GEMS World Academy Chicago Private Day School

Camp GEMS, a multifaceted summer camp that runs through July 28, features world languages, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities, Field Studies and more...

Public Art inquiry ends with 'flash mob'

GEMS first-graders completed their inquiry into Public Art and its role in society with a "flash mob" performance in Millennium Park...

How schools can narrow the "skills gap"

A post on our blog looks at how the academic approach at GEMS develops skills that have been cited as the most in need by professional recruiters...

Fifth-graders explore environmental conflict

The fifth-graders at GEMS World Academy Chicago closed out their experience in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program with an exhibition of projects that explored various aspects of environmental conflict...

STEAM projects highlighted at Innovation Expo

During our first Innovation Expo, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) teachers shared with the school community a number of the exciting and creative projects they've completed with their students this school year...

Lower School Art Show celebrates creativity

An eclectic array of student artwork was displayed during the recent Lower School Art Show at GEMS. The work covered multiple mediums and styles, presenting a snapshot of our rich art program. Click for a gallery of photos...

Innovative teacher, author speaks at GEMS

Stephen Ritz, a decorated teacher, speaker and author, visited GEMS World Academy Chicago to talk about the success he’s had incorporating gardening and vegetable-growing into the curriculum at his public school in New York’s South Bronx...

Grades collaborate on trout-release Field Study

Our first- and fifth-graders recently collaborated on a Field Study that had the younger students releasing trout into Lake Michigan and the older ones recording the release with a special underwater “remote operated vehicle"...

The value of our transdisciplinary approach

A key component of the academic program at GEMS World Academy Chicago is that we tie disciplines together in our daily inquiries. A recent blog post shows how this "transdisciplinary" approach makes classroom work more engaging and relevant to our students...

GEMS welcomes new leadership team

GEMS World Academy Chicago has announced a new leadership team that will build on the school’s past successes and guide it toward an even brighter future. The team formally takes over this summer...

GEMS launches unique summer camp

GEMS World Academy Chicago has designed and organized a 6-week camp that will keep children’s bodies and minds active during the warm summer months. The camp will feature STEAM activities, sports and world languages...

Successful PTO Gala engages students

As the PTO at GEMS World Academy Chicago finalized plans for its successful 2017 benefit gala, members hit on a simple but creative idea: Get the students involved.

The power of peer feedback in school

Peer feedback — students offering constructive critiques of each other's work — is a key component of the learning process at GEMS. A recent post on our blog explores the benefits that result when students provide feedback to one another...

Kyle Hill talks about how to make science fun

Noted science writer and popular Internet broadcaster Kyle Hill visited GEMS World Academy Chicago to talk to both students and parents about making science more accessible and inviting...

Architects, designers tour GEMS building

A group of about 60 members of the Association for Learning Environments recently toured GEMS World Academy Chicago as part of an examination of exceptional school buildings in the Chicago area...

GEMS teacher earns prestigious fellowship

Peg Keiner, the technology and innovation leader at GEMS World Academy Chicago, has been selected as one of this year’s Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows...

Why we teach writing in the digital age

From our blog: Even at a time when so much information is shared via video content, hashtags or 140-character posts, educators and researchers say that the teaching of writing is as relevant and important as ever...

GEMS hosts 'Girls in STEAM' event

GEMS World Academy Chicago, in partnership with the GEMS Parent Teacher Organization, hosted an event designed to encourage girls to enter fields like science, technology, engineering, art and math...

GEMS teachers build partnerships, innovation

A group of GEMS teachers recently visited the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University to work on new STEAM programs...

Recess as a tool for growth and learning

GEMS World Academy Chicago is among the growing number of schools that approach recess as a vital component of their education programs. To learn more, read our blog...

Global GEMS leaders convene in Chicago

A delegation of educators from GEMS schools overseas recently visited GEMS World Academy Chicago to talk about ways to increase global collaboration...

Using rap to explore history, conflict

Our eighth-graders recently explored the notion of conflict within the context of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, an inquiry that culminated in a classroom rap battle.

The many uses of robotics in education

GEMS is among the schools that use robotics in classes other than math and science. A recent post on our blog looks at this versatile teaching tool...

