Charter schools are independently-operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer – usually a nonprofit organization, government agency, or university.

The reasons that parents choose charter schools for their children are just as unique as the students themselves. They choose charter schools because of the strong, dedicated teachers, because the school's focus matches their child’s needs, or simply because their child was struggling in their assigned public school and needed to try something new. Charter schools provide families with options in public education, allowing parents to take a more active role in their child’s education.*

*https://www.publiccharters.org/about-charter-schools/what-charter-school

Yes, GEMS is tuition-free public charter school.

Yes, GEMS does not discriminate. Any and all students can apply regardless of race, sex, ability level, and socioeconomic status.

You can come into the school office and have a face-to-face interview to start the enrollment process with the school clerk. It is recommended that you call and schedule an appointment before the enrollment period starts. This will help the process go smoother, make the best use of your time, and make sure you have all the required documents needed for enrollment (including the student’s birth certificate, proof of address, vaccination record, and IEP or 504, if applicable; parents/guardians will also need to bring a photo ID). An interested parent can also complete the interest inquiry on our website and receive a call from staff to answer their questions before they start enrollment.

Yes. The closing date for on-time applications is in late February (February 28th, 2023 for the upcoming school year). If the number of applications received by that date exceeds the number of available seats, GEMS will hold a lottery to determine which new students will enroll for the upcoming year, and any new applicants will be placed on a waitlist until on-time student applicants have finished filling the available seats. If there are still open seats after the on-time application deadline, GEMS will continue to fill the seats on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Yes, school tours are scheduled upon request and Open Houses will occur at the beginning of the school year, usually in August or early September.

Girls Empowerment Middle School is the first all-girls charter school in Las Vegas. GEMS takes a whole-child approach to education through our top-notch academic programs, our one-of-a-kind social-emotional learning program, and our integrated leadership opportunities.

Currently, the average class size at GEMS is approximately 15 students. That’s a 15:1 ratio!

GEMS does not currently require uniforms.

For students, school hours are from 7:50 to 2:30. Our office is open from 7:15 to 3:30 each day.

Drop off and pick up occurs in a structured manner where cars are asked to enter on Escobedo street, circle in front of the school to pick up/drop off and exit on Escobedo as they come full circle in front of the school.

The school currently opens at 7:40 am, but parents are allowed to drop students off as early as 7:20 am and wait in designated areas. Students who require aftercare currently attend the after-school program at the local Boys/Girls Club near the campus of UNLV, located across the street from GEMS. Some students also choose to go to the local library after school to wait for parent pick-up (parents have their choice of programs and parents must sign students up in advance to attend).

All of our students receive Tier 1, Standards-Based Instruction using iReady reading and math. In addition, all students attend our Independent Studies Class where they have access to iReady online intervention program designed for all students to receive instruction on an individualized, learning path. All students receive social skills instruction designed by an experienced teacher in our Empowerment Classroom. Finally, all other classrooms, such as Science and Social Studies, deliver instruction using NV Common Core Standards based on each grade level.

Students at GEMS take all the same standardized tests required by the local public school district. These tests include MAP, WIDA & SBAC.

Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit, volunteer, and share any ideas and recommendations with GEMS staff. We are always looking for parent leaders who want to get more involved at school. Please call us at 702-672-6386 to learn more about current opportunities.

GEMS identifies struggling students based on assessments, student work samples, and observing students in the classroom. These students are helped by receiving extra support from classroom teachers, our support staff, data strategist, and special education teacher if needed.

Our students with disabilities receive accommodations/modifications to help them access the general education curriculum. They also receive guided instruction based on their Individual Educational Plan (IEP), behavior plan, and collaboration between the special education teacher, general education teacher, parent(s), and school administrator.

Currently, all students attend elective classes on Fridays based on a modified schedule. During this time they receive instruction in the forms of educational games, free writing, and drawing/art activities, and they also may receive enrichment in math and science activities.

Students receive PE/Health instruction based on grade, level, and Common Core Standards required for all students to meet graduation requirements. Students are instructed both outside and in the classroom based on the teacher’s lesson plans. At least 50% of the PE activities are outside. In addition, all students have 15 minutes of recess outside after lunch on a daily basis.

All students receive 100% free breakfast and lunch. Meals are prepared based on nutrition guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture for school-aged children. These meals are ordered on a monthly basis, pre-cooked, and delivered to our campus on a daily basis. All meals are prepared based on guidelines from the company that prepares them. Some meals are served cold and some must be cooked to a certain temperature before being served to students. Our staff follows the recommendations given before offering the meals to students.

You can find the current school calendar on the website or in the school office at GEMS.

Our core curriculum is research-based to support ELL students, and our teachers receive professional development, and use strategies, techniques, and language to support ELL students during instruction.

At GEMS, girls build leadership skills through student government, mentorship programs, and through volunteer opportunities. Students hear from role models in the community in our Empowerment Speaker series and they have the opportunity to connect with local police officers during leadership lunches. Through each of these opportunities, our girls learn to advocate for themselves and to find their voice as strong leaders and learners.

GEMS prepared students for high school by providing high-quality instruction on a daily basis, providing structured leadership activities, and consistent collaboration and support from skilled educators. We make sure our students are in tune with real-world events and activities to prepare them for life after GEMS.