First GEMS World Academy K-12 School Opens in the United States

CHICAGO, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening September 2014 in the Lakeshore East section of Chicago, GEMS World Academy (GWA) will be the first school in the United States connected to the GEMS global network of international schools.  Developed for Chicago with a $160 million investment by GEMS Education, the largest K-12 private education operator in the world, this school will provide students the opportunity to interact with their peers in other cities around the world from over 150 nationalities. This unique learning environment is designed to prepare students for a world that is more interconnected than ever before.

The school will provide students with international education program through the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The IBO is a program that is recognised by leading universities around the world.  GEMS IB Diploma students have been recruited and accepted into more than 350 universities worldwide.

GWA students will study world languages, participate in global initiatives and specially designed extracurricular activities and sports programs that encourage and develop leadership skills through peer interaction.

"Our teachers will use our many resources on campus, in Chicago and across the globe to create engaging learning environments," said Geoff Jones, Head of GWA Chicago. "Our goal is to prepare our students for leadership here and abroad."  

Mr Jones is a former principal of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Upper School and held leadership roles at other premiere schools in the United States.

GWA Chicago will offer one school, (grades K-12) housed in two state-of-the-art facilities that combine generous classroom space, cutting edge technologies, a planetarium, media center, fitness center, an 25-meter swimming pool and a 500-seat auditorium rivaling the top learning centers around the world.

While all the academies under GEMS Education focus on academic excellence, they are also dedicated to the concept of "Ad Vitam Paramus" - "preparing for life."  GWA, Chicago will encourage independent learning, empowering students to take on personal responsibility and will look to develop a student's character, talents, skills, creativity, values, entrepreneurship and leadership.  The school will support parents by reinforcing basic human values such as honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality and respect, all reflected in a defined learner profile.

"Chicago is a world-class city and GEMS offers a world-class education that prepares students to compete in today's global economy," said Sunny Varkey, Chairman of GEMS Education.

GEMS World Academies (GWA) is the only network of schools in the world with an established shared learning community, linked and supported by a common vision, a shared curriculum, collective development, smart technology and innovative, challenging programs. In addition, GWA Chicago students will lead and participate in charitable activities that serve Chicago but also the wider international community. Former US President Bill Clinton is the Honorary Chair of the philanthropic arm of GEMS Education, the Varkey GEMS Foundation.

About GEMS Education
Founded in 1959, GEMS Education is an international K – 12 Education Company. Its vision is to be the world's leading provider of quality education, enriching the lives of millions of children and the communities in which they live. GEMS Education works across three sectors: private, public and philanthropic. In the private sector, the company is the largest kindergarten to grade 12 education provider in the world. It educates 130,000 students from over 150 nationalities across four continents. GEMS Education employs over 11,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 80 countries. In the public sector, GEMS Education works with governments to enhance school performance and improve the standards and expertise of government schools across the globe. The Varkey GEMS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of GEMS Education with the aim of impacting 100 underprivileged children for every child enrolled in a GEMS Education school. The Honorary Chair of the Foundation is former US President, Bill Clinton. GEMS Education has offices in Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States of America, India, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gemseducation.com/

SOURCE GEMS Education