GEMS World Academy: Chicago

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GEMS World Academy Chicago is an independent school catering to preschool through grade 8, situated in the vibrant downtown area of Chicago. We inspire our students to question norms and aspire to be the leaders of positive change in the future.

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A Family's Vision for the Future of Education

In 1959, KS Varkey and his wife, Mariamma, departed India in pursuit of better opportunities for their family. They settled as educators in Dubai, where they swiftly recognized the transformative potential of education in fostering cross-cultural understanding and paving the way for students from diverse backgrounds in the rapidly growing city. What began as a local ambition soon blossomed into a global vision: to democratize access to quality education. From a modest school staffed by three teachers and attended by 27 students, GEMS Education emerged, evolving into one of the largest education conglomerates worldwide, serving over 250,000 students from 170 countries across four continents. Under the stewardship of Chairman Sunny Varkey, GEMS has become synonymous with forward-looking and innovative education, equipping today's learners to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Nearly six decades later, the Varkeys' original and uncomplicated aspiration to reach as many students as possible remains steadfast. Through the Varkey Foundation, the lives of 100 underprivileged students are positively impacted for every one student enrolled in a GEMS school through initiatives such as teacher training, advocacy, infrastructure enhancements, and more.

GEMS World Academy Chicago welcomed its inaugural cohort of students in 2014, joining a network of international schools dedicated to nurturing the next generation of changemakers who possess a local grounding but global outlook. Our close collaboration with campuses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore offers unparalleled opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, empowering students to engage in projects that inspire fresh perspectives, challenge conventional wisdom, and cultivate the resilience needed to embrace an uncertain future.