Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy is an early college high school near Gilroy, California. A California Distinguished School, GECA is among the top high schools in California and the top 1% of the best high schools in the United States.
Serving 304 students in grades 9-12, Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy ranks in the top 1% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85-89% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 304 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy serves the western part of its school district in Gilroy, CA, covering an area of approximately 223.7 square miles. Families can typically expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 19.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy's student population of 304 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
304 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Year Founded
2007
School Rankings
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy ranks within the top 1% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#26 out of 9523 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
28%
12%
Hispanic
49%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
11%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)4.6%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Griffin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy's ranking?
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy is ranked #26 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in California.
What schools are Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy often compared to?
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Ann Sobrato High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy?
The graduation rate of Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy is 90%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy?
304 students attend Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Asian, 11% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy?
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy offer ?
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy part of?
Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy is part of Gilroy Unified School District.
School Calendar
View the Dr. Tj Owens Gilroy Early College Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Labor Day (School Closed)
September 07, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
November 28, 2026 (Saturday)
Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
School Reviews
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