AGC Blog

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a Pre-K–8 public charter school on Chicago's Southwest Side, has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2026 through 2029, a three-year global recognition honoring schools that use Apple technology to inspire creativity, imagination, and deeper learning.

Apple Distinguished Schools are known as centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple's vision for learning with technology. Designated schools share a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals and continuous innovation.

Rooted in wellness, environmental sustainability, and social justice, AGC nurtures curious, creative, and mindful global citizens who shape a more just and sustainable future for Chicago and the world. 

The renewal of AGC's Apple Distinguished School designation reflects the school's commitment to the intentional, whole-child model it has built together with its community since opening its doors in 2008. The designation also follows a season of major milestones for AGC, including a historic 7-year charter renewal and a Living Building Challenge certification, the world's most rigorous environmental standard.

Technology is intentionally integrated into AGC's International Baccalaureate curriculum to support student learning, leveraging Apple devices as they research, design, and present their culminating Inquiry projects throughout the year. From multimedia podcasts to hands-on coding projects, AGC teachers prioritize the process of making and creating, empowering students to see themselves as active authors of their learning.

This thoughtful approach to technology is balanced by AGC's deep commitment to mindfulness and holistic well-being. Daily mindfulness practices, time outdoors, and nature-based learning help students at AGC build focus, self-awareness, and emotional resilience, ensuring that screen time serves curiosity and connection while honoring the needs of the whole child.

AGC's purpose-driven philosophy extends to its families and community members, as well. For the 2026-27 school year, AGC launched a new book club for parents and caregivers currently navigating the realities of raising more mindful, confident children.

Led by AGC's co-principals, the book club creates space for families to reflect together and share strategies for nurturing independence, building meaningful friendships, and setting healthy boundaries with devices and social media.

The group's first pick, The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, explores how the shift toward phone-based childhoods has shaped youth mental health, attention, and social development.

Learn more about AGC's mission and sustainable model here.