Neely Traditional Academy

Structured back to basics program with emphasis in disciplined classroom environment. Test scores are definitely above most other schools (public or charter). Daily homework coordinating with classroom activities. Students are encouraged to do their best and improve each week. Less emphasis on music, art, PE (these are attended every 7 days) in order to devote more time to the basics. Parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom and/or by providing supplies as needed. No door to door sales for fundraising - more internal family fundraising is emphasized. Good carpool system available in addition to a few bus pick-up locations.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had much success with our 5th grader at GPS Traditional (Neely) Elementary school. The structure of the curriculum does help with keeping the children focus on the basics and less on the extracurricular activities. Although my son misses the competitiveness of sport activities of his previous school, he has been able to direct that energy on the academic side which has elevated his self steam and eagerness. This school has been a great experience for all of us. Highly recoomended.
—Submitted by Jos Oza, a parent

My kindergarten student is currently attending this school and we love it. The teachers and staff are excellent and the atmosphere is casual and fun even though the education is serious.
—Submitted by Kim Skinner, a parent

Good program for A.R and A.Math. No advanced english and writing. Principal Ms Nance just left school, it is a big loss to the school. School provide breakfast and lunch, quality is not so good. Computer skill teaching was weak.
—Submitted by a parent

GPS Traditional Academy is a wonderful school. My daughter is in 1st grade, and her reading ability is beyond many of the 1st graders we know who attend other area schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Neely is a school that emphasizes the fundamentals of learning. I feel that they take the children as far as they can go in Math and Reading. The school could use some help in the writing/languauge arts area, but not unlike many Gilbert schools. It is a great choice for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Besides the academic achievements, parents who care [about] the enviroment and the facility of this school should think it twice. It is located quite close to a funeral home and the playground is just next to a power transmission substation. It is within a very undesirable area. The school buildings really need an immediate renovation.

My child is in first grade and was at Neely last year also. I cannot say enough good things about this school. My child was reading first grade level books at the end of last year. The skills she learned have already taken her far, and this is just the begining of her schooling. She looks forward to school every day and continues to wonderfully. This is all to say I hope the district recognizizes the good thing they have going and reward the school for a job very well done and prepare for the kids to move on to jr. and sr. high in an environement they can continue to reach their full potential. The best part of all it's a public school and we have aready paid the tuition thru our taxes!
—Submitted by a parent

I can't praise Neely, or as it is now named GPS Traditional Academy, highly enough. I am so impressed at the quality education coming from this school. Every day I see homework that emphasizes the Reading, Language and Mathematics skills that my children are learning. The principal and teachers work closely with the parents, and are completely devoted to each child's education. Parents are very involved in volunteering in classrooms, and reading with kids. The school PTO devotes tons of time to fundraising activities that are fun for everyone and benefits both the teachers and the kids. We may be giving up holiday art projects and those wonderful cookie dough sales other schools like so much, but I for one am thankful for that. I see serious future scholars coming from GPS Traditional Academy. I hope and pray the Gilbert School District is preparing to launch an academically challenging Junior High, because these kids are growing up, and they are being taught to have higher educational standards at Neely.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion Neely is a school where your child's educational growth takes priority. It's focus is not on the arts, although it is still included in their cirriculum. It is a structured enviornment, but not in such a way that the classrooms are lacking positive and encouraging feelings. My children have experienced one other Gilbert Public School, and have been at Neely now for 3 years. The individual attention to their educational needs has been wonderful. The support I was promised when interveiwing Neely has been there for us from the start. The other school could never have met my children's educational needs like Neely has. The principal and teachers we have gotten to know have all been professional and completely devoted to my children. They have been supportive and encouraging, and open to change. My greatest concern now is where my kids will go to Junior High School. Gilbert needs to carry on this ' Neely' type of education all the way thru High Scool!
—Submitted by a parent

Neely Elementary is the best of the best and I don't understand why anyone with a child in Gilbert would have their student anywhere else. It is like getting a private education from a public school. The teaching staff is very structured, and has very specific goals for each child. Time is spent learning and focusing on academics. Our students are pushed to their highest potential, while being taught respect, excellent study habits and the importance of education. And they read and read and read! Wendy Nance leads the school as principal, she is absolutely awesome! If you are looking for an art project to come home for every holiday, Neely is not the school for you. If you are looking for an environment to challenge your child and academically prepare them for Junior High, Neely is the place.