What Parents Should Know About Academic Rigor

October 3, 2019

It is a common refrain from parents that education seems more "complicated" now than when they were growing up. It doesn't have to be. Our parent...

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ALL ABOUT ADMISSIONS: A PRIMER FROM GEMS WORLD ACADEMY

August 12, 2019

It feels like just yesterday we were starting the summer of 2019. Our teachers are back and gearing up for the 2019-2020 school year. We are...

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INSPIRING STUDENTS TO READ, EXPLORE AND DISCOVER

July 2, 2019

{This post is part of an ongoing series of profiles of GEMS World Academy faculty members.}

Emily Smith, the librarian at GEMS World Academy Chicago,...

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GEMS 101: A SCHOOL FOCUSED ON GIVING BACK

June 25, 2019

To many in our city, GEMS World Academy Chicago is a fairly new name. Given that we welcomed our first students just a few years ago in fall 2014, it...

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SIMPLE IDEA HELPS CHANGE FASHION AT HOME AND AT WORK

June 13, 2019

Welcome to our Community Innovators blog series! Innovation has been part of the DNA of GEMS Education schools since the organization’s founding in...

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DEVELOPING IDEAS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

May 31, 2019

Welcome to our Community Innovators blog series! Innovation has been part of the DNA of GEMS Education schools since the organization’s founding in...

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SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT HEALTHY EATING

May 21, 2019

Welcome to our Community Innovators blog series! Innovation has been part of the DNA of GEMS Education schools since the organization’s founding in...

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GEMS PARENT HELPS CREATE POPULAR CHICAGO BREWERY

May 14, 2019

Welcome to our Community Innovators blog series! Innovation has been part of the DNA of GEMS Education schools since the organization’s founding in...

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USING MATH TO HELP STUDENTS THINK, DESIGN AND INNOVATE

May 7, 2019

{This post is the first in an ongoing series of profiles of GEMS World Academy faculty members.}

A key tenet of the math program at GEMS World...

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GEMS 101: A SCHOOL BUILT ON MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF SUCCESS

April 26, 2019

To many in our city, GEMS World Academy Chicago is a fairly new name. Given that we welcomed our first students just a few years ago in fall 2014, it...

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GEMS FAMILIES MAKE INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS

April 23, 2019

In a way, families enrolled at GEMS World Academy Chicago actually belong to five different schools.

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EXCHANGING IDEAS, INNOVATION WITH TEACHERS OVERSEAS

April 3, 2019

Being part of a global network of schools means that GEMS World Academy Chicago can provide access to co-learning experiences with peers at sibling...

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CONNECTING WITH PEERS TO MAKE THE WORLD SMALLER

March 8, 2019

Read the news headlines on just about any given day, and the need for global education becomes clear. The social, political, economic and...

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ROOFTOP COMMONS OFFERS NEW PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

February 4, 2019

This is the third post in our #BuildingBiggerDreams series highlighting our new Upper School campus. Follow along on our blog and on social media as...

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CHARTING A PERSONAL PATH FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

January 18, 2019

{This post was written by Dee-Dee Sanders, the director of college counseling at GEMS World Academy Chicago.}

When people find out what I do, they...

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TWO-LEVEL LIBRARY IS THE 'HEART' OF NEW GEMS UPPER SCHOOL

January 4, 2019

This is the second post in our #BuildingBiggerDreams series highlighting our new Upper School campus opening fall 2019. Follow along on our blog and...

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ONE SPACE, MANY USES — THE GEMS UPPER SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

December 21, 2018

This is the first post in our #BuildingBiggerDreams series highlighting our new Upper School campus, which opens in the fall of 2019. Follow along...

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GEMS UPPER SCHOOL: THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION ARRIVES IN CHICAGO

November 15, 2018

The way we look at education is changing. It makes sense that how we design school buildings would follow suit.

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CAN WE TALK? TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WELL WITH KIDS

November 2, 2018

{This post was written by Scott Pasieka, Lower School counselor at GEMS World Academy Chicago.}

One of the many blessings that come with the...

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HOW STUDENTS CAN FIGHT THE PROCRASTINATION BUG

October 16, 2018

Procrastination is a common phenomenon that affects people of all ages and walks of life. In students, it often involves putting off studying for a...

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CELEBRATING LITERACY DURING BANNED BOOKS WEEK

September 25, 2018

Banned Books Week, which took place Sept. 23-29 in the United States, is an event that celebrates the freedom to read, as well as the exchange of...

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TECH IN EDUCATION: A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

September 13, 2018

{Third in a 3-part series}

An iPad, a recording studio and a 3-D printer are just tools. But when used in thoughtful, purposeful ways, these tools...

