The GEMS program (Guiding Exceptional Minds with STEAM) at Elsinore Middle School is a magnet program that emphasizes advanced instruction with STEAM instructional practices. Students will have broad opportunities to explore subjects in depth at a pace that matches their advanced abilities. Students do not have to be identified as GATE to be considered for the program.

Along with the accelerated academics, the program provides a socially appropriate environment for those students who sometimes feel awkward among their peers due to social, emotional, academic, and maturity traits typical of advanced students. GEMS offers an emotional support system.

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Applications for the 2021-22 GEMS program were due on

Thursday, December 10, 2020,

extended to Monday, December 14, 2020, before midnight. 

Late applications will not be considered this year. 

If you did not get to apply this year, you are welcome to apply in November of 2021. Please, monitor this webpage as we do not actively recruit for the 7th and 8th grade classes. 

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All applicants will be expected to take a Placement Exam via Zoom on Saturday, December 12th at 9:00 a.m.  OR on Wednesday, December 16th at 3:00 p.m. (This will make for a long day though as the test will take 1-2 hours to finish).

If your student cannot be in attendance either day, the application will still be considered, but if there is an equally qualified candidate who did test, preference will go to that applicant.  NOTE: this exam is just one of the criteria that the admissions committee will consider.

NOTE:  You should have received an email with the Zoom meeting information for the placement test AFTER you submitted your application. It would automatically go to the email you provided in the application. If you did not receive that email, you must email Ms. Shotts to get the info. 

The Admissions Committee will consider the following information as part of the selection process:

* 2018-19 CAASSP test score and level (since 2019-20 tests were not taken)

* Teacher recommendation, parent recommendations, and student input on applications

* Grades, citizenship, behavior, and work habits

* General aptitude in core content areas

* Placement test to be administered online by EMS staff

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Have questions?

Please, view our informational video

If you have any questions regarding the GEMS Program or the application process and you were able to join our Q & A session, check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Next Steps button below.  If you still have questions after that, please contact via Kim Shotts, GEMS Coordinator by email kim.shotts@leusd.k12.ca.us