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University Primary School
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About University Primary School

University Primary School (Uni Primary) is a Prek-5th grade Reggio Emilia inspired lab school where children are engaged in creative, challenging, and meaningful curricular inquiries alongside Common Core Standards. Our school has been The College of Education's Lab School for over 40 years and includes children and families from the univeristy and greater CU community. Located here on campus, we enjoy the intellectual resources of The University of Illinois. The democratic classroom communities at Uni Primary make effective use of cooperation, negotiation, and choice as a means to foster children's curiosity and love of learning. At Uni Primary, children are nurtured to support diverse talents and abilities through differentiated practices attuned to intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

What is University Primary School?

Watch this video from 2022-23 to learn more about University Primary School from the perspective of children and teachers. This video was filmed in collaboration with our School of Social Work community project here on campus.

Students at Work

At University Primary School, we believe all children have strengths and talents from which to build upon. With a differentiated approach to instruction, children in our program are able to express their understandings and questions in ways that are meaningful to them and the peers around them.

Throughout their day, children have regular and frequent opportunities to work in informal groups of varying size (with partners, individually with teachers, small groups, and whole group) to perform challenging tasks, and to make decisions and choices. Children's initiative, problem-solving skills, and interactive role in their environment is fostered by teachers who guide with intention and a passion for learning.

 

 

 

Where to find us

Children’s Resource Center

 

51 Gerty Drive

Champaign, IL 61820

Interested in enrolling to Uni Primary?

Children must be 3 by September 1 for preschool enrollment and 5 by September 1 for kindergarten enrollment. Our school is made up of 4 classrooms. 
  • Preschool Classroom 
    • ages 3 through 5
  • K-1st Classroom 
    • ages 5 through 7
  • Second & Third Grade Classroom 
    • ages 7 through 9
  • Fourth & Fifth Classroom
    • ages 9 through 10