Gilbert’s reputation as a family-friendly suburb isn’t just about safe neighborhoods or sunny parks—it’s also a hotspot for high-quality education. From Montessori-inspired private schools to top-ranked public districts and innovative colleges, this town offers families options. Let’s break down what makes Gilbert’s education scene stand out.
Gilbert’s Private Schools: Small Classes, Big Opportunities
Looking for tailored learning? Gilbert’s 23 private schools serve around 4,500 students, offering everything from faith-based curricula to hands-on Montessori programs.
- Creo Farm School blends farm-based learning with academics for grades 7–12. Think math lessons in a barn and science in the garden.
- Christ Greenfield School (Lutheran) and Gilbert Christian Schools provide faith-centered education, with the latter enrolling over 2,000 students from preschool to 12th grade.
- Spondeo Preschool and Bella Montessori focus on early childhood development, emphasizing creativity and independence.
With a 60% average acceptance rate—lower than Arizona’s 88%—Gilbert’s private schools prioritize quality over quantity. Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention, and programs often extend beyond textbooks, like Gateway Baptist Academy’s K–12 vocational training.
Public Schools That Make the Grade
Gilbert’s public schools aren’t just good—they’re consistently excellent. The Gilbert Unified School District (GPS), Arizona’s 7th-largest district, serves 34,000+ students across 39 schools. Here’s why parents rave about it:
Top Performers:
- Weinberg Gifted Academy (PK–6) boasts a 90% math proficiency rate.
- Gilbert Classical Academy (7–12) combines Advanced Placement courses with Socratic seminars.
- Neely Traditional Academy (K–6) earned a National Blue Ribbon for its rigorous, structured curriculum.
Innovative Programs:
- Dual-language Spanish immersion at Gilbert Elementary.
- STEM-focused tracks and career training in fields like engineering and healthcare.
- Online learning options for flexible schedules.
GPS schools outperform state averages, with 53% math proficiency vs. Arizona’s 35%. Not to mention, 13 GPS schools have snagged the “A+ School of Excellence” award.
Nearby Colleges: No Need to Leave Town
Why commute when Gilbert’s backyard has world-class higher ed?
- ASU Polytechnic (5 miles east): Offers 30+ degrees, from aviation to user experience design. Their solar-powered labs and innovation hubs attract tech-minded students.
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College: A stepping stone for nursing, IT, or electric utility tech. Bonus: Affordable tuition and transfer agreements with universities.
- University of Arizona – Gilbert Campus: Home to Arizona’s first nursing program with an integrative health focus. Think acupuncture and nutrition alongside traditional med-surg training.
- East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT): Free career programs for high schoolers in fields like cosmetology, robotics, and firefighting.
Why Gilbert? More Than Just Good Schools
- Community Connections: Schools here partner with local businesses for internships and job shadowing. EVIT students, for example, often land roles at nearby Boeing or Banner Health.
- Events That Educate: The Heritage District’s art walks and library STEM workshops make learning a family affair.
- Safety First: Gilbert’s low crime rate means kids walk to school or bike to libraries without worry.
- Outdoor Classrooms: With 300+ sunny days yearly, schools use parks and trails for everything from biology labs to history scavenger hunts.
Gilbert doesn’t just educate—it prepares kids (and adults) to thrive. Whether you’re raising a future engineer, a nurse, or a chef, this town’s schools turn potential into reality.
Sources: niche.com, gilbertschools.net, franklin.edu
Header Image Source: Dom Fou on Unsplash
