GRADES 6-8

Middle School

Overview

Middle School
at GEMS

Grades 6 through 8 are a time of rapid growth and change as students solidify their sense of self, hone their passions, and think critically about their place in the world. We nurture this deepening curiosity and growing sense of self through our inquiry-driven and academically rigorous curriculum.

at a glance

15

Average Class Size
100%

Teachers with Master's Degrees or higher
1

Semester-long laboratory-taught design course
5+

Competitive League Sports (and growing!)

A Supportive, Nurturing Environment

Teachers advise, mentor, lead, and actively listen as much as they facilitate and inspire thinking, questioning, and self-reflection. They take care to understand each student’s talents, interests, and how they form community with one another. This emphasis creates positive connections between peers and a supportive environment for all.

Academic & Personal Growth

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) aims to develop active learners and internationally minded people who empathize with others and pursue lives of meaning.

Curriculum

Facilities

Athletics

GEMS World Academy Chicago: Upper School Video (Grades 6 - 12)

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GEMS World Academy Chicago: Upper School Video (Grades 6 - 12)

Meet some of the unique teachers and students who make GEMS such a special place. Our program is recognized for rigorous instruction, critical thinking, and an emphasis on active, global citizenship necessary to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and independence for academic and personal success.

Experience GEMS in Augmented Reality

Learn More

At GEMS kids are smart in different ways and more interesting to talk to. They can have discussions about important events, even the ones that are hard to talk about.

Source: GEMS Student

GEMS is diverse. There are people from all over the world, not just different races. You get to experience other people.

Source: GEMS Student

There's a good combination of accelerated learning balanced with perspective on the world and how they fit in. It's exactly how I would design a school.

Source: GEMS Teacher

We have a culture that supports a growth mindset, risk taking, critical thinking and learning from mistakes.

Source: GEMS Teacher

Staff Spotlight

Co-Head of School

Tracey Wood

Years at Gems

Department

Leadership

Passions

Traveling, speaking French in authentic contexts, reading, dancing, history

Tracey Wood is the Head of Upper School, a new position at GEMS. Ms. Wood has worked as a teacher and school leader for 20 years, with a focus on International Baccalaureate schools. She comes to GEMS after serving as the director of international program and the IB coordinator at the International School of Boston.