The Lab School of Washington - Reservoir Campus

“Where Different Thinkers Become Great Achievers”

At a Glance

The Lab School of Washington - Reservoir Campus is a private high school serving students in grades 9-12 who learn differently. Located on Reservoir Road NW in Ward 3, this campus specializes in educating students with learning disabilities including dyslexia and ADHD. The school takes an arts-based approach to instruction, helping teenagers who have struggled in traditional classroom settings develop their strengths while preparing for college and careers. As the high school extension of The Lab School of Washington, the Reservoir Campus provides an environment specifically designed for adolescents who need specialized learning support during these critical years.

What Parents Should Know

This is a specialized private school for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, which means families should expect an application process that includes educational evaluations and documentation of their child's learning profile. Unlike DCPS or charter schools that participate in the My School DC lottery, admission here requires direct application to the school and is specifically for students who need the type of intensive support Lab provides.

The grade configuration of 9-12 means this campus serves only high school students, creating a focused environment for teenagers. If your child has attended Lab's younger campus, they'll transition here for high school; if they're new to Lab, entering in ninth grade means joining a community that understands the social and academic complexities of being a teenager with learning differences.

Location matters for high school families more than elementary, since many students value some independence. The Reservoir Road campus sits in upper Northwest DC, an area that's more residential than some parts of the city, which may require planning around transportation—especially since specialized private schools often draw students from across the region, not just the immediate neighborhood.

The focus on college counseling and preparation is a key differentiator. For families of students with learning disabilities, the transition to college can feel daunting, and having specialized support during the high school years to identify appropriate colleges, prepare applications, and develop self-advocacy skills can make a significant difference in postsecondary success.

Programs and Approach

Private schools for students with learning disabilities like Lab School operate differently from both mainstream private schools and public options. Families should expect smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and teaching staff trained specifically in learning differences. The tuition reflects this specialized instruction and support structure.

The arts-based approach mentioned in Lab's materials means that creative expression and hands-on learning are integrated into academics, not just offered as electives. For students who have experienced frustration in traditional academic settings, this approach can help them engage with content in new ways and build confidence. This philosophy extends through the high school years, even as students work toward college readiness.

As a private school, The Lab School handles its own admissions process. Interested families should reach out directly through the school's website or by phone to learn about application requirements, timelines, and whether their child might be a good fit. Because this is a specialized program, the school will want to ensure they can meet each student's needs, and families will want to understand the school's approach and whether it aligns with their child's learning profile.

High school is when students with learning disabilities often need to develop stronger self-advocacy skills and understand their own learning needs more explicitly, especially if college is the goal. A school like Lab that specializes in this population throughout the high school years can provide consistent support during this developmental process.

Visiting and Contact

The Lab School of Washington - Reservoir Campus is located at 4759 Reservoir Road NW in upper Northwest Washington. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit https://www.labschool.org or call (202) 965-6600 for current information about admissions and programs.