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NEW GEMS HEAD DRAWN TO SCHOOL'S 'ENTREPRENEURIAL' SPIRIT

August 28, 2018

GEMS World Academy Chicago is happy to welcome Tom Cangiano as our new head of school. Mr. Cangiano brings to the role a rich background in...

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TECH IN EDUCATION: A TOOL FOR SELF-EXPRESSION

June 27, 2018

{Second in a 3-part series}

It wasn't that long ago that technology was seen as something that squashed, or at least hindered, creativity and...

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WHEN LEARNING INSPIRES STUDENTS TO TAKE ACTION

June 6, 2018

Taking action is one of the essential elements of the Primary Years Program, the first phase of the International Baccalaureate curriculum framework....

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WHY YOUNG LEARNERS SHOULD EXPLORE COMPLEX MATERIAL

May 18, 2018

"Symbiosis" is a word that few people would expect to hear a 3-year-old say, much less understand. At GEMS World Academy Chicago, an entire preschool...

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THE LIBERAL ARTS CAN DRIVE SUCCESS IN A NETWORKED WORLD

April 23, 2018

According to a number of recent studies, more college-bound students are eschewing liberal arts majors like English and history for computer science...

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TECH IN EDUCATION: 'RAW MATERIAL' FOR INNOVATION

April 3, 2018

{First in a series}

Technology has the potential to spark fundamental change in how students learn and how teachers teach.

As the U.S. Department of...

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THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS A HUB OF LEARNING, CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION

March 16, 2018

This post was written by Johanna Schooley, librarian at GEMS World Academy Chicago. 

Gone are the days when the only educational connections/links...

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HOW STUDENT REFLECTION CAN BOOST LEARNING

February 22, 2018

Most of us can remember instances from our school days when we worked feverishly to complete assignments or projects by the due date. But after...

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SIX REASONS A DESIGN LAB IS ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING

January 30, 2018

Walk into the Design & Innovation Lab at GEMS World Academy Chicago, and you'll likely find yourself gripped by the desire to make something.

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MOBILE LEARNING IS NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS

January 18, 2018

A foundational tenet of the mission at GEMS World Academy Chicago is that learning happens everywhere.

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EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ART IN PROPAGANDA 

December 15, 2017

Art as self-expression. Art as activism. Art as weapon.

A group of eighth-graders at GEMS World Academy Chicago recently explored the ways in which...

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FROM A TO ZZZZZZ: WHY TEENS NEED MORE SLEEP

November 29, 2017

In a culture that treats sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and working to the point of physical and mental burnout as a badge of honor, making the case...

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HOW UNITS OF STUDY 'TALK' IN THE IB CURRICULUM

November 14, 2017

Pre-K students at GEMS World Academy Chicago complete a unit on symbiosis, which revolves around the idea that humans and animals rely upon and...

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WHEN GRADES COLLABORATE AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

October 31, 2017

Schools serving a student population that spans pre-K through Grade 12 can offer a unique benefit — the chance for younger and older students to...

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HOW TO SPARK ENGAGEMENT IN YOUR TEENAGER

October 11, 2017

Is your teen lackluster about school? Do you worry that she seems to be, not failing exactly, but disengaged or apathetic about class? If so, you're...

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TEACHER STAYS POSITIVE DURING, AND AFTER, CANCER FIGHT

September 27, 2017

This blog post was written by Taneal Sanders, Grade 5 teacher at GEMS World Academy Chicago.

Here I am, a 41-year-old woman, whose least favorite...

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THE ROLE OF SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN A CURRICULUM

September 18, 2017

The concept of social and emotional learning (SEL) in education has steadily gained traction in recent years. SEL both supports and enhances core...

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'FAILURE' CAN BE A POSITIVE TOOL IN THE CLASSROOM

August 29, 2017

In a highly competitive and achievement-driven culture, the thought of failure as a positive outcome in the classroom can seem counterintuitive (if...

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THE LINK BETWEEN ART EDUCATION AND CRITICAL THINKING

August 7, 2017

Why study art in school?

The question has asked been repeatedly over the years, often igniting passionate debate. One reason the question comes up is...

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GRAPHIC NOVELS BUILD EMPATHY AND SERVE AS 'GATEWAYS TO LITERACY'

July 10, 2017

Parents and educators can find it challenging to get children of all ages motivated and excited about reading, especially in the digital age. A...

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HOW TRAVEL CAN ENRICH STUDENTS' MINDS

June 28, 2017

One of the ideas embedded in the academic approach at GEMS World Academy Chicago is that learning happens everywhere — not just within the classroom...

