What is Parish Lab

Note: Students in Middle School must have an active Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP).

Overview of Middle School Program

Parish Lab Class (5th/6th Grade)

• Students in 5th and 6th grade who enroll in Parish Lab will be enrolled in the Parish Lab Class.
  • Parish Lab Class replaces band or choir.
• In the Parish Lab Class, students receive direct instruction in executive functioning and study skills using evidence-based curriculum.
• Students are introduced to essential strategies and skills for academic success and given opportunities to practice and apply them. Example topics include:
• Note-taking
• Planning
• Active Listening
• Goal Setting
• Mindfulness and Stress Management
• Memorization Strategies
• Methods of Organizing Documents/Materials
• Brain Science and More
• The goal is for students to develop skills and habits that create a lasting impact on their academic success.
• This is not an additional study hall.

Parish Lab Study Hall (5th/6th Grade)

Changes to Middle School Study Hall (Starting 2025-2026)

• The new Middle School schedule introduces a daily Student Life block, which includes both Advisory & Study Hall.
• Parish Lab students will not be automatically assigned to Parish Lab for Study Hall but will report to their Student Life teacher.
• During Study Hall, students may choose to go to The Gilman Study / Parish Lab Classroom for additional support.
• Students have flexibility in selecting their Study Hall location based on their needs that day. Example locations include:
  • A specific teacher’s classroom
  • The math lab
  • Their Student Life / Study Hall teacher's classroom
  • The Gilman Study / Parish Lab Classroom
  • With a Parish Link Tutor
• Parish Lab students can be requested to attend their study hall in The Gilman Study if:
  • A teacher, parent, or Parish Lab staff member determines additional support is needed.
  • The student is struggling with self-management in their chosen study hall location.

Additional Access to Parish Lab

• In addition to Parish Lab Class for 5th and 6th grade, and access to support during study hall for 5th-8th grade, Middle School students also have the option to access support in The Gilman Study during the times below.
• Before school
  • 7:00 - 7:30am by appointment
  • 7:30 - 7:45am drop in (before school)
  • 7:45 - 8:15am drop in (during the new MS schedule's morning "office hours")
• After school
• 3:45 - 4:30pm by appointment

Effectiveness & Expectations

Is Parish Lab Effective for All Students

Success in Parish Lab depends on student buy-in. The most successful students are honest about their habits, open to coaching, and benefit from consistent communication between home and school.

Behavioral Expectations

Students must follow the expectations outlined in the student handbook. The Lab is a safe, supportive space designed to build self-awareness, confidence, and academic success. Students should demonstrate respect, focus, and a willingness to engage in learning.

Financial Information

Cost & Billing

• Annual Tuition: $2,400 for 5th & 6th Grade Parish Lab.
• Billing: Added to Smart Tuition under the current payment schedule.
• Monthly payment plans: fees at the time of enrollment will be divided over the remaining months of your student's regular tuition payment schedule.
• Full payment plans: fees at the time of enrollment will be added, in full, to your student's tuition account and an invoice will be generated and sent at the next monthly billing cycle.
• Prorated Fees: Students who enroll after the first trimester may qualify for prorated program fees.
  • Based on trimester of enrollment + $240 midyear enrollment fee.

Financial Assistance

If you receive tuition assistance and would like to apply for financial aid for Parish Lab, please contact Juli Baldwin, Director of Financial Assistance, at jbaldwin@parish.org.

Contact

Director of The Gilman Study

For additional questions, please contact Phillip Page at ppage@parish.org.