Elsinore Middle School
Skip to main contentGuiding Exceptional Minds with STEAM
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.
Incoming GEMS Orientation for the 2024-25 school year
Our GEMS Orientation for incoming GEMS students who will be new to the program this year will be on Tuesday, August 6th, from 1:00pm to 2:15pm There will be icebreaker activities for students and a parent meeting to give general information and tips about the GEMS Program.
NOTE: This is a unique event which is different from the EMS Sixth Grade Orientation on July 31st. That event is for all sixth graders and provides general information about EMS.
Recruitment for 2024-25 school year:
Our official recruitment window for the 2024-25 school year is closed as of January 19, 2024.
TBD FOR THE 2025-26 school-year
- Information Night at 6:00 pm in the EMS multipurpose room on Mohr Street.TBD FOR THE 2025-26 school-year
- applications are due by midnight. Applications must be submitted electronically.Please, note: We will NOT be having candidates take a placement test this year.
Prospective GEMS Families:
Have questions about the GEMS Program?
Click here for the information slides
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Each year, the Admissions Committee considers the following information as part of the selection process:
*Previous CAASSP test score and level (none are currently available for this year's 5th grade)
* Teacher recommendation, parent recommendations, and student input on applications
* Grades, citizenship, behavior, and work habits
* General aptitude in core content areas
* Another common assessment. Either a placement test given at EMS by our staff or another test common to all fifth grade classrooms in the district given by the student's current teacher.
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Applying Outside of our Normal Recruitment Window
If you do not apply before our deadline this year, you have a couple of options.
1- You are welcome to apply in November of 2024. Please, monitor this webpage as we do not actively recruit for the 7th and 8th grade classes.
2- You may email [email protected] to inquire about any available spots for you student's grade level. If space is available, you will be given a link for an online application.
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Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted
SENG is a wonderful organization dedicated to educating parents and teachers about the unique needs of gifted students. GEMS parents get practical information on the following topics related to gifted learners:
- Characteristics
- Motivation
- Discipline
- Stress Management
- Peer Relations and Sibling Rivalry
- Tradition Breaking
For more information or to register, go to SENG's website
You may direct questions regarding specific camps to the teachers listed below. Approximate cost for each camp & teacher contact:
7th Grade - Catalina Island Marine Institute - cost is $650 approx.
Mrs. Blakemore - field trip coordinator
Catalina Island Marine Institute Information
(7th grade GEMS camp)
8th Grade - Pali Institute
Ms. Katie Casey - field trip coordinator
GEMS Community Service
The GEMS Program highly encourages its students to participate in a minimum
of five hours of community service per semester. Students should turn them into their science teachers.
Contact the GEMS Coordinator for more information: