Lanette Dailey-Reese & Alison Gillmeister

CapXLab exists to create access to equity and opportunities to change the trajectory of the lives of students. We are about changing lives.

Lanette Dailey-Reese and Alison Gillmeister are an unstoppable team with a clear mission: to empower DC students to harness the cultural resources of this world-class city in service of their dreams. Their school, Capital Experience Lab (CapXLab), is a middle and high school that will immerse students in DC museums and other community learning spaces—including the Smithsonian, the National Institutes of Health, and the Kennedy Center.

The CapXLab team’s vision is rooted in equity and belonging. “These spaces belong to all of us. We want any kid in DC regardless of income, status, race to have full access to the resources and institutions that make our city special, because that is what they deserve,” Alison says.

Piloting has been a crucial and extensive four-year process for these visionary educators. For them, piloting is about “uncovering what you didn’t see or didn’t think about and reflecting on what this means. That reflection moment creates innovation.”

Every setback has been an opportunity for them to learn, reflect, and come out stronger. Falling short of charter approval by one vote in March 2020 was no exception. Lanette and Alison continue to pilot their approaches, serve students in Southwest DC, engage their community, and prove why CapXLab must exist. It is these invaluable moments that affirm their commitment and propel them forward. As Lanette says, “This work is about grace and patience. Seeing how we are fulfilling our mission in small ways sustains us and gives us joy.”

Together, with a strong community of supporters, this fearless and committed team will make CapXLab a reality for students.

Lanette Dailey-Reese & Alison Gillmeister