Gilbert Classical Academy High School

My son is a junior and started here in 7th grade. He has flourished and gained so much confidence by attending GCA. The academics are demanding period! You re ready for any university setting when you graduate GCA. Along the way, you are treated as valuable person by teachers and your fellow students. No serious mischief takes place here or you re out. My three older children went to Gilbert High and did very well...two got scholarships, but this is a much better overall experience hands down.
—Submitted by a parent

You'll probably note that the last review was dated in 2009. Much has changed about GCA and unfortunately, not all for the better. My child is currently a sophomore and we're beginning to consider leaving the school. The most significant change is in leadership. The original principle has left and skill set of the new administration is not as visionary or flexible. In a small school the loss of a few talented instructors can greatly affect the quality of education for many making it very difficult to recover. Unfortunately the school has not rebounded from a key loss in the math department. Academically there are now holes in the program which cannot be overlooked much longer. It's still a great small school option for kids who may be challenged in a larger program. There are several talented instructors who make GCA a solid option but attending this school also means losing a significant part of the high school experience. In addition the facility is no where near the standard of most Gilbert schools with a recent admission to asbestos in the plant. Great potential under the right leadership and District commitment.
—Submitted by a parent

GCA is one of the best schools I have ever been to. All of my teachers treat me like an adult, and expect adult behavior from me. I love the atmosphere and most of the students who attend Gilbert Classical. Last year in 7th grade, I was comforted by the fact that irresponsible kids don't survive at this school. You have to be serious in academics and in ones behavior at GCA. One can clearly see a huge difference between students maturity and work at GCA and at other public schools. This school may be tough, but is DEFINATLY worth the effort.
—Submitted by a student

GCA is one of the best schools I have ever been to. All of my teachers treat me like an adult, and expect adult behavior from me. I love the atmosphere and most of the students who attend Gilbert Classical. Last year in 7th grade, I was comforted by the fact that irresponsible kids don't survive at this school. You have to be serious in academics and in ones behavior at GCA. One can clearly see a huge difference between students maturity and work at GCA and at other public schools. This school may be tough, but is DEFINATLY worth the effort.
—Submitted by a parent

Gilbert Classical Academy is an Elite College Preparatory School; it is the very best public education your child could receive in the State of Arizona. Parents in SF, NY & Chicago are paying at least 12k a year per student for this type of quality education. The Administration, Teachers, & Staff are priceless. Gilbert Public School District 41 Administration & Board are to be commended for putting together such a great program. Once GPS #41 expands, this way of teaching to all of their schools, they are sure to be one of the top school Districts in the Nation. Go Spartans!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is good but lacks how this small school will be good for college aplicants
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at GCA and oh my gosh, I love this school! The Principal is our school DJ during the dances...who ever thought that? Also, you teachers know almost everybody on campus so we know whos who and what they do. My favorite subject is Latin because our latin teacher makes learning fun and we have fun doing it! We just recently had a socratic seminar and we got to share music and pictures with the class... that was so much fun. Our latin teacher also makes translating fun and challenging. I cannot wait till i get into 9th grade, so I can live out a high school life and have fun with my friends.
—Submitted by a parent

im a student here at GCA and my first couple days rocked! it is the best school you could ever go to and the people there are nice and sweet
—Submitted by a student

I am a 9th grader here at GCA and I just love this school. You are required to take Latin which is useful and also Spanish which is extremely helpful especially here in Arizona with many Mexican people such as myself. I am fortunate enough to have gotten in and to all you who are considering registering for this school, it is definitely worth it and your academic knowledge will be greatly expanded.
—Submitted by a student

GCA is awesome and i luv it there if u are interested u will luv it too
—Submitted by a student

I love this school. For i am a student here at the academy. You recieve a HP ompaq 6710b lap top. A extremely uptodate lap top. As i am typing this up on it at home. A exelent exelent school. There is no bullying. That is strictly enforced. As anyone caught harrassing/hasing will be dismissed. I am a 7th grader here. It is amazing how nice the teachers are.
—Submitted by a student

Students are at least one year ahead of normal levels which gives them the opportunity to take honors, AP and college credit.

My son is a 6th grader and went on line to complete the application process to attend this school. He said he wanted to go here because they require Latin and calculus and each student is given a lap-top. They require uniforms, and excelling grades. One F on any semester grade and you will be expelled. There are no behavior issues. This is truly an academic haven for those students who want to excel.
—Submitted by a parent

This school will soon become one of the best in the nation. The administration is top notch and the school environment is warm and academically superior to any others in the East Valley. The combination of technology and Classical education is brilliant, and colleges are already salivating over having a shot at these students when they leave the Academy
—Submitted by a parent