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GreatSchools Rating

Gilbert Arts Academy

Charter | PK-6 | 200 students

GAA provides quality education with a strong focus on character development.
 
 
 

Living in Gilbert

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $170,600. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,060.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 8 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 8 ratings
2010:
Based on 11 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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The Principal's point of view

Avatar

Cathie Hirsch, May 3, 2012

Gilbert Arts Academy offers quality education for students in Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. Our campus is a safe, nurtuting environment where staff members create lasting academic relationships with students and their families. We provide the opportunity for students to learn in a safe atmosphere of academic excellence.

62 reviews of this school


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Posted May 5, 2010

Gilbert Arts Academy is a family oriented school. The level of professionalism from the staff is outstanding. The K.R.P program has been the best environment for my son!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

Great teachers with excellent learning environment!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

This school is amazing from the Pincaple to the teachers! I could not have picked a better school for my son.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

Such an amazing school with staff & teachers that show love, time & attention to EVERY student. You could not ask for a better school for your kids!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

The experience my son has received in the preschool program helps me trust in that his future endeavors in K 6 will be just as amazing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

Gilbert Arts Academy is such a dynamic and progressive school that is on the forefront of transforming education in Arizona. The teachers and staff are more than highly qualified and strive to create an environment that is conducive to each student s learning and development needs. Gilbert Arts Academy has become more of an extension of our family than a school. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

Small class size, great teachers and staff, they really care about our kids! I also love the emphasis on Arts Education, my child loves this school! We have been very happy here! Awesome parents that really get involved!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

My nephew is in KG and he loves coming to school at this school!


Posted May 5, 2010

My great niece goes there and they have been really good for her.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

The good is an exceptionally good, accademically sound school where the teachers actually KNOW the children and their individual needs. I have all good things to say, and not one negative. They challenge the children to think on their own, and to use after school time to teach them study skills. I love it, keep up the good work for my grandchildren!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

The teachers seem to care so much for the kids.


Posted May 5, 2010

My daughter transferred to Gilbert Arts Academy this year, and what she loves to say most about her school is that the staff and students are like her second family. She loves it here!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2010

A great school that encourages their students to develop strong and positive character traits.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2010

Fabulous small school with dedicated teachers and caring staff. Nice to know the atmosphere and quality of a private school can exist in a public school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2010

Great family atmosphere! This is a small campus with great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2010

The staff and the parents work hard to make this school a community that learns and grows together. Everyone is involved and included, and the students enjoy coming to school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2010

The amazing teachers, principal and staff. We love their dedication and personal caring attitutde with the children. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2009

I have a second grader and a kindergarten. I was worried about my second grader starting a new school. I was amazed at the acceptance she found and how much they care to help the children. Her reading even though it has been a few weeks has been> my son loves kindergarten. mrs. grant is the best. Her kindness is wonderful They look foward to going school everyday and love the flag cermony teaching small kids the intro to the bill of rights. Amazing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2009

My son just started Kindergarten at Gilbert Arts Academy. We couldn't be happier with our decision to send him there. His class size is small as is the school itself which gives it a family atmosphere. His teacher is absolutely fantastic! Something that stood out for me was the fact that all of the children in her class are so even tempered. Nobody is falling apart before class or after class which is a real tribute to the teacher. She is calm and so they are calm. It is hard to find that. The principle and many of the teachers already know our son's name which I find comforting given that school has only been in session for a week and a half. More importantly, our son wakes up every morning eager to go to school. As parents we couldn't ask for anything more.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2009

This was our daughter's first year and it has been a great experience. They have an excellent faculty which makes a big difference to the structure of students. We look forward to the next school year.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
92%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

24 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
58%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
63%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

19 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
94%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
35%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
70%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
90%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Excelling".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 63% 42%
Hispanic 20% 42%
Two or more races 8% 1%
Black 6% 5%
Asian 4% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 6%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 42%N/A46%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Dance teacher(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Advanced Ed Accredited (2011)
  • National School Choice (2013)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
Clubs
  • Recycling club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Dance
  • Drama

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15 am
School end time
  • 3:00 am
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Ms. Cathie Hirsch
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 4 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (480) 632-2077

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Service learning
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
  • Title I Targeted Assistance program (TAS)
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Computer lab
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Playground
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Kickball
  • Multi-sports club
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Field hockey
  • Flag football
  • Kickball
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Community service
  • Girl scouts
  • Recycling club
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
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School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
More from this school
  • Mustang Clubs meet after school in 6 week intervals. They include sports, music, drama, crafts, cooking, science, karate,sign language, quilting, scrapbooking, computers and more. Teachers and community members are the instructors. Orchestrat was added for students in grades 3-6.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


9 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
180
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
200

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Liberty Arts Academy
Gilbert Classical Junior High
South Valley Junior High
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

862 E. Elliot Road
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Website: Click here
Phone: (480) 325-6100

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