than 1,500 pieces of student artwork from across Lab. The exhibition remains open through May 29 in Gordon Parks Arts Hall.

Weekdays | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

See you soon! 💫