Extraordinary experiences for extraordinary kids.
Outside-the-classroom experiences for all Waterloo School students.
LifeLab experiences are:
Coordinated with the curriculum.
Designed for parent participation.*
Free for every student, every year.
Some lessons can’t be taught in the classroom.
As parents, we want our kids to have every opportunity to discover the things that bring them joy while helping them launch into a life destined for success. Trouble is — research shows that lessons learned only in the classroom leave our kids struggling to connect them to real life.
LifeLab is the experiential- and service-learning arm of Waterloo Schools and we believe that all students deserve to be introduced to settings that inspire their genius. We do this by layering what our teachers are teaching in the classroom with experiences that bring this teaching to life.
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.”
– Confucius
Experiences for every grade level.
From Pre-K to graduation, LifeLab experiences align with the curriculum students are learning in the classroom.
Our community partners are changing lives.
The LifeLab approach is unique to any program in the country.
Here’s what parents are saying about it:
“My son had the opportunity to go to Ingawanis Adventure Base through Life Labs. The activities they were able to do there could not have been possible in a classroom environment. I love that Life Labs offers the opportunities for our children to experience things they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. The day was cold and rainy and all of the students still had huge smiles on their faces. THAT is a true testament to the success of the program.”
Shasta Locke
Lou Henry Parent
“I attended the LifeLab trip to Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines with my daughter’s 2nd-grade class. The trip was not only informative for the kids (and adults), but was so much fun! I was very impressed with the organization leading up to and the day of the experience. My daughter still talks about the trip and the amazing day she had with her fellow classmates.”
Amy Knoll
Orange Parent
Parents make the experiences even richer.
Your child will automatically participate in their grade-level experience each year. There’s nothing extra you have to do, but you might want to get involved.
3 Ways to Level-Up Your Child’s Education
Be the First to Hear About What's New
Click “Get Parent Updates” so you’ll be the first to know about new experiences and opportunities for your child.
Sign Up to Join Your Child on a Trip
Many experiences are designed for parents to join in and see the fun. And, believe us when we say: It’s so much more than chaperoning.
Create Your Own At-Home Experience
Any exposure to new experiences
will continue to expand your child’s mind. We’ve created a list to inspire you at home.
Waterloo students get
a competitive advantage.
Most students create a college portfolio in their senior year. Your child’s portfolio will be fourteen years in the making.
Read more
At LifeLab, we know that you want your child to be prepared for the future. In order to do that, they need unique learning opportunities. The problem is some lessons can’t be taught in the classroom and can only be gained with hands-on experiences.
We believe when kids love learning, it opens up opportunities for the future.
That’s why, from the very beginning of your child’s education at Waterloo, we partner with teachers and parents, like you, to bring education to life in a way that will launch your child into a future primed for success.
*While we love having parent participation, some experiences are limited due to space availability.
