The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (GECMS) is the newest school choice/magnet program for Gaston County Schools.  It will open in August 2021 on the Gaston College campus in Dallas.  (The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences will operate as a separate school from the Gaston Early College High School, which is already located on the Gaston College campus.)

GECMS is an innovative, healthcare-focused high school that is designed especially for students interested in careers in the medical/healthcare industry.  The new school is a collaborative effort among Gaston County Schools, Gaston College, Belmont Abbey College, and CaroMont Health, and it is intended to develop a future workforce to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Gaston County. 

Students will have an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree in preparation for a career in the medical/healthcare field. Programs/pathways include nursing, health information technology, human services technology, and pre-medicine/biotechnology sciences.  In addition to high school and college-level coursework, students will participate in job shadowing experiences and gain hands-on learning in real-world settings through CaroMont Health, conduct undergraduate research, and prepare themselves for post-secondary education and/or going directly into the workforce. 

Further, students will take advantage of many resources available through Gaston College that will enhance their academic experience and engage them in the college campus setting.  Students may choose to transfer to Belmont Abbey College where they can obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, psychology, social work, and related areas.

Students who will be in the ninth grade or the tenth grade for the 2021-2022 school year may apply.  Students must reside in Gaston County.  A lottery process will be used to determine the 80 ninth graders and the 80 tenth graders who will attend the new school.

You can learn more about the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences by reviewing the resources on this webpage.  If you have questions or need additional information, please send us an email: schoolchoice@gaston.k12.nc.us.