Learning by exploring Chicago's people, places

GEMS is committed to a robust Field Studies program — focused explorations of the people, institutions and neighborhoods of Chicago. A recent trip to the Aragon Ballroom exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach of this program...

New name, leader for GEMS Lincoln Park campus

GEMS World Academy Chicago is pleased to announce that Stephanie Williams, a founding faculty member at our school, has been named the leader of our early-childhood campus in Lincoln Park...

GEMS among the schools embracing 'STEAM'

Schools around the country are adding art (and design) to STEM education, creating STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math. In a recent blog post, read why GEMS embraces this approach.

Schools adjust to changing reading habits

From our blog: As students feel more comfortable reading from digital devices, schools like GEMS are adapting to keep students engaged.

Author Visits GEMS to Discuss 'Slow Parenting'

Carl Honore, a nationally recognized author and speaker, visited GEMS to discuss the "slow" movement in parenting. It was part of our Parent University speaker series...

Happy holidays from GEMS World Academy

As the GEMS community celebrates the winter holidays, we encourage you to view a special video in which teachers reflect on why they enjoy working at our school. Best wishes for happy and rewarding 2017!

Photography Club Posts Work on Instagram

The GEMS World Academy-Chicago Photography Club, one of many extracurricular activities offered at the school, has started posting work on the school's Instagram feed.

Trailblazing Leader Speaks With GEMS Students

Carol Moseley Braun, a former U.S. ambassador and the only African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate, spent a day at GEMS World Academy-Chicago talking to students in our Lower and Middle schools...

GEMS Partners with Carnegie Mellon

GEMS Education and the Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment Lab (CREATE Lab) at Carnegie Mellon University have joined together to empower students through STEM projects...

GEMS Building Wins Prestigious Award

GEMS World Academy-Chicago's striking vertical school building has received the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Citation of Merit for Innovation. It is one of several accolades the building has received...

GEMS Students Celebrate Peace Day

In observance of the International Day of Peace, GEMS students participated in a variety of activities designed to promote peace and consider how people can bring about positive change in the world...

Teachers, Students Return for First Day of School

Our third school year is underway! Teachers and students at GEMS World Academy-Chicago returned to school on Tuesday, Aug. 30 — all of them excited to start a new year. Click to see our first-day photo gallery on Facebook.

Faculty Become Learners to Prepare for Year

Teachers at GEMS World Academy-Chicago prepared for the new school year by becoming students themselves during two weeks of professional development sessions...

GEMS To Launch Upper School Program

GEMS World Academy-Chicago will launch its Upper School program in the fall of 2017 — an important step in the school’s efforts to create a preschool-through-Grade-12 learning community at our downtown Chicago campus...

What Young Viewers Can Learn From the Olympics

The Olympic Games, in addition to being a thrilling athletic event, can teach younger viewers important lessons about determination, respect, courage and more...

A Look Back At A Wonderful Year

As we prepare for the new school year here at GEMS, we invite you to take a look back at the success we enjoyed during the past school year. Click above for a digital "diary" of 2015-2016.

Founding Head of School Geoff Jones Retires

Geoff Jones, the founding head of school at GEMS World Academy-Chicago who formally retired on June 30, reflects on the successes of his tenure at the school...

Third-Graders Meet Catalysts of Change

The third-graders at GEMS World Academy-Chicago closed out the school year by considering how to bring about societal change. They visited with a number of Chicago organizations and individuals who are striving to create change in the community..

Why Risk-Taking Is Important In Education

Taking risks is part of the academic culture at GEMS World Academy-Chicago. In keeping with the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, which cites “risk-taker” as one of the attributes all learners should strive for, we encourage our students to ask questions...

Service Learning In Our Middle School

Middle School students completed four service-learning projects this semester. Each one encouraged students to design solutions to problems and issues they care about...

GEMS Hosts Panel Talk On Global Citizenship

GEMS World Academy-Chicago recently brought together a panel of accomplished thought-leaders to discuss one of the school’s cornerstone values: global citizenship...

GEMS, Harvard Collaborate for Bilingualism Talk

GEMS World Academy-Chicago collaborated with Harvard University's Brain.Experience.Education (BEE) Lab for a presentation on bilingualism and language development in young children...

GEMS Students Add Voices to Podcasting Site

GEMS students from a variety of grades have recorded and edited their own podcasts. The recordings feature personal stories, original works of fiction and reflections on class projects.