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THE SKILLS TODAY'S STUDENTS NEED TO BE LEADERS TOMORROW

June 20, 2017

Every year, global finance company Bloomberg conducts an exhaustive survey of recruiters to find out what skills are most in demand by employers, and...

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HOW TO AVOID SUMMER 'BRAIN DRAIN'

June 5, 2017

Having a summer vacation is a healthy chance for children to take a break from the routine of spending their days in the classroom, and it's an...

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HOW SCHOOLS, PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS IDENTIFY 'FAKE NEWS'

May 23, 2017

The phenomenon of "fake news," while not new, became a popular topic of conversation during the 2016 presidential campaign, when numerous fabricated...

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FOCUS ON A TRANSDISCIPLINARY UNIT: ACCESSIBILITY

May 4, 2017

A key component of the academic program at GEMS World Academy Chicago is that we tie disciplines together in our daily inquiries. This...

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WHY FEEDBACK FROM PEERS HELPS STUDENTS LEARN

April 26, 2017

Peer feedback — students offering constructive critiques of each other's work — is a key component of the learning process at many schools....
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Q-AND-A WITH SCIENCE 'NERD' KYLE HILL

April 3, 2017

Science writer and Internet personality Kyle Hill has cultivated a devoted following by exploring the connection between science and pop culture. He...

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WHY WE TEACH WRITING IN THE AGE OF TWITTER AND SNAPCHAT

March 24, 2017

At a time when so much information is shared via video content, hashtags or 140-character posts, it might seem that schools should devote less time...
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PARTNERING IN THE EFFORT TO CREATE AND INNOVATE

March 16, 2017

A group of teachers from GEMS World Academy Chicago recently visited Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab, which deploys robotics in an effort to...

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RECESS AS A TOOL FOR GROWING AND LEARNING

March 8, 2017

Recess is often viewed as the time when students take a break from the learning they do in school. But reseach shows that in fact, recess is itself a...

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THE 'STEAM' CONCEPTS BEHIND OUR NATIONAL PASTIME

February 21, 2017

Baseball season is the best time of the year for many fans, but it's also a great time for STEAM educators, regardless of their interest in the game. 

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STUDENT REPORT CARDS: GOING BEYOND THE A,B,Cs

February 7, 2017

For generations, we have accepted letter grades like A, B, and C as fair and accurate measures of student performance. But a number of schools, both...
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HOW GAMES CAN HONE SKILLS AND SPARK DISCOVERY

January 26, 2017

GEMS Middle School math teacher Richard Getzel writes this blog post about how the use of games in math class can help students master math concepts...

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VALUE OF ROBOTICS GOES BEYOND SCIENCE CLASS

January 19, 2017

For years, the use of robotics in science and math lessons has been heralded as a way to bring an innovative and exciting teaching model to the...

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LEARNING BY EXPLORING THE OUTSIDE WORLD

January 12, 2017

As part of the innovative Field Studies program at GEMS World Academy Chicago, students regularly venture outside our school walls to explore...

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THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF A PREK-THROUGH-GRADE-12 SCHOOL

January 5, 2017

The school environment is critical for a youth's social and academic development. Combined with home, family and social circles, school largely...

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NEW YEAR'S TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

December 29, 2016

Americans ring in the new year with parties, countdowns, midnight kisses and the ball drop in Times Square. But what do people do in other cultures?...

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THE ROLE THAT THE 'A' PLAYS IN 'STEAM' EDUCATION

December 19, 2016

Schools across the country are adding an “A” to the course of study commonly known as STEM.
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DIGITAL OR PRINT, ENGAGEMENT WITH BOOKS IS WHAT MATTERS

December 7, 2016

The experience of reading has changed dramatically during the past decade or so. Traditional print books remain the format of choice for most...

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PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR COLLEGE-LEVEL THINKING

November 9, 2016

Many parents begin planning for their children's college education shortly after their kids are born, if not earlier than that.

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WHAT YOUNG VIEWERS CAN LEARN FROM THE OLYMPICS

August 9, 2016

This summer, elite athletes from 205 countries are competing in more than 300 events at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. In addition to being a...

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UNSTRUCTURED FAMILY TIME A GOOD PLAN FOR SUMMER

July 18, 2016

While the summer months often conjure up thoughts of lazy days spent at the playground and under the sprinkler, this isn't the reality for many...

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LEADING GEMS WORLD ACADEMY WAS 'A TREMENDOUS HONOR'

July 1, 2016

Geoff Jones, the founding head of school at GEMS World Academy-Chicago, reflects on his time at GEMS as he retires from a 45-year career in education.

