High School

GECA (Gilroy Early College Academy)

This is just placeholder text. Don’t be alarmed, this is just here to fill up space since your finalized copy isn’t ready yet. 

School Data

Address:

5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020

Website:

https://geca.gilroyunified.org/

Year Built:

2000

Year Modernized:

2015

Student Population (2025-2026):

316

Capacity:

316

Grade Levels:

9-12

Number of Classrooms:

12

Site Acreage:

N/A

Number of Portables:

17

Existing Site Conditions

Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA) operates on the site of Gavilan College Campus in portables buildings. The portables are organized around a small central quad that includes grass areas and lunch tables, creating a pleasant but limited outdoor gathering space. Campus facilities include general education classrooms, administrative offices, a multi-purpose room with an adjoining kitchen, restrooms, and storage spaces.

The GECA campus is adjacent to the large Gavilan College parking lot accessed from Gavilan College Loop. While the campus functions adequately for current enrollment, the building configuration and constrained site limit flexibility for program growth. Additional classroom capacity, improved outdoor amenities, and upgraded support spaces are necessary to more effectively meet the needs of students and staff.

Site & Outdoor Areas

Outdoor campus spaces are centered on a small quad with lawn areas, medium-sized trees, and scattered lunch tables. Although the quad provides a welcoming open space, shading is insufficient and relies primarily on umbrellas and building overhangs. Turf areas show wear and damage from regular student use, and outdoor recreation options are limited. Seating and gathering areas are minimal and do not fully support student activities or outdoor learning.

The adjacent parking lot, shaded by a solar canopy, provides accessible parking and compliant paths of travel. However, vehicular circulation is inefficient, and wayfinding and directional signage are limited. The campus entry lacks visual prominence and clear identification. Pest activity has been observed beneath some portable buildings, indicating a need for improved site maintenance and mitigation measures.

Classroom Building & Portables

Classroom portables are generally in fair condition. Interior finishes are well maintained, while exterior elements show localized rusting and fascia deterioration. Typical classrooms include VCT flooring, suspended acoustic ceilings, plastic laminate casework with sinks, and tackable wall surfaces. These components remain functional but reflect their age.

Operable windows with window covering provide natural light and ventilation. Classroom interiors are orderly and adequately support instruction; however, the campus lacks dedicated flexible spaces for testing, counseling, and student support services. As a result, the school is seeking additional portable classrooms to address programmatic and spatial needs.

Restrooms

The restroom portables are in fair condition and generally accessible. Finishes include epoxy flooring, FRP wall panels, and suspended ceilings. Lighting is provided by LED fixtures, and plumbing fixtures remain serviceable. However, the placement of accessories such as dispensers and grab bars is inconsistent and does not always meet current accessibility standards.

The administration portable includes an all-gender restroom with an accessible stall, though minor compliance issues have been identified and should be addressed as part of future improvements.

Multi-Purpose Portable

The multi-purpose portable functions as a cafeteria and student gathering space and is supported by an adjacent warming kitchen that is well maintained. Interior finishes include VCT flooring, tackable wall surfaces, multiple whiteboards, and ceiling-mounted projection equipment. Suspended ceiling tiles and recessed LED lighting are in good condition.

The space benefits from natural light on multiple sides and provides views of both the quad and parking area. While lunch tables throughout the quad support outdoor dining, the lack of shade or protection from the element’s limits usability.

Administration Portable

The administration portable contains a small reception area, main office, conference room, and private offices. There is no dedicated staff lounge, copy room, or private meeting space.

The main entrance is difficult to identify from the parking lot due to limited signage and unclear wayfinding. While the building is in adequate condition, additional space and improved organization are needed to fully support administrative and student services.

Finishes

Interior and exterior finishes across the campus are generally in fair but aging condition. Exterior issues include localized rusting and fascia deterioration of older portables. Interior finishes, such as VCT flooring, suspended acoustic ceilings, tackable wall surfaces, countertops and casework remain functional but dated.

Newer administration and multi-purpose portables are in better overall condition, while older classroom units exhibit greater wear. Campuswide finish upgrades would improve durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.

Show Details Hide Details

Immediate Needs (0-5 Years)

  • Secure two additional portable classrooms from Gavilan for installation at GECA

  • Expand administration to include staff lounge and RSP spaces.

  • Improve front entrance signage.

  • Incorporate shade structures over concrete walkways to create covered exterior corridors.

Long Term Needs (5-10 Years)

  • Repair and maintain grass quad, potentially converting to artificial turf.

  • Campuswide finish upgrades.

  • Relocate the whole campus to a new space on the Gavilan Community College Campus.

Existing and Proposed Site Plans

Community Engagement Feedback

Mental Health and Social Emotional Needs
If one improvement could be made to help support student mental health and wellness, what would it be?
“Individual break rooms where students can be alone or have individual therapy.”
Parent
“The wellness center is great, but it would be nice if it could get a bigger space so that there are quieter and community areas there.”
Student
“Improve the quad by regrowing the grass to open it up to lunch activities.”
Student

Cost Estimate

Site
Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA)

Immediate Needs (0-5 Years)

$179,000

Facility Condition Index (FCI)* (5 Years)

2.5%

Long Term Needs (5-10 Years)

Included in New Construction

Facility Condition Index (FCI)* (10 Years)

67.0%

New Construction

$2,693,592

Deferred Maintenance

$309,491

Sport Fields & Playgrounds

$1,034,620
Total Site Project Cost (0-5 Years)***
$4,367,096
Total Site Project Cost (5-10 Years)****
$5,844,160

*** Total Project Costs Include:
Base Construction Cost + Contractor Mark Up (30%) + Soft Costs (44%) w. Escalation (5yr)
****Total Project Costs Include:
Base Construction Cost + Contractor Mark Up (30%) + Soft Costs (44%) w. Escalation (10yr)

* FCI Ratings:
0-5% In new or well-maintained condition, with little visual evidence of wear or deficiencies.
5-10% Subjected to wear but is still in a serviceable and functioning condition.
10-30% Subjected to hard or long-term wear. Nearing the end of its useful or serviceable life.
30% and Above Has reached the end of its useful or serviceable life. Renewal is now necessary.

Facilities Condition Assessment Report

Placeholder Text

Comments

Use the link below to leave comments on this campus specific proposed modernization plan.

Comment Form