Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
400 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
40 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Mandarin, Spanish |
| Average number of students per class |
The average class size at GWAC is 16 for preschool, 18 for junior kindergarten, 20 for kindergarten, and 22 for grades 1 and up. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is ever-present in our lives today. As such, GWAC is thoughtful about how it integrates it into its classrooms, ensuring that it always fuels and facilitates learning or presents a study opportunity in and of itself. Beyond computers and tablets, to which all students have access, students work with 3D printers, virtual reality devices, artificial intelligence, robots, drones, woodworking tools, Adobe Creative Suite, and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| School start time |
8:15 |
| School finish time |
Between 15:00 and 15:30 depending on the grade level. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
GWAC offers before-school care starting at 7:15. Afterschool program for Lower School offers a range of additional learning opportunities for students at all age levels. GWAC afterschool care and extracurriculars go no later than 18:00 (with some athletic events being the exception). |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Arts and crafts, theater club, board game, creative movement, cheerleading, tennis, yoga and mindfulness practice, karate, German, cooking, history of art taught in Russian, comedy class, gymnastics, Bollywood dance, drawing, dance, coding, Spanish, fencing, soccer, volleyball, book club, fitness, basketball, swimming, hip hop |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Multi-purpose gym |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
GEMS World Academy Chicago is a preschool-grade 12 independent school located in the heart of downtown Chicago. GWAC is an International Baccalaureate school. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
GWAC's mission is to inspire inquiring, knowledgeable, reflective, and intercultural learners to become morally responsible leaders with the skills and attributes necessary to create a more connected and prosperous world. |