Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy

Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA) is a specialized, high-performing public high school located on the campus of Gavilan College in Gilroy, California. As an early college high school, it offers a unique educational model where students can simultaneously earn their high school diploma and significant college credit—often culminating in an Associate degree—at no cost to their families. The program is designed for motivated students who are seeking a rigorous, mature academic environment that bridges the gap between secondary education and higher learning.

Because GECA is physically integrated into the Gavilan College campus, students operate in a professional environment that emphasizes independence, time management, and academic responsibility. The school is known for its small, intimate campus culture and a challenging curriculum that prepares students for seamless transition into four-year universities. By providing a pathway to complete college general education requirements before graduating high school, GECA serves as an accelerated bridge for students aiming to maximize their academic potential and reduce the future cost of higher education.