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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 7 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.

61 reviews of this school


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Posted April 24, 2013

GAA is a very good school. They have high expectations for their students, teachers and staff. Their teachers are dedicated. No two classes, or two students are identical. GAA is effective in its approach in that GAA has teachers that understand this and differ instruction to best help each student to be successful. Also, students want to be there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 26, 2013

We started our kids at GAA this year. It has been an incredible experience! The Principal, teachers and staff all take their job of educating and mentoring the kids very seriously. Our daughter that has some special needs THRIVED at this school. Communication is outstanding. My kids enjoy going to school everyday and have learned so much. It is with great confidence that I recommend Gilbert Arts Academy to anyone looking for an above average school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2013

We have been going to GAA since my daughter was in Kinder. She is now in 5th grade! We love this school!! We love the small campus and one on one the teachers give to the students. My daughter also looks forward to the after school activities. Go GAA!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2013

We love GAA! This is our 6th year at GAA and it just keeps getting better. Thanks to our wonderful teachers both my kids are two years ahead in reading and they love school. I know when I pick them up each afternoon they will be smiling.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2013

This is a great school! It's a small campus and the teachers and staff know all the students names and families. Our kids really like being at GAA for class and all the after school clubs. Keep up the good work 5th grade!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2013

This is our first year at Gilbert Arts and we are so happy we made the change. It's smaller than our Gilbert Public School, but my kids are really being challenged in class and love their teachers. Everyone is so positive and respectfull. As a parent, I love the Zero Tolerence policy for bullying.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 17, 2013

This school is not what it is cracked up to be. The teachers are lax and overbearing. Its their way or the highway. Don't go there.


Posted November 19, 2012

My daughter is in her 5th year of going to this school. We both are very happy with the staff and the education. This year has been the best year so far. The teachers really work with parents to make sure that they know what is going on in their child classroom, and the PTO works very hard to inform parents of all school activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 18, 2012

My son is finishing his first year here in kindergarten. It has been a WONDERFUL experience for him. The staff, teachers, and principal are dedicated and caring. I know he is safe and cared for when I drop him off. The students are well behaved and taught about character. Within a week of starting school everyone knew my son's name! This school is about community and no child will ever feel left out. My son has special needs and everyone at the schoool has been so loving and understanding. He gets all the resources and help he needs and has had a very successful year. I don't understand the negative reviews on here. They don't even make sense...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 10, 2011

As part of the education team at Gilbert Arts Academy it saddens me when one individual is not pleased with a decision and it affects their vision in a negative way from that point on. We are not a perfect school but we strive hard to be one! Our education is top notch with teachers focused on students and their needs. Tutoring is available. After school clubs offer students the opportunities to participate in a variety of areas including science, craftes, music, P.E., fitness,drama, and more. Parents are on campus daily sharing their time and talents. Community is in involved in activities in a variety of ways. Staff and principal are always available to listen and help in any way possible. Our PTO is highly supportive. Our goal is to develop character in our students that will ensure them success now and in the future. Check us out! Our staff is great! Our parents are wonderful! Our students are phenomenal!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 22, 2011

I really disliked this school. Parents pick your childs school wisely. Look else where before enrolling them here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2011

If you are looking for a great school for your child that they can grow with that have great teachers and office staff that are well educated and go above and beyond for your child. Do NOT enroll your child here. This school is not for children who may need extra help in certain areas. The teachers had very poor commination I never knew what my child was learning or activities going on in the classroom. The school does not have enough resources for all students to be in the after school activities. I was so happy that we found a wonderful school that knows what they re doing and how knows how to do it well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2011

This is my daughter's 4th year at this school and she loves it. I love the extra attention each child receives, all the teachers know all the students names and the atmosphere is very inviting. The staff are very caring and the after school clubs are fantastic! A real effort is made to keep grades up by providing tutors, if needed and keeping parents informed. My child was diagnosed with ADD, the school provided the extra help she needed and were very supportive, helpful and patient when I chose a natural treatment over medicine. We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2011

Great school...IF your child does NOT need special attention! They are unable to manage special needs situations & are disorganized. Parents do the bulk of the work at home and pick up & drop off is a fiasco, so be sure you have the time if you enroll your kids here.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 12, 2011

Best small local school in Gilbert. This school is fantastic! The staff and principal are caring and happy educators that give all they've got to teaching children. We are finishing our second year here and we couldn't be happier. Parent involvement is high and academics are rigorous.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 7, 2011

This is my first year working at Gilbert Arts Academy, and I am so impressed and happy to be part of the team. This is a truly quality school, and I will say that this is the first time I have said that about a school I have worked at since moving to Arizona 5 years ago. The teachers and staff are incredible, passionate, and concerned with every student that comes through. The parents that volunteer at the school do nothing but lighten up the front office building, help the teachers and positively contribute. Thank you parents! The recent art show that took place, blew me away. I feel very blessed and excited every day I am at Gilbert Arts Academy, and would not want to be at any other school.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 23, 2011

This is my daughter's 4th year @ Gilbert Arts Academy. I am so impressed with how friendly, caring and helpful the staff is here. Her progress this year has amazed me on how much she has learned and the year is not even over yet! We are looking forward to another exciting year next fall!! We love GAA!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2010

I love the school. my son is very happy and loves going to school. We love everyone there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2010

I just relocated to Gilbert, AZ in July, from NY with my family. Through much online research, I enrolled my 4th grader in another charter school. However, after the Open House....I decided to look into other schools, as i didn't feel it would be a good fit for him. GAA was on my new list of schools to visit. I was able to make Parent/Teachers night and immediately fell in LOVE with the staff! Everyone was so sincere in making my family feel at home!!! He enjoys going to school!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2010

Gilbert Arts Academy is amazing! The teachers are the best loving caring individuals ever. The office staff and principal are awesome! My son loves going to school everyday. We can not be any happier with the school.
—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 »


Oops! We currently do not have any student information for this school. We rely on the state Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and in some cases school administrators such as registrars and principals for this data.

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
  • 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.

Photos

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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