Frequently Asked Questions

We are a small, healthcare-focused high school located on the Gaston College campus designed to address the critical shortage of trained healthcare workers in our area. GEMCS students have the opportunity to complete high school graduation requirements while simultaneously working toward earning an associate degree in preparation for a career in healthcare or similar field.

As mentioned above, GECMS is located at Gaston College. Our high school classrooms and administrative offices are located on the ground floor of the CET building facing the Clock Tower. Our students take high school classes in the CET building and travel to other nearby buildings to take their college classes. Because our students are dually enrolled, they have access to a variety of campus amenities and activities, such as the Morris Library, Academic Support Center, Fitness Center, Student Center, and the Rhino Bookstore. The school cafeteria and vending areas are also located nearby

We are a Gaston County Schools public high school, so students attend GECMS and are able to take college classes for FREE. They do not even have to pay for college textbooks or fees. Students are responsible for their meals; however, free/reduced meals are available if eligible

We share buses with Gaston Early College High School and Highland School of Technology. Students needing transportation can expect longer than average bus routes since our schools serve students throughout the entire county.

Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:40 p.m. High school classes are 80 minutes five days a week and college classes are 50-75 minutes two days a week taught on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Students enrolled in college science lab classes are required to attend lab one day a week from 1-3:40 p.m. College classes do not meet on Friday.

We do not offer high school sports, band, chorus, etc., and students are NOT permitted to play at their home high school

We are a school of choice and students interested in attending must submit an application during the School Choice Window in January/February. When the application window closes, the GECMS Selection Committee will conduct a holistic review of each applicant, evaluating them for their academic potential and developmental readiness to enroll next school year. A variety of academic
and non-academic data will be utilized during the review.

All applicants will be notified of their application status and if they are eligible to enter the lottery. Students will be offered “seats” based on their selected program of study. When a program has reached its capacity, students will be placed on a waitlist. Priority will be given to students who will be the first in their family to attend college. Students must accept their lottery “seats” prior to the
deadline in order to be considered for enrollment. Note: The acceptance of a “seat” does not automatically guarantee enrollment. Students must successfully complete 8th grade to be approved for enrollment and transfer to GECMS. 

Our healthcare programs are grouped into three pathways: nursing, biotechnology, and human services. Students should select the program that best aligns with their career goals. If students are uncertain of which program best matches with their interests, they should contact GECMS  school counselor or principal for assistance.