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WHY RISK-TAKING IS IMPORTANT IN EDUCATION

June 8, 2016

Taking risks is part of the academic culture at GEMS World Academy-Chicago. In keeping with the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, which...

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GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION AT GEMS

May 28, 2016

Global citizenship is a cornerstone value of GEMS World Academy-Chicago, one that defines both our approach and our community.

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THE POWER OF SERVICE LEARNING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

May 20, 2016

Design thinking and a commitment to service intersected throughout the semester for Middle School students at GEMS World Academy-Chicago.

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May 8, 2016

GEMS World Academy-Chicago is committed to forming lasting relationships between our faculty and parents to create a nurturing environment for our...

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THE VALUE OF PLAY IN EARLY-CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

April 26, 2016

The old adage warning against a life of "all work and no play" actually may be true, at least when it comes to early-childhood learning. Research...
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BEATING THE RAINY-DAY BLUES ... WITH NO ADDED SCREEN TIME

March 24, 2016

The beginning of spring can be a magical time for children, especially here in the Chicago area. After months spent huddling indoors on frigid winter...

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THE MANY BENEFITS OF EXTRACURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT

March 9, 2016

Chess, fencing, dance, soccer, the Russian language — students at GEMS World Academy-Chicago can explore these and other interests after the final...

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GEMS STUDENTS DELIVER CONTENT TO THE WORLD

February 19, 2016

GEMS World Academy-Chicago recently announced an exciting partnership with Outernet, a local technology organization that helps deliver...

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A DIFFERENT TAKE ON PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

January 28, 2016

The student's participation is essential.

Parents and teachers play a big role in the conferences that take place each semester at GEMS World...

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PREPARING YOUR CHILD, AND YOURSELF, FOR PRESCHOOL

January 14, 2016

Choosing whether to send your child to preschool is one of the toughest decisions you will make as a parent. From worrying about tears being shed at...
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HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD BE A GOOD 'DIGITAL CITIZEN'

January 5, 2016

The creative use of technology is a big part of our educational approach at GEMS World Academy-Chicago. Starting in our youngest grades, teachers...

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KEEPING MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS INTERESTED IN READING

December 15, 2015

When J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was published in 1997, kids weren't the only ones who were thrilled with the mega...

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GIFTS THAT WILL STIMULATE YOUR CHILD'S MIND

December 3, 2015

Have a child on your gift list?
They seem to come without warning — birthdays, holidays, religious occasions and all manner of other moments when...
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HOW PEOPLE GIVE THANKS AROUND THE WORLD

November 24, 2015

In the United States, Thanksgiving is the time when families gather together and express gratitude for all they have — often while enjoying the...

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STUDYING LANGUAGE PROVIDES LASTING COGNITIVE BENEFITS

November 17, 2015

Ask people to list the benefits of studying a world language in school, and they'll probably talk about enhanced communication skills and broadened...
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MUSEUMS KEY PART OF GLOBAL APPROACH AT GEMS

October 27, 2015

GEMS World Academy-Chicago proudly supports our city's many museums. They offer access to world treasures, important historical context and hands-on...

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HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

October 22, 2015

Halloween is almost here! In the United States, Halloween is a time for jack-o-lanterns, costumes, bonfires and trick-or-treating. It's one of the...

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HOW PROFESSIONAL LEARNING LEADS TO INNOVATION

October 16, 2015

Thomas Steele-Maley, lead technology and innovation officer at GEMS World Academy-Chicago, writes about the importance of the school's professional...
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PRESCHOOL BUILDS AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CHILD

October 8, 2015

When it comes to your child's education, the early years are some of the most important. A good preschool lays the foundation for a lifetime of...

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THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MIDDLE-SCHOOL YEARS

September 15, 2015

Education’s forgotten middle child?

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A REMINDER ABOUT THE POWER OF BOOKS

September 1, 2015

I) WHY SHOULD I READ?

“The importance of reading as an avenue to improved reading has been stressed by theorists, researchers, and practitioners...

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A LOOK AHEAD AT YEAR 2 FOR GEMS WORLD ACADEMY

August 17, 2015

Geoff Jones, head of school at GEMS World Academy-Chicago, takes a look at the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for teachers, students and...

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EASING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRANSITION

August 10, 2015

 It's that time again...

For many kids, few transitions are as thorny as the one leading from summer vacation to school.

The relative freedom of the...

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STRIKING A BALANCE IN THE GREAT HOMEWORK DEBATE

July 28, 2015

Homework – the word alone can make students (and some parents) turn pale with dread. For generations, though, educators have relied on homework to...

