DOWNTOWN — The newest high school in Chicago will be known as the Dragons.
GEMS World Academy in Lakeshore East has debuted a new logo in advance of its Upper School opening next year at 355 E. Wacker Drive.
Kim Wargo, GEMS' head of school, said the mythic, fire-breathing creatures represent the "risk-taking, thoughtful and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, faculty, parents and community."
"Dragons play a role in the mythologies of many cultures, and they are often associated with the qualities of wisdom, power, intelligence, determination, self-confidence and perseverance," Wargo said in an e-mail.
Dubai-based GEMS opened its Chicago elementary school two years ago, and broke ground last year on its "Upper School" housing grades six through 12. The school will debut ninth-grade classes in its existing building, 350 E. Wacker, next fall while finishing up the Upper School.
The new school will include a multi-floor gym with a basketball court and swimming pool, but Wargo said the Dragons will use nearby facilities such as Lakeshore Sport & Fitness for now. The school's freshmen will play junior varsity sports next year in a conference that has yet to be determined.
GEMS is holding a naming contest for the new mascot among students now.
About 350 students attend GEMS, a private school. Tuition ranges from $26,500 for preschool to more than $32,400 for middle school this year.
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