The Value of Play in Early-Childhood Education

Research has shown that periods of unstructured play during school can boost cognitive and social skills for young learners...

Project Empathy Connects Students to Malawi

Seventh-graders at GEMS World Academy-Chicago recently sent a portfolio of online content to a school in Malawi that has little access to the Internet. The transmission is part of Project Empathy, a global service project...

GEMS, Harvard Collaborate for Talk On Bilingualism

GEMS World Academy-Chicago and Harvard University will present a talk to GEMS parents later this month about second-language development in children. In a recent blog post, we explored the cognitive benefits of learning a new language.

GEMS To Host Global Citizenship Panel

Global citizenship is a cornerstone value at GEMS, and we are proud to host a panel discussion on the topic with experts from George Washington University, the Brookings Institution and other organizations. See how we put the value into action...

GEMS Officially Named an IB World School

GEMS World Academy-Chicago has earned designation as an International Baccalaureate World School — a confirmation of the school’s academic rigor and global approach...

GEMS to Host Summer Camps

GEMS World Academy – Chicago will host a slate of camps that will keep children's minds and bodies active during the warm summer months...

GEMS Students Become School Reporters

Students at GEMS World Academy-Chicago have jumped into the world of journalism in a big way, launching their own student newspaper and video newscast...

City Leaders Talk To GEMS Students About Disability

Officials from the mayor's office for people with disabilities talked to our first-graders about how to design buildings that are accessible for all...

Palestinian Educator Wins Global Teacher Prize

Palestinian educator Hanan Al Hroub has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for 2016. She received the award, which is handed out each year by the Varkey Foundation, at the annual Global Education and Skills Forum...

The Many Benefits of Extracurricular Involvement

Chess, fencing, dance, soccer, the Russian language — students at GEMS World Academy – Chicago can explore these and other interests after the final class of the day comes to an end. School leaders see extracurricular activities as...

GEMS Students to Deliver Content to the World

GEMS World Academy – Chicago recently announced an exciting partnership with Outernet, a local technology organization that helps deliver Internet-based content to users via satellite transmission...

New Leader to Build on Past Success at GEMS

Geoffrey Jones, the founding head of school at GEMS World Academy – Chicago, recently announced that he will retire at the end of the current school year. Kim Wargo, a distinguished educator...

A Different Take on Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parents and teachers play a big role in the conferences that take place each semester at GEMS World Academy – Chicago, but it’s the students who truly run the show.

GEMS students at every grade...

GEMS Building Profiled in Architecture Journal

As proud as we are of what happens inside GEMS World Academy – Chicago, we're also proud of the distinctive, colorful building our school community calls home...

Book Club Gets Students Excited About Reading

Student clubs are key components of the extracurricular offerings at GEMS World Academy – Chicago. The weekly Breakfast Book Club, which includes more than 30 third- and fourth-graders...

Broadcaster Helps Third-Graders Explore ...

A Chicago print and radio journalist recently visited GEMS World Academy – Chicago to help third-graders consider the diffe...

Preparing Your Child, and Yourself, for Preschool

GEMS World Academy – Chicago is launching a preschool program next school year for 3-year-olds. In this blog post, we offer tips to parents who have recently enrolled their children in preschool...

Vibrant Preschool Program Coming to GEMS

A group of younger faces will be part of the GEMS World Academy – Chicago learning community next school year, as we will be launching a preschool program...

GEMS Students Learn from StoryCorps

GEMS World Academy – Chicago students make use of the city of Chicago’s resources to learn from various experts in their fields. A Field Study to StoryCorps helped...

How to Help Your Child be a Good 'Digital Citizen'

The creative use of technology is a big part of our educational approach at GEMS World Academy – Chicago. Starting in our youngest grades, teachers encourage students to view technology as an additional...

Keeping Middle-Schoolers Interested in Reading

When J. K. Rowlinrowling.jpgg's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was published in 1997, kids weren't the only ones who were thrilled with the mega bestseller. Parents and educators were also thrilled...

Gifts That Will Stimulate Your Child’s Mind

Once again, it's that time of year when many of us are buying gifts for the youngsters in our lives. Kids often want to get their hands on the latest device or trendy toy, but we at GEMS World Academy – Chicago...

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