GEMS World Academy Chicago serves students Pre-K (3 year old by 12/31) through 8th grade in the heart of the city and is the first school in the United States from award-winning educator GEMS Education.
Through the use of the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program and thoughtfully integrated technology, world languages and field experiences, we are preparing our students with the skills and perspective necessary for thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 343 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
GEMS World Academy Chicago ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
2014
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
343 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
50%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
School Notes
- GEMS World Academy creates engaged, enthusiastic learners with global perspectives. Our students excel at making meaningful cross-cultural connections. With flowing learning and social spaces, creative use of technology, and expanded opportunities for local and international field studies, we're preparing our students to become Chicago's global leaders.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does GEMS World Academy Chicago offer?
GEMS World Academy Chicago offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, E-sports, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is GEMS World Academy Chicago's ranking?
GEMS World Academy Chicago ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for GEMS World Academy Chicago?
The application deadline for GEMS World Academy Chicago is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is GEMS World Academy Chicago located?
GEMS World Academy Chicago is located in the Chicago Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 5 other private schools located in Chicago Loop.
School Reviews
5 11/15/2024
We're so excited to share our amazing experience with GEMS World Academy, where our daughter has just started her sixth year. Finding the right school was incredibly important to us, and GEMS has surpassed our expectations in every way.The IB curriculum at GEMS is fantastic. It not only challenges our daughter academically but also sparks her curiosity and love for learning. We've seen her grow into a thoughtful, globally-minded young person-skills that are so important today.What really makes GEMS special is the incredible care and dedication from the teachers. They truly invest in each student's success and well-being. Our daughter has received such personalized support and encouragement, and it's made a huge difference in both her academics and her social development. The teachers' commitment to her growth has been so inspiring. We've watched her blossom in this nurturing environment. She's more confident, creative, and collaborative, and she's made wonderful friendships along the way. The focus on her overall development has helped her grow not just academically, but as a well-rounded individual.GEMS has become more than just a school to us-it's a community where our daughter feels happy and supported. We're so grateful for the positive impact it's had on her life. For any parent looking for a school that offers both academic excellence and a personalized, caring approach, we can't recommend GEMS World Academy enough. It's been a truly transformative experience for our daughter and our family.
5 4/8/2022
Love GEMS` IB PROGRAM. Its Culture diversity/STEMS/ART/teachers -our children walk to school happily.
5 3/30/2022
We are so impressed with every aspect of this school! It`s a very holistic, well-rounded approach to education. Literacy, world language, the arts, STEAM, global citizenship, social justice, and being a good person are all valued at GEMS. Students receive language instruction EVERY day (your choice of Spanish, Mandarin, or French). Class sizes are small, and the teachers take the time to get to know their students individually. We feel connected to what is happening at school because we receive frequent updates and communication. The school is in the heart of the city and close to everything - museums, parks, the river, and more! We love that the teachers create meaningful learning experiences all around the city, and field studies are an important component of the curriculum.
5 2/7/2022
This is such a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community! GEMS students are kind, hardworking, and motivated to make a positive impact in the world. GEMS teachers are knowledgeable experts in their fields, passionate about education, and truly care about their students. The IB curriculum instills curiosity, a love of learning, and a global awareness. GEMS is the only school in Illinois that is accredited for the entire IB continuum - preschool through high school. The COVID pandemic has been handled exceptionally well, and both physical and mental health are top priorities.
5 4/6/2019
We had 2 children at this school one in middle school and one in 3rd grade. The teachers were fabulous especially are art and Ms Annadurai. The facilities were best in class and had we not moved away and were we to return to we would certainly return. Don`t be put off by the cost as the school wants to have wonderful students and will support you in helping you fairly be able to afford having your children attend. Unlike other Chicago schools this is not about legacy, who you know or how much money you have it is about education and setting up future global minded citizens.
5 11/2/2018
This the best school! We've had a great experience at this school for almost 3 years now. Couldn't ask for better teachers. They are dedicated, passionate about their subjects, creative and give the kids much needed personal attention in small classroom settings. The Middle school here is truly a great place and the kids are learning at the highest level while creating friendships along the way. The students here are smart, kind, caring and worldly. Our son is very happy here and achieves all the educational goals we set with him. We couldn't be happier here. He previously attended both a highly rated CPS school as well as a parochial school and they do not compare to this experience. We feel fortunate that we found it and that he can go through Middle and High school years here.
5 3/9/2018
GEMS and the IB program have been an incredible experience for our kids. There's a strong focus on social-emotional development, and the inquiry-based learning is such a welcomed departure from the typical "sit, listen, memorize, test" formula that we saw in so many other schools. Because the IB program focuses so much on concepts, the kids learn how to think rather than memorize answers (and as a result, my 7-year-old can do math problems in her head and is making connections that I couldn't have made until I was probably 12!). We like how the school uses technology in a meaningful way and how our kids have such close friendships with kids from other countries and cultures. They're often out and about on field studies, they have foreign language classes every day, and the teachers have impressive backgrounds. The school really does care about creating global citizens and puts a ton of resources into making it happen. Could not be happier, and my kids love going to school every day... which says everything. If there's another school out there like it, we haven't found it.
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