FAQ
The Answers You Need
What is the GMS Magnet?
The Global Media Studies (GMS) Magnet is a four-year, project-based program focused on social justice themes and communication arts. Students learn to communicate their ideas through meaningful film and animation projects, which are featured in our biannual film and cultural festivals. The heart of our program is our two-story, 6,000-square-foot professional production and classroom facility. The Media Center houses a green screen studio, a control booth with a TriCaster multi-camera switcher, elaborate television sets donated by Nickelodeon, and plenty of space for computers and editing. Students have access to professional film editing software and cameras, along with guidance from industry experts.
What makes GMS Magnet different?
Specialized electives that support our program include: animation; film integrating art; video production levels I, II, and III; media technology; and television broadcast journalism (KCAV TV). Our well-rounded academic program prepares students for a four-year university, while also providing them with the technical skills required for high-paying careers in the media and arts industries. Through collaborative and hands-on projects, students graduate with advanced skills they can put to immediate use in broadcast, film, and animation careers.
What film equipment do you have?
We have Canon C200, Sony A7Riii, Canon 80Ds, Canon XA35s, DJI Ronin-M, Zihyun Crane, Kessler Crane, Dolly, Tripods, Zooms, Wireless & Wired Lavaliers, Sennheiser Mics, Audio Technia Mics, C-Stands, On Board LED Lights, LED Kits, Lowel Light Kits, On board Microphones, Flag Kit, Cuccoloris, and a variety of gels.
What software do you use in video production?
Most computers use Final Cut Pro X. We also have Boris FX Contiuum, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Final Draft 11.
What do you use for animation?
We use Adobe Photoshop, Toon Boom Harmony, Bonix Istopmotion with HD webcams. Thanks to a donation by Nickelodeon, we have 10 IMacs and Wacom Cintique drawing tablets. We also use Boris FX Contiuum, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Final Draft 11.
How many students are in GMS Magnet?
We currently have 250 students in grades 9-12. Each academic GMS class is capped at a max of 33 students per class.
What foreign language classes do you have?
Spanish, French, Korean, and Japanese.
How many Advanced Placement (AP) classes do you have?
There are 25 AP classes available for GMS Magnet students.
How many clubs?
About 30 school-wide, including four specifically for GMS Magnet: Cinema Club, Animation Club, T.I.M.E. (Teen International Media Exchange) Club, and Club Connections.
What sport teams do you have?
Aquatics, Baseball, Boys/Girls Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Boys/Girls Golf, Boys/Girls Soccer, Softball, Boys/Girls Tennis, Track & Field, Boys/Girls Volleyball, Boys/Girls Waterpolo, and Wrestling.