Designed for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, Baltimore Lab School’s Summer Program blends targeted academics with hands‑on creativity and confidence‑building experiences—helping children stay engaged, supported, and on track over the summer.
Learning That Works—Even in the Summer
For many families, summer brings a familiar challenge: how to give children a break from the school year without losing hard‑earned academic progress. Baltimore Lab School’s Summer Program offers a supportive solution—structured learning that feels engaging, active, and enjoyable.
Grounded in the same philosophy as Baltimore Lab School’s full‑time program, the four‑week summer experience (July 6 – July 31) combines small‑group academic instruction with creative projects, movement, and experiential learning. Students aren’t simply kept busy; they are supported in ways that help learning stick.
Rooted in Expertise, Designed for Kids Who Learn Differently
Founded in 2000, Baltimore Lab School (BLS) serves bright, motivated students in grades 1–12 with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. During the school year, students benefit from small class sizes, a 6:1 student‑to‑faculty ratio, licensed special educators, and integrated supports with occupational and speech/language therapy, counseling and intensive reading support.
That same expertise shapes the Summer Program. Instruction is intentionally small‑group and personalized, allowing teachers to reinforce reading, writing, and math skills in a lower‑stress environment—often where learning finally begins to click,
Age‑Tailored Programs Designed for Fit
Baltimore Lab School’s Summer Program is intentionally designed by age and developmental level, ensuring each student’s experience aligns with their interests, capabilities, and grade‑relevant academic needs.
- Rising Grades 1–6 focus on foundational reading, writing, and math skills paired with themed academic clubs, hands‑on creative projects, outdoor exploration, and weekly cooking activities that strengthen executive functioning.
- Rising Grades 7–8 reinforce core academic skills while incorporating outdoor education, technology integration, and organizational strategies that support growing independence.
- Rising Grades 9–12 engage in experiential learning centered on literacy, math, and written expression, along with public speaking, problem‑solving, and real‑world learning experiences.
Across all grades, instruction is arts‑integrated, active, and intentionally engaging—helping students retain skills while building confidence.
Why This Approach Matters for Learning Differences
Students with ADHD, dyslexia, and related learning differences often thrive when learning is multisensory, meaningful, and connected to real experiences. Baltimore Lab School’s arts‑integrated approach uses visual art, movement, performance, and hands‑on exploration to deepen understanding and strengthen retention.
Experiential learning, outdoor education, and collaborative projects also support focus, self‑regulation, and resilience—skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Confidence Is the Curriculum
One of the most powerful outcomes of the Summer Program is confidence. Many students arrive having experienced frustration or self‑doubt in traditional school settings. At Baltimore Lab School, progress is visible and celebrated daily—whether through completing a project, presenting an idea, mastering a strategy, or participating more comfortably in a group.
As confidence grows, students often leave the program more socially connected, more self‑assured, and better prepared to take academic risks.
Learning On Campus—and Beyond
The Baltimore Lab School Summer Program blends engaging on‑campus learning with off‑site experiences that bring lessons to life. Students participate in hands‑on projects, creative exploration, and outdoor learning on campus, while also enjoying field trips to museums or the Baltimore Aquarium, and swimming activities at off‑site locations.
These experiences reinforce academic skills, encourage social connection, and give students opportunities to practice independence and confidence in real‑world settings.
An Investment in the School Year Ahead
For parents seeking a summer option that balances academic support with joy, Baltimore Lab School’s Summer Program stands apart. It is not remediation, and it is not babysitting—it is intentional, research‑informed learning designed to help students feel capable and confident.
By summer’s end, students don’t just maintain skills—they gain momentum, self‑awareness, and a clearer understanding of how they learn best.
Parent Perspective
“For the first time, our child felt confident and understood in a learning environment. The experience made a real difference heading into the school year.”
Visit baltimorelabschool.org to learn more or attend our Discover Baltimore Lab Open House March 12th, 9-11am at 2220 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore.
