1. Dr. TJ Owens
Gilroy Early College
Academy
Recruitment Information Night
November 15, 2012

2. Welcome to the Promise of an
Early College High School
In partnership with: Gilroy Unified School District
and
Gavilan College

3. Early College Model
An Early College High School is a new kind of institution
that blends high school and college into a one
educational program:
 Consists of rigorous instruction with intensive support,
all students can achieve up two years of college credit
or 60 transferrable college units while, at the same
time, earning their high school diploma.
 Students achieve this lofty goal without paying tuition,
or for textbooks.
 All students prepare to eventually complete a
Bachelor’s degree.

4. GECA - Who Are We?
Students who:
 have California STAR test (CST) scores in the "Proficient"
(or above) in both the ELA and Mathematics categories
 have documented ability to read at, or above, 9th grade
level
 excellent school attendance and citizenship with minimal
discipline issues
 strong personal desire and determination to attend
college
 assessed potential to prosper both academically and
socially in a highly rigorous high school curriculum
(Honors and AP) at GECA and in fully transferable
college classes at Gavilan Community College

5. Honor Code/Tribunal
 Students actively participate in self-governance through two
student-run bodies: Student Congress and Honor Tribunal.
 Student leaders are elected by their peers to serve on the Student
Congress, which is charged with governing student clubs, planning
school social events, and fund raising.
 Our school is governed under a unique document known as The
Honor Code of GECA, the basic tenets of which are honesty,
personal integrity, accountability, and respect for diversity. It is this
Honor Code that provides the framework for student behavior
expectations, taking the distinctive nature of high school on a
college campus into account.
 The Honor Tribunal serves as the hearing body for students who
may have violated the Honor Code; the Honor Tribunal then
deliberates and makes recommendations to the school principal in
student disciplinary matters.

6. Graduation Requirements
 360 high school credits (GHS/CHS = 220 credits)
– English - 50 credits (includes 1 college class)
– Visual and Performing Arts - 10 credits
– Mathematics - 40 credits (includes 1 college class)
– Physical and Biological Science - 30 credits
– Social Science - 40 credits (includes 1 college class)
– Foreign Language - 30 credits
– Physical Education - 20 credits
– Vocational Education - 5 credits
– Electives – remainder of credits

7. The Students of GECA…
 Students must both elect to
attend GECA and then be
selected to attend
 Multiple-measures selection
process including:
– GPA (2.5+ with no major
discipline issues)
– STAR scores in Math and
English (“Proficient” level)
– Essay/Personal Statement
– Strong personal desire to
attend a 4-year university
– Letters of Recommendation
– Gavilan College Placement Test
scores
– Interview with panel composed
of GECA and Gavilan faculty
and GECA students and parents

8. What we don’t have:
No organized sports (Sorry!)
No gangs, drugs, or violence
No classroom disruptions or
discipline issues
Graduating from high school early!

9. But What About the FUN Stuff???
 GECA students have full access to all Gavilan drama, music, and
PE classes and facilities
 GECA has its own Student Government and Student Tribunal
 GECA has its own dances…and even a prom!
 GECA students participate in Academic Decathlon competition
 GECA students have access to all Gavilan College clubs and
organizations

10. Strengths and Accomplishments
 931 API Score (#20 of 1939 high schools
in the state of California
 Students have embraced the principles of
trust, respect, and personal responsibility
 Students earned a cumulative average of
3.087 g.p.a. at the college level
 For the past two years GECA has had
National Merit Scholars
 5 students score perfect 800 on SAT

11. Comments/Questions?