At-a-Glance
We are an independent private high school unlike any other in Chicago.
| 2010 | Year founded |
| 7:1 | Student to teacher ratio |
| 16 | Maximum classroom size |
| 86% | Teachers with advanced degrees |
| 50% | Students receiving financial aid |
| 100% | GCE graduates accepted into college |
| 80% | GCE graduates receiving merit-based scholarship for college |
| 3 | GCE graduates earning coveted Posse Scholarships |
| $4,550 – $28,650 | Flexible Tuition 2019-20 |
Our Mission
GCE Lab School cultivates global citizens ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Through blended, project-based learning, we foster a diverse community of learners who use the city as a classroom to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to courageously take action locally and globally.
Our Values
These values serve as guiding principles that define our climate, culture, and practice.
Real-world
Using the city as an extension of the classroom, students embrace real-world applications and connections, and understand the relevancy of their academic studies.
Global Citizenship
GCE develops a global mindset in students, using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to inform our curriculum and help prioritize issues demanding our attention.
Community
Diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to our learning. GCE’s inclusive community provides a safe space for students to develop and practice empathy, compassion, gratitude, kindness, adaptability, curiosity, and risk-taking.
Agency
GCE fosters a climate and culture where students take ownership of their learning, are intrinsically motivated, learn more deeply, and collaborate more purposefully with their peers.
Laboratory
With the flexibility and structure that are characteristic of a lab, GCE’s learner-centric environment aims to further the innovation of global education and real-world learning in order to equitably prepare all students for success.
Real-world
Using the city as an extension of the classroom, students embrace real-world applications and connections, and understand the relevancy of their academic studies.
Global Citizenship
GCE develops a global mindset in students, using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to inform our curriculum and help prioritize issues demanding our attention.
Community
Diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to our learning. GCE’s inclusive community provides a safe space for students to develop and practice empathy, compassion, gratitude, kindness, adaptability, curiosity, and risk-taking.
Agency
GCE fosters a climate and culture where students take ownership of their learning, are intrinsically motivated, learn more deeply, and collaborate more purposefully with their peers.
Laboratory
With the flexibility and structure that are characteristic of a lab, GCE’s learner-centric environment aims to further the innovation of global education and real-world learning in order to equitably prepare all students for success.
Our Team
Board of Trustees
Board of Directors
Sheryl Curcio
Board Founder and Chair
Andrew Davis
Treasurer
Lisa Humphrey
Secretary
Art Andros
Director, Alumni Parent
Jeff Johnson
Director
Matt Prewitt
Director Alumni Parent
Rodney Morris
Director
Associate Board
Colin Hanner
President
Conor Durkin
Treasurer
Myles Gage
Associate
Caitlin Hanner
Associate
Alexandria Wilhelm
Associate
Derek Hanner
Associate
Megan Felz
Associate
Oliver Jackson
Associate
Advisory Board
Eric Davis
Founder GCE Lab School
Liz Dozier
Managing Director Chicago Beyond
Laura Hartman
Founder L’Ecole de Choix (Haiti), Professor DePaul University
Eleanor Nicholson
Co-Founder High Jump & Progressive Educator
Stephen Wilkins
Manager Grants Committee
Our Campus
Our Lincoln Park campus includes a number of unique learning spaces designed to facilitate active learning and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Many answers can be found here by by browsing through our Frequently Asked Questions. If you do not see what you are looking for, or you would like to speak with someone at GCE Lab School, please call 312.643.0991
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How much is tuition?
To ensure the accessibility of the GCE experience to all and to encourage specifically socioeconomic diversity, we have adopted Flexible Tuition. A family’s tuition obligation is indexed according to a family’s ability to pay. Families of particular means and good fortune afford tuition near the top of the scale and may contribute generously to school advancement campaigns. Other families, for whom education expenses require sacrifice, are assigned a tuition they can afford.
Flexible Tuition in 2019-2020 will range, $4,550 – $28,650.
When are applications due for 9th graders?
Applicatons are due by March 2, 2018. After the deadline, applications may be accepted based on available space.
When are transfer applications due?
Applications for transfer students are due by August 1, 2018.
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How much is tuition?
To ensure the accessibility of the GCE experience to all and to encourage specifically socioeconomic diversity, we have adopted Flexible Tuition. A family’s tuition obligation is indexed according to a family’s ability to pay. Families of particular means and good fortune afford tuition near the top of the scale and may contribute generously to school advancement campaigns. Other families, for whom education expenses require sacrifice, are assigned a tuition they can afford.
Flexible Tuition in 2019-2020 will range, $4,550 – $28,650.
Who should complete the financial aid form?
To be considered for tuition assistance, GCE requires all parents and all adults contributing to the household of the student to file completed tuition assistance applications. GCE considers aggregate financial information. There is a section within the application where you can enter contributions from non-custodial parents and relatives.
Does applying for scholarship affect my child’s chances for admission?
No. Admissions decisions are based on a student’s abilities, readiness for learning, motivation, and potential to contribute to their classroom environment and the school generally.
As a returning family, can we apply for a scholarship even if we haven’t applied before?
Yes, of course. All awards are need-based, and we understand that family circumstances change. Applications must be renewed each year.
What is the maximum income to qualify for tuition assistance?
There is no maximum income to qualify. All applications are considered. However, our resources are limited, so awards typically go to those who demonstrate the greatest financial need. We encourage all families to plan carefully for funding their child’s education, and this includes considering all financial resources available to them.
What if my child’s other parent is uncooperative — will that affect our chances of securing a scholarship?
A parent may submit to GCE a written request for waiver in the event the other parent(s) is not in contact or will not contribute to tuition or file a financial aid application. Any such waiver request must include all pertinent information and documentation (including, as one example, any court orders).
Why do I need to input my spouse’s information if I am remarried and they are not legally responsible for my children?
To be considered for tuition assistance, GCE requires all parents and all adults contributing to the household of the student to file completed tuition assistance applications. GCE considers aggregate financial information. Our system, however, also takes into consideration your spouse’s expenses as well as their income. It is important to list all expenses that are asked of within the application.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we have multiple payment plans available for tuition.
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What is a project-based curriculum?
Project-based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.
Is GCE Lab School accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by both NIPSA and NCPSA. We are also a member school of NAIS and registered with ISBE. www.nipsa.org, www.ncpsa.org, www.nais.org
Who created our curriculum?
Our curriculum is powered by Global Learning Models and continues to be updated and revised by our entire faculty, staff, and administration to ensure it is relevant and meaningful to our students.
What standards is our curriculum aligned to?
Our curriculum is aligned to Common Core State Standards and to United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals.
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Where is GCE located?
GCE is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1535 N. Dayton St.
How much is tuition?
To ensure the accessibility of the GCE experience to all and to encourage specifically socioeconomic diversity, we have adopted Flexible Tuition. A family’s tuition obligation is indexed according to a family’s ability to pay. Families of particular means and good fortune afford tuition near the top of the scale and may contribute generously to school advancement campaigns. Other families, for whom education expenses require sacrifice, are assigned a tuition they can afford.
Flexible Tuition in 2019-2020 will range, $4,550 – $28,650.
What does GCE stand for?
Global Citizenship Experience
What type of school are you?
GCE is a private, independent high school.
When was GCE founded?
GCE was founded in 2010.
How is GCE funded?
GCE is dependent on tuition revenue and other revenue sources, such as annual giving, to support the faculty, staff, and broad range of programs that are offered.
Is GCE Lab School accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by both NIPSA and NCPSA. We are also a member school of NAIS and registered with ISBE. www.nipsa.org, www.ncpsa.org, www.nais.org