How to Apply GWAC | GEMS World Academy Chicago

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in GEMS World Academy Chicago. We are committed to enrolling students and families who are supportive of our mission to prepare students to be resilient, empathetic, and morally responsible contributors to the local and global communities. Our aim is for you to find our admissions process to be thoughtful, personal, seamless, and comfortable. Our admissions team is here to help you at any point; no question is too small.

Now in Rolling Admissions Phase for 2021-22 applicants.

Looking for in person learning for the 2020-2021 school year? We have a limited number of spaces for new students. We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis for the 2020-21 school year. If you would like to apply for the current school year, please use the button below.

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The 2021-2022 Admissions Cycle, Dates & Deadlines

The dates of our admissions are most closely aligned to fellow independent schools in Chicago.

Application Submission Deadline: January 15, 2021 (After this date, we move to a rolling admissions phase and accept qualified applicants if space is available.)
Application Profile Completion Deadline: February 15, 2021
Admissions Decision Notification: Week of March 05, 2021
Admissions Decision by: March 19, 2021

GEMS ADMISSIONS

The Application Process

Virtual Visit

There is nothing like seeing a potential school in person, but in the current COVID environment, we have restricted access to the building for the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. However, prospective families will have the opportunity to learn more about our mission, values, philosophy, and approach by attending our virtual events. Right now, visiting virtually is the best way to determine if GEMS is the right fit for your child and family.

Visit

Apply

Apply online here. After you submit the application, we will guide you toward a complete application. Requirements vary by grade, but include submission of historical school records, test scores, and report cards, a parent meeting with admissions, and teacher recommendation(s), and a grade-appropriate assessment:

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Decision

Decisions are issued as soon as all application requirements are met and tuition has been set for the upcoming school year.

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Enroll

If your child is admitted, you will be provided with a link to pay the enrollment deposit and sign the enrollment agreement. Enrollment is not secured until both the agreement and deposit are received. Our enrollment deposit is 10% of tuition.

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Admissions Requirements

After you submit the application, we will guide you toward completion of the application process. Requirements vary by grade level, but include submission of historical school records, test scores, report cards, a parent meeting with admissions, teacher recommendation(s), and a grade-appropriate assessment:

Preschool-kindergarten: playgroups conducted by our early learning staff
Grades 1-4: school visit/shadow day and GEMS assessment
Grades 5-10: school visit/shadow day and ISEE, SSAT, ACT, Aspire, or PSAT scores
Grades 11-12 Diploma Program: school visit/shadow day and ISEE, SSAT, ACT, Aspire, or PSAT scores, world language assessment (where applicable)

Please note that depending on the timing of your application, alternative requirements may be in place due to COVID-19 health safety protocols for our current students and faculty. At this point in time, we are not scheduling any shadow visits for applicants. We may request additional information in lieu of shadow, if necessary.

To inspire inquiring, knowledgeable, reflective, and intercultural learners to become morally responsible leaders.

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