Gilbert Christian Schools

First year family. Amazing school: wonderful music program and specials, love that physical fitness is incorporated into each day in the classroom beyond PE, love that recess and lunch is long enough to enjoy ,( in public schools they sometimes had 10-15 minutes) love that standards are high, class size is small and that God and faith is incorporated into every aspect of the day. Leadership is highly connected with the needs of staff, children and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is expensive and not worth the money. The education is lacking. The administration does not know how to deal with problems. Instead of spending the money on the students education they spend it on advertising. I learned more in 2 years in junior high than I have in the last 4 years at Gilbert Christian.

GCS has been a blessing to our family. Our daughter is in her second year and we look forward to her continued academic success and Christian teaching by example. The staff is an amazing group of kind, caring and talented people. As with any school, we will keep a watchful eye on the promise of individualized student teaching; so far our high standards have been met.
—Submitted by a parent

Gilbert Christian Schools is a wonderful place for children to learn, a great community, and most importantly, a godly atmosphere which is lived out among the faculty and staff. We feel that our children are getting a high-quality education that will continue through middle and high school. We also know that the Word of God is being honored as they study through the Bible and are taught how to live a Christ-honoring life. We would highly recommend GCS to anyone who would like their children to grow not only academically, but also in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ!
—Submitted by a parent

Love the school! We are going into our 3rd year and our experience has been beyond our best expectations. The administration is made up of Godly men and women trying to honor God in all they do. God has blessed their efforts and the school continues to grow despite the bad economy.
—Submitted by a parent

The tuition continues to spike even through this bad economy! That isn't the proper way to treat dedicated parents. Politics seem to control this school. Outside looks great until you see the inside!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school that has experienced many MANY changes in the recent years. With any change there is going to be bumps along the way and that is expected. But with this school, when they face the bump in the road they do their best to change it and make it better. The Staff here is wonderful and i feel like my children are getting such a great education. My kids are way more ready for college and life than I ever was. THere are somethings about this school that i have a problem with and would like to see changed but overall I love it and so do my kids. A lot of people say "Why are you sheltering your kids from the real world?" Well my response is this. THis school isnt perfect and neither are the kids. Not everyone at this school is the christian robot that everyone likes to think they are. My kids see enough of "the real world" in this school and outside of it , but the difference is, is that my children are guided to make smart decisions and have parents and staff who want to help them make those smart choices. I know that my children have not just flourished academically in this school but also emotionally and spiritually and that is what I am most grateful for.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended GCS - MS and GCS - HS for the last two years. We know there have been changes made in these last two years, but I can't comment since our children never attended SG. However, what my children are experiencing now is an educational institution that is lead by God honoring people from the administration to the custodial staff, instruction that requires higher level thinking skills, creative problem solving and collaboration rather than memorization and knowledge based feedback, a school that has an amazing general music and choir program as well as PE, sports and drama. I feel my children are receiving an exceptional education, couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

NOT a good school at all. That might be why there's only like 100 people in highschool.

I wrote the last review and my opinion has changed since then. I still think GCS is a good school, however, it is no longer a school that offers individualization, which is the whole reason we sent our son there. The school appears to be moving toward a public school model, but with Christianity included. Some kids may do great there...but a child that needs individualization will not.
—Submitted by a parent

I came to Gilbert Christian (formerly Surrey Garden) as a homeschooler in 7th grade. During the 5 years since, my experience hasn't been perfect, but then again, nothing is. Overall, I found my time there to be very enjoyable, and I am so thankful that my parents placed me there. GC has given me challenging academics and athletic opportunities that wouldn't be available to me if I had remained a homeschooler or gone to a larger school. At times, I have not agreed with some decisions or policies, but I can honestly say that I have the highest respect for all of the teachers and administration.
—Submitted by a student

