Admissions

GCE is more than a school. It’s an experience that helps grow students into graduates ready to be a force for good in the world.

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August Davenport, Director of enrollment

August Davenport
Director of Enrollment

Welcome and thank you for your interest in GCE Lab School.

GCE is an independent private high school unlike any other in Chicago.

At GCE, we use the City as a classroom to embolden a community of socially responsible citizens to respond courageously to the world’s biggest challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic is exactly the kind of global circumstance that animates our curriculum. Our sophomore Global Health sequence explores topics including public health and statistics, while our junior Global Government, senior Global Vision, and freshman Global Resources sequences investigate issues from a variety of perspectives providing insight into the world's biggest challenges.

We invite you to continue exploring GCE by connecting with us via email or phone and following us on social media for updated photos and videos. And, of course, we'd be more than happy to meet with you at our new downtown campus to answer any questions you may have to help you get the best understanding of GCE possible.

Our Admission process is comprehensive and our goal is to make this process as informative and stress-free as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions at [email protected] or (312) 643-0991. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

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A premiere high school education in the heart of Chicago.

Important Dates

Virtual Admission Info Session

Thursday, April 13 from 6pm to 7pm

Enrollment Paperwork

New and returning families must submit annual enrollment materials by Monday, August 28, 2023

Real-World Academics

We believe when young people can see relevance in their education, build connections to opportunity through their studies, and genuinely care for one another, they are equipped to be a force for good—for themselves, their community, and the world.

GCE's Water course for 9th-grade students

Thematic Courses

Students learn core academics through thematic or topical courses. For example, 9th-grade students learn algebra and chemistry in a class called Water.

Field Experience

Field Experiences

GCE students participate in weekly field experiences, where classroom learning comes to life with organizations and professionals so students see the relevance of what they learn.

Internship program

Internships

Our Professional Immersion Experiences (PIE) offer 11th- and 12th-grade students the opportunity to gain real work experience during our second term in lieu of the typical school-day schedule.

GCE At-A-Glance

located in the Loop
33 Neighborhoods represented by our students
Founded in 2010
7:1 student-to-teacher ration
maximum class size
86% teachers have advanced degrees
86% Students receive tuition assistance
100% of graduates accepted

Pathways to your future

GCE students are accepted to top schools across the country. Even more important, our students are accepted to their best-fit schools.

Our Commitments

Be Present

Our Commitments

Be Present

student and water filter
Our Commitments

Entertain the Unfamiliar

Our Commitments

Entertain the Unfamiliar

GCE student with UN SDG12
Our Commitments

Exercise Integrity

Our Commitments

Exercise Integrity

Our Commitments

Practice Kindness
and Respect

high school students
Our Commitments

Practice Kindness
and Respect

Our Commitments

Be Present

Our Commitments

Be Present

student project-based learning
Our Commitments

Entertain the Unfamiliar

Our Commitments

Entertain the Unfamiliar

high school student
Our Commitments

Practice Kindness
and Respect

Our Commitments

Practice Kindness
and Respect

Our Commitments

Entertain the Unfamiliar

steam project-based learning
Our Commitments

Exercise Integrity

Students at Bughouse
Our Commitments

Exercise Integrity

“I chose GCE because I wanted to be in a place that embraces diversity and different perspectives. Picasso draws his bulls from different perspectives, and classes at GCE use different perspectives to stimulate discussion and deepen knowledge.”

“I found another family and home and place where I wake up excited to come to and can’t wait for Sunday to end so I can get to school on Monday.”

“This was the best choice that I ever made … This school provides challenges and experiences that would amaze you and make you want to come to school.”

Daily Schedule

GCE's schedule is designed to balance collaborative learning experiences with the development of personal accountability. Special consideration is given to students' on-screen time, in-person interactions, and independent working time.

Request a private tour, schedule a Prospective Student Visit Day, or RSVP for an Open House by contacting [email protected]

GCE Lab School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial assistance program, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT to stop the admissions process and/or NOT to admit an applicant if we determine that we cannot responsibly and/or ethically serve the applicant/student and/or family.