Be Someone. Seek Excellence. Go Somewhere.
Incoming Freshmen
A Tradition of Excellence
WELCOME GRIFFINS!
We are honored to be part of your academic journey and invite you to consider joining our tradition of:
- Being Someone: developing your confidence and leadership.
- Going Somewhere: establishing connections to the greater community and globally while modeling the qualities of strong character; and
- Seeking Excellence: acquiring the abilities, skills and knowledge required for the lifelong pursuit of ongoing academic, occupational and personal growth.
This freshmen hub is the virtual version of our New Student Orientation, the Griffin Greet, our annual introduction to our campus. We hope this fun and informative freshmen hub will help ensure a smooth transition from middle school to early college!
What Makes GECA Great
AcaPrep
AcaPrep
AcaPrep is an elective class for all GECA students that helps students set and achieve life goals, and helps prepare students for success in four-year colleges. AcaPrep is meant to support students in their academic subject areas by introducing and practicing certain strategies, test-taking skills, organization and study skills that are proven successful for college bound students. Learn more about AcaPrep at GECA.
FastTrak to College
FastTrak to College
In four years, you could graduate from GECA with a high school diploma, and possibly an Associates degree from Gavilan College (AS/AA). That means you could enter the college or university of your choice with your first two years fully or nearly completed. There is no tuition requirement at GECA and all books and materials required for college classes are provided by the school. Learn more about early college education at GECA.
GECA ASB
GECA Student Leaders
Student leaders are elected by their peers to serve on ASB, which is charged with governing student clubs, planning school social events, and fundraising. ASB members consist of class officers, overall ASB officers, digital media coordinators and board representatives and promote unification of people, ideas and values through effective communication and student empowerment.
Honor Tribunal
Honor Tribunal
The Honor Tribunal is composed of 12 GECA students who serve as a restorative justice circle and the hearing body for students who may have violated the Honor Code. The Honor Tribunal makes recommendations to the school principal in student disciplinary matters. Learn more about GECA's Honor Tribunal.
GHS Band Partnership
GHS Band Partnership
Gilroy High School and GECA have a partnership allowing GECA students to participate in Jazz Band, Color Guard, and/or Choir. The GHS Marching Band and Color Guard perform at most GHS football games, and they compete in many WBA competitions at other schools for awards and trophies. The band is one big family, and GECA students are invited to join and express their musical talents and dance abilities through the partnership with Gilroy High School. Apply to the band program.
School Activities
School Activities
GECA offers a wide array of activities for students incuding: school-wide and grade-level field trips, lunchtime activities, school dances, the talent show, and junior/senior prom. GECA has 14 school clubs ranging from Debate Club, Yearbook, SAGA, Pre-Med, to World Cultures and Interact and provides different local leadership and community engagement opportunities throughout the year, such as Quizbowl competitions, Youth Commission opportunities, and tutoring events!
Preparing for High School
Dates to remember
GECA: Application period opens
GECA: Middle School visits
OCTOBER 2023
MIDDLE SCHOOL
VISITS
South Valley: Oct. 16
Brownell: Oct. 17
Solorsano: October 17
Gilroy Prep: October 23
GECA: Recruitment Night
OCT. 10, 2023
GECA VIRTUAL
RECRUITMENT NIGHT
For prospective families. Join us on Zoom from 6-7:30 pm.
GECA: Application deadline
NOV. 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN
GECA: PSAT for applicants
TBD
APPLICANTS
TAKE THE PSAT 8/9
More information to follow.
GECA: Teacher Recommendations due
DEC. 8, 2023
DEADLINE FOR TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS/
RECORDS FROM REGISTRARS
Teachers can submit recommendations and registrars can submit records through SMApply due at 11:59 PM.
GECA: Applicant Interviews
JANUARY 27, 2023
APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
In person at GECA. More information to follow.
GECA: Admissions Notifications 3.3.23
EARLY MARCH 2024
NOTIFICATION OF
ADMISSION DECISIONS
GECA: Commitment deadline 3.13.23
MID-MARCH 2024
COMMITMENT
DEADLINE
Date is TBD. Call or email to accept your admissions invitation before midnight.
GECA: Register with Gavilan College 3.24.23
MARCH 29, 2024
DEADLINE TO COMPLETE
GAVILAN COLLEGE APPLICATION
Complete Gavilan College application as part of the GECA enrollment process.
GECA: Griffin Greet 3.28.23
MARCH 19, 2024
GRIFFIN
GREET
Your GECA journey begins here! Join other incoming freshman for a mandatory orientation at GECA. Time is TBD.
GECA: Interdistrict Transfers
MARCH 31, 2024
DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS NEW TO GUSD TO SUBMIT
INTERDISTRICT TRANSFER PAPERWORK
If your student is joining the Class of 2028 and you do not live within GUSD's attendance boundaries, you must complete the interdistrict transfer application as part of the enrollment process.
Contact Us
Meet the GECA front office and leadership team, who will be valuable resources during your time as a Griffin. Contact them directly with any questions as you begin your journey.
Sonia Flores, Principal
Sonia.Flores@gilroyunified.org
Liliana Montero, Counselor
Liliana.Montero-Barba@gilroyunified.org
OFFICE STAFF
Melissa Avila-Carroll
Office Coordinator
Melissa.Avila-Carroll@gilroyunified.org
Rebecca Plaza
Secretary/Attendance
Rebecca.Plaza@gilroyunified.org
