Gilbert Classical Academy is a choice 7th-12th junior high and high school in the Gilbert Public Schools district. It opened in 2007, replacing the former Tech and Leadership Academy in that district which served 9th–12th grades. Students follow a strict dress code.
Serving 572 students in grades 7-12, Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 88% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 94% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 572 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 88% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 74% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Gilbert Classical Academy High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Gilbert, AZ, covering an area of approximately 60.2 square miles. Most students typically have a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4.8 miles to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 9.1 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School News
- Gilbert Classical Academy Named Top Public High School in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report - 08/31/2026Gilbert Classical Academy is one of the top public high schools in the Nation and in Arizona, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report school rankings. Out of ...morea total of 18,000 high schools ranked nationally, GCA was recognized as number 79 and earned the number 2 ranking among public high schools in Arizona. hide
- The Spartan’s Back-to-School Guide for Gilbert Classical Academy - 07/21/2026The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Start the school year strong with the Spartan's BacktoSchool Guide, which includes important tools and resources that will help you make ...moreit the best year yet. hide
- Gilbert Classical Academy Student Athlete Signing Days - April 23 & May 12, 2026 - 05/13/2026Photos from April 23rd and May 12th, 2026, Student Athlete Signing Days!
- GCA Earns Sportsmanship Award and Tennis State Championship, Recognized at GPS Governing Board Meeting - 05/13/2026Gilbert Classical Academy students and staff were recognized at the GPS Governing Board Meeting on May 12, 2026, for excellence in sportsmanship and athletic achievement
- Two GCA Students Named 2026 Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors - 05/04/2026After a rigorous four-month selection process, two GCA students will serve as 2026 Youth Ambassadors for Gilbert Sister Cities. These high school juniors will participate in an international exchange, traveling ...moreeither to Northern Ireland or China this summer to foster global understanding and represent the Gilbert community. hide
Top Rankings
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12's student population of 572 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
572 students
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2007
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
School Motto
Dare to Know
School Rankings
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 ranks within the top 1% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2 out of 1921 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
27%
3%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
20%
49%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
6%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
White
42%
33%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2014–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥95%
77.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.1%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
4%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
10%
Showing 2009–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Mascot
Spartan
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Gilbert Classical Academy is committed to developing students of impeccable character who embrace a passion for learning by gaining a solid foundation of knowledge through a rigorous, classical curriculum. Utilizing the Socratic method of instruction, students are empowered to think critically, work collaboratively, and prepare for postsecondary education at the university level and lifelong learning.
- We are a nationally recognized, extemporary, high-performing all Honors and AP curriculum. We are a combined junior high and high school that prepares both junior high and high school students for college with 6 years of consistent education. Students are like-minded and high-achieving.
- GCA is a small school that embodies a strong unity amongst students and the surrounding community. All students are required to take AP-level courses for their upper-class core subject areas. Students are required to perform 80 hours of community service to graduate. In addition to the community service hours, students are required to write and defend a 4,000-word Senior Thesis Project about a topic of their selection.
- GCA has a like-minded and high-achieving student population that creates a positive learning environment and a strong sense of community.
- We are proud to be an A-Rated School by the Arizona Department of Education and an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation.
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12's ranking?
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 is ranked #2 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 often compared to?
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12is often viewed alongside schools like Arizona College Prep High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
88% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12?
The graduation rate of Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 is 95%, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 77.8%.
How many students attend Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12?
572 students attend Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 students are White, 27% of students are Asian, 20% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12?
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 offer ?
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 part of?
Gilbert Classical Academy 7-12 is part of Gilbert Unified District (4239).
School Reviews
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