GRADES 9-12
Upper School
Overview
Upper School at GEMS
Students tackle challenging problems and grapple with complex, real-life issues throughout their studies in the Middle Years Program (9–10) and the Diploma Program (11–12). Our goal is to prepare students with the knowledge, skill, and independence for academic and personal success.
at a glance
Independence & College Readiness
Our dedicated college counselor meets with every student regularly to support them in college planning and selection. By the time of graduation, students are confident, independent, and have maximized all opportunities to distinguish themselves. GEMS graduates are empowered to take charge of their learning and their futures.
Understanding the IB Diploma Program
In this video from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), learn more about the Diploma Programme, whic encompasses the last tw years of a student's education at GEMS.
Any school can teach a child to read, write, and do math, but the GEMS helps shape the whole child. My son has developed into a socially conscious, inquisitive, and sensitive person.
All the people here appreciate your opinion, right or wrong.
In math, I'm more focused on taking it in, not memorizing it and forgetting it later.
Kids are very diverse. In my class there are Latinas, an Egyptian, a Middle Easterner, a girl from France, African-Americans and white kids from Chicago and diverse personalities.
Staff Spotlight
Upper School Math Teacher
Richard Getzel
Years at Gems
4
Department
Middle School Faculty, Upper School Faculty
Passions
Travel, furniture building, tabletop gaming, baseball, languages
Richard Getzel teaches Middle School and Upper School mathematics at GEMS. Before joining our staff in 2016, he spent seven years teaching at Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 in Bayside, NY — his own alma mater. Richard taught mathematics for all middle-school grades, including the gifted and talented cohort, an experience which solidified his abilities to differentiate, accelerate and enrich instruction. He firmly believes that all students, regardless of ability, should be challenged and excited by mathematics everyday. Richard's teaching style is transdisciplinary, active and lively.
BLOG & NEWS
Upper School Headlines
Connecting with Peers to Make the World Smaller
March 07, 2019
Explore a Unit: A More Perfect Union (Grade 8)
March 12, 2019UPCOMING EVENTS
Get Involved
Ivy Room at Tree Studios
12 E. Ohio St.
General Admission: $125
Faculty/Staff: $100
Join GEMS parents, faculty, and staff at the Masquerade Ungala, our annual fundraiser! Enjoy appetizers and food stations, drinks, dancing, and casinos.
Tickets Here!To inspire inquiring, knowledgeable, reflective, and intercultural learners to become morally responsible leaders.
Quick Links
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