May 2020 Update:

From January 2017 through May 2019, Lab Atlanta blazed a new concept of school with five “1.0” models of its ground-breaking semester school program sponsored by The Lovett School. During that time, 53 10th grade students from over a dozen zip codes and schools (both public and independent) helped us explore the purpose of school and how we might build empathetic young leaders with agency and voice in the world.

In late fall 2019, Lab Atlanta separated from The Lovett School to become an independent nonprofit with a board of directors representative of the broader Atlanta community. Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Atlanta Public Schools are working with LAB and helping guide our future through board representation, partnership agreements, and strategic design sessions. With the leadership of Lauren Koontz, CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Laura Deisley, Lab Atlanta’s founder and now President & CEO, Lab Atlanta is poised to be at the forefront of conversations and the re-imaginings of school in this time of tectonic shifts.

As we reflect and begin to forge new pathways, we encourage the community to come alongside us.

  • Read this 2020 reflection published this May at Well-Schooled, the site for educator storytelling.

  • Check out the short documentary below of the Lab 1.0 experience produced by filmmaker Kristian Melom.

  • Connect with Lab Atlanta 2.0 directly by emailing Laura Deisley, Founder/President & CEO, at laura.deisley@labatlanta.org

 

Why spend a semester at Lab Atlanta?

Lab Atlanta offers a learning experience that satisfies the requirements of a 10th grade academic semester through a transformational, transdisciplinary model focused on immersing students in the city and making their learning "whole." Students will develop civically-engaged, design-minded leadership skills and discover how they might help create a bright future for themselves and their city. 


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So often, we worry about the challenges of high school education in an urban space. Lab Atlanta turns that on its head by asking students to use the city as their inspiration – asking them to actively explore and enjoy the opportunities present in an urban setting. I applaud Lab Atlanta's ability to create a learning space that is so very student-centered. Student collaboration and creativity is clearly emphasized as the program asks students to learn from each other – and from the city in which they live.

 
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—Amy Jarich, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Admissions, University of California, Berkeley
 

PHOTOGRAPHER KESHA PEACE

 

THE ACADEMICS

Lab Atlanta offers a rich 10th grade honors-level curriculum aligned with Georgia Department of Education standards and independent school expectations.

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THE CITY

The unofficial capital of the New South, Atlanta is a thriving city of many diverse, walkable urban neighborhoods. Its art scene is vibrant, its economy is booming, and its innovative educational institutions attract talented students and teachers from across the globe.

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Before Lab Atlanta, I wasn’t happy with my school. I wasn’t happy with myself. I didn’t know that “one thing” I could do for the rest of my life, and it was hard to find that. Now, I believe I know. Life has meaning again. I actually want to do school work. Meeting new people, interfacing with kids from other schools, and just looking around has opened up my eyes to the opportunities around me. And, I thank you for that.

 
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—Payton, Student, Lab Atlanta, 2017 Founding Class