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WE FLIP THE CLASSROOM, PARENTS FLIP THE HOME

July 9, 2015

It’s no secret that parental involvement in education translates directly to student success. At GEMS World Academy-Chicago, we often use the flipped...

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIELD STUDIES

June 26, 2015

TechWeek Chicago: June 26th at 3:30pm at Booth 1094

ISTE 2015: June 27 Pre-Conference Session: Mobile Mega Share from 2:00-6:00pm

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GEMS WORLD ACADEMY GOES TO TECHWEEK

June 23, 2015

This year, GEMS World Academy-Chicago will be exhibiting, sponsoring, and leading programs at Techweek Chicago. Our Director of Technology and...
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AN EXPERIENTIAL CAPSTONE

June 10, 2015

GEMS World Academy-Chicago's middle-school students are finishing the school year by spending the week at the NIU Lorado Taft Outdoor Education...

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CELEBRATING TEACHERS IN AN ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

June 1, 2015

We are at a great turning point in education, one where increasing social and political pressures are making it harder for teachers to do their jobs....

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THE VALUE OF GAME-BASED LEARNING IN EDUCATION

May 26, 2015

Most kids love video games, but there continues to be debate on whether or not they have a place in the classroom.

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A YEAR IN REVIEW

May 14, 2015

Our Head of School, Geoff Jones, reflects on GEMS World Academy-Chicago's first year and what we have to look forward to in the future.

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS' SKILLS SHARP OVER THE SUMMER

May 7, 2015

We’ve all heard of the “Summer Slide” — where students can lose as much as 20 percent of what they’ve learned in school if there’s no stimulus during...

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DESIGN AND INNOVATION LAB OPENS

April 23, 2015

This week we were pleased to have CEO Denise Galluci and Head of School Geoff Jones officialy open The GEMS World Academy Design and Innovation Lab.  

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CULTIVATING A LOVE OF LITERATURE

April 23, 2015

By Karen Percak, Librarian and Media Specialist at GEMS World Academy-Chicago

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ADMISSIONS LETTERS ARE OUT, NOW WHAT?

April 16, 2015

Most Chicago private schools have already sent out their acceptance / rejection letters, leaving many parents still unsure of where their children...

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HOW TO COMMUNICATE BETTER WITH YOUR TEENAGER

April 10, 2015

Of all the stages in your child’s growth, the teenage years can be particularly challenging. Teenagers go through lots of developmental and...

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A Chicago School for the Future

April 3, 2015

How should a premier school in downtown Chicago prepare kids for the future? When Microsoft Research thinks to the near future they see a world...

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8 GREAT EDUCATIONAL APPS FOR CHILDREN

March 6, 2015

As early as infancy, children are fascinated by screens and by the time they reach pre-school, your kids are probably swiping your smart phone or...

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ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS, AND APTITUDE

February 20, 2015

This month marks the fifth anniversary of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative aimed at raising a generation of healthy kids. An...

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Valentine's Traditions From Around the World

February 12, 2015

In the United States, Valentine’s Day has expanded beyond the traditional commemoration of romantic love. Students often celebrate by exchanging...

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SCREEN-TIME: BENEFICIAL OR DETRIMENTAL?

February 5, 2015

We live in a world of screens. We read our morning paper on an iPad, commute while answering emails on our phones, go to work and stare at a computer...

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8 CHICAGO HIDDEN GEMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

January 29, 2015

GEMS World Academy is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, which means we’re steps away from the city’s hottest tourist attractions. If you’ve...

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DIY.org: Cultivating A Generation of Connected Learners

January 8, 2015

We know the world has drastically changed for our children. For them to be successful in today’s networked world, they will need new strategies and...

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A New Year of Possibility

January 6, 2015

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Field Studies

November 25, 2014

For students to become global citizens they must explore, ask questions, observe, empathize and act in the world without borders. During the year a...

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The Global One Room Schoolhouse

October 25, 2014

At GEMS World Academy-Chicago we think John Seeley-Brown has something big to say about innovation in education.

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Connected and Blended Learning With Canvas

October 13, 2014

Practicing connected and blended learning has never been more important. Along with learning in our state of the art school building and throughout...

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Field Studies with Paper by 53

October 13, 2014

Art teacher Elysia Sheehan believes in transdiciplinary connections and Field Studies. Her work exhibits the talent and creativity of our students...

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A Look Back at Explorers Camp

October 10, 2014

What is Explorers Camp?

Students used iPads and basic ethnographic methods to observe the environment and interview people their landscape.

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Explore Gems World Academy

October 3, 2014

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