Academics at CLS
Instruction at the Campus Laboratory School (CLS) aims to foster intellectual curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning, cultivating student voice and leadership. Faculty use innovative strategies to meet the needs of every child’s development, with close attention paid to each student’s learning style and strengths.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) are infused throughout the curriculum. Lessons are structured logically to reinforce content and skills, with the goal of total student engagement. Features of our curriculum include:
- Outdoor learning spaces
- Integrated service projects
- Evidenced-based practices for literacy and mathematics
- Inquiry-based learning
- Self-directed independent study
- Project-based learning strategies
The Dyslexia and Learning Center, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit, provides additional support for students requiring special academic considerations.
Reggio/Montessori Preschool
CLS offers two preschool programs; Montessori and Reggio-Inspired. Both are guided by engaging, inquiry-based early learning philosophies. In these multi-age classrooms, children work collaboratively and individually, engaging in meaningful explorations of their community and world.
Each program is unique in its philosophy, yet common threads are evident. Outdoor play and learning are an integral component. Children have daily access to our play yard and outdoor classroom. Students in both programs also participate in music, fine arts, physical education, and world language classes weekly.
Both are nurturing, child-centered, multi-age programs that practice continuity of care where children have the same teachers for multiple years. Both programs attend weekly specials, have lunch in the classroom, and have daily opportunities for outdoor play.
To learn more about the Early Learning Center, click here.
The Montessori program is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori and believes children learn from their work. A Montessori classroom has specific, self-correcting materials in each developmental area that are arranged from most concrete to abstract. Essentially, children work their way from the left of the shelf to the right and the work gets increasingly more challenging. Teachers will give lessons on how to use the materials then children choose what they want to work on throughout the day.
- Belief that children can naturally absorb knowledge from their surroundings and self-direct their education through exploration.
- Curriculum areas are supported by self-correcting materials designed to allow children to work independently. Children choose jobs and work with the materials at their own pace.
- Children choose which projects to interact with, when to have snacks, and can move throughout the classroom. Classrooms contain specific materials and spaces are set up by teachers to accommodate choice, individual, and group work.
- Documentation of learning is provided to parents from teachers as they complete different work and through weekly communications.
- Parents can join work time at different points throughout the year. 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old program (5-year-olds are in kindergarten and are the leaders of the classroom)
The Montessori program is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori and believes children learn from their work. A Montessori classroom has specific, self-correcting materials in each developmental area that are arranged from most concrete to abstract. Essentially, children work their way from the left of the shelf to the right and the work gets increasingly more challenging. Teachers will give lessons on how to use the materials then children choose what they want to work on throughout the day.
- Each child’s day will look different as they choose what they work on. This is a three-year program so children complete their preschool (3), prek (4), and kindergarten (5) years in the classroom. The three-year cycle promotes leadership by our kindergarten students who learned from their kindergarten peers when they were 3 and 4 and now are the leaders of the classroom.
- Kindergarten students also have a dedicated kindergarten worktime each afternoon that focuses on kindergarten specific work. They then move over to our first-grade classes in Tiernan.
The Montessori program is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori and believes children learn from their work. A Montessori classroom has specific, self-correcting materials in each developmental area that are arranged from most concrete to abstract. Essentially, children work their way from the left of the shelf to the right and the work gets increasingly more challenging. Teachers will give lessons on how to use the materials then children choose what they want to work on throughout the day.
- Each child’s day will look different as they choose what they work on. This is a three-year program so children complete their preschool (3), prek (4), and kindergarten (5) years in the classroom. The three-year cycle promotes leadership by our kindergarten students who learned from their kindergarten peers when they were 3 and 4 and now are the leaders of the classroom.
- Kindergarten students also have a dedicated kindergarten worktime each afternoon that focuses on kindergarten specific work. They then move over to our first-grade classes in Tiernan.
Primary K-2/Intermediate 3-5
Our Kindergarten through second grade students experience rich instruction through a multi-sensory and hands-on approach to learning. Students work in stations, on the floor, in flexible seating, in the outdoor classroom, and across campus in a wide range of stimulating subjects.
In intermediate grades, students are immersed in project-based learning, rich literature group discussion, hands-on science experiments, and interactive, rigorous science curricula. Content comes alive as students tackle complex projects and engage in meaningful service work.
Primary K-2/Intermediate 3-5
- Literacy
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Physical Education
- World Language
- Religion
- STEAM
- Empowering Education (SEL)
Middle School
The CLS middle school provides rigorous academic preparation for high school and beyond, while nurturing the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of early adolescent learners. We express our core Mercy values through the creation of a transformational learning experience, in collaboration with the community, to empower students to become agents of change for a more just and merciful world.
The grades six-through-eight program is characterized by an emphasis on more advanced aspects of core curricula, including classic literature, algebra, biology, astronomy, and world events. Befitting the growing awareness of early adolescence, the humanities are also explored more deeply, with classes in Fine Art, Music, World Languages, Religion, and more.
Middle School Curriculum
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Language
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Physical Education
- Religion
- Electives
Lab School/University Partnerships
As a laboratory school, CLS maintains an integral relationship with Carlow University, partnering on educational experiences, professional development, and more. This exchange offers unique learning opportunities for CLS and University students alike.
Many Carlow Education majors student teach at CLS, while other internships are available for students in the Nursing and Psychology programs.
For CLS children, there is the uncommon opportunity to be taught by university-level faculty working in a dual role at Carlow and CLS. There are also multiple programs created and run by University faculty, students, and alumni. These include specialized exhibits at the Carlow University Art Gallery and mentor programs with the University Biology and Chemistry departments.
