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:
The Dyslexia and Learning Center, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit, provides additional support for students requiring special academic considerations.
CLS offers two preschool programs: Traditional Pre-K and Montessori. Both provide engaging, hands-on early learning experiences designed to support each child’s growth, curiosity, and development.
Each program is unique in its approach, 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 programs are nurturing and child-centered. Students 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.
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.
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.
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.