Our goal as parents is to provide the best possible education for our kids and gorify the Lord in the process. GCS teaches the Bible, requires arts education, including strings, band, art and drama. The curriculum allows students to move ahead or seek remediation as individuals. They learn computer skills, Spanish and laboratory science. Its small size allows virtually all kids to participate in sports if they desire. The faculty loves God and works hard to teach and foster every student. The diversity of children is extraordinary - adopted kids (including my own) from around the globe. Finally, (contrary to the jan. 8th post) I do not go to either of the supposed only 2 churches, don't live in Agritopia and have never been considered 'normal.' My senior and freshman are in exactly the right place at GCS.
—Submitted by a parent

Their overarching philosophy is Individualized Instruction which essentially means no lectures (or very short ones) with students doing the bulk of the reading, writing, explaining, investigating, and discovery. With no long teacher lectures to swallow up the bulk of the class time, students get one-on-one time with teachers every hour. This is exceptional for several reasons. One, it allows for personal question/answer and feedback time, which research shows is absolutely essential for learning. Two, over time, this system allows for the teachers and students to truly develop a working relationship. This allows the teacher, and by extension the school, to better meet the individual needs of the student. Students want and need this attention for their academic, social, and spiritual growth. A huge bonus in all of this individualized attention is that 'negative behaviors' are rarely seen because students get plenty of 'good attention' all day long!
—Submitted by a parent

Surrey / GCS is an amazing place for kids to get an education. I find peace each day my 2nd grader walks to school knowing a fantastic woman who loves him for all of his wonder and hang ups will be by his side encouraging him and training him. I was educated in a private academy and trust me, not every private school is equal. Every teacher I have encountered at GCS LOVES their students and wants to make their educational experience special and meaningful. Changes are tough, but this school has not degraded in the process!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Gilbert Christian. I come from a perspective of having my oldest in the Gilbert Public School system 2 years ago. She just finished up her first year at Surrey/Gilbert Christian and the difference is night and day. She loves the school, loves going to the school and speaks of how different it is compared to the public school she went to. I've seen her math comprehension soar and her writing skills develop very well. My other child started kindergarten and he has excelled amazingly well. I wasn't around to compare under the old administrator. All I know is this school has been a true blessing to my family.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school is changing for the better. The 'growing pains' are worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as K-6th grade, nowhere in the valley can a child in those grades get a safer, more God-centered, education. As for the high school, yes there were some issues- that comes with teenagers. Some things could have been handled differently, sure, but last I checked we are not perfect as people and we need to take acountability for our own children's mistakes. As for issues with administration and the board, many issues were due to the fact that they were left a horrible mess when Mr. Ihms left. Three teachers were forced to step in and assume administrative roles. Now we have a new, experienced administrator who has an Excellent track record. I look forward to the future. If you want to leave, go, but be Godly and do not bash- Look to the log in your eye first.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for over 10 years and didn't see the changes that this parent is suggesting.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is definately headed in a direction away from it's historically excellent reputation. The values that made it Christian & an academically rigorous school are being replaced by priorities to make it a big school. If parents are searching for a Christ centered alternative to homeschooling, this is no longer the best choice in the East valley. If you are looking for cleaned up version of the surrounding public schools, than this is a good fit. You will find high parental involvement and neighborhood support. The location is still a great place to raise a family and the neighborhood feels safe. A secular family would feel very comfortable here and fit right in with all of the changes that are planned. I think the name change which includes the word 'Christian' is just to justify the high tuition and keep it from becoming a charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow - Our family has been at the school for 6 years and most of our experiences have been wonderful both under the previous administrator and the interim administration. We feel the latter did a wonderful job at keeping the school on track until our new principal comes. Administration has always had a open-door policy and our thoughts and comments have always been welcomed. The few academic changes that have been proposed are, in our opinion, for the better as every insitution should be open to better themselves. The staff consists of warm, wonderful and extremely caring people who LOVE our children. Blessings to Surrey/GCS in the future as well as to the schools that some students have chosen to move to.
—Submitted by a parent