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Six Gilbert Public Schools Earn 2025 A+ Recognition from AEF, making a total of 18 A+ Schools of Excellence in GPS

Six Gilbert Public Schools Earn 2025 A+ Recognition from AEF, making a total of 18 A+ Schools of Excellence in GPS
Tristan Chavez
Flyer that says For Immediate Release by GPS

Six Gilbert Public Schools have been recognized with the prestigious A+ School of Excellence Award by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) for 2025. Ashland Ranch Elementary, Augusta Ranch Elementary, Boulder Creek Elementary, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, and Quartz Hill Elementary school each earned the exceptional award by demonstrating a deep commitment to building a culture of excellent academics and community. Gilbert Public Schools has 18 schools with the A+ School of Excellence recognition.

The A+ School of Excellence Award celebrates top-performing schools that exceed expectations in academics, innovation, and community involvement. This rigorous achievement honors schools committed to creating safe, student-centered environments. By earning the A+ School of Excellence award, schools have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence that fosters student success.

“Earning the A+ School of Excellence Award is a tremendous honor that recognizes the dedication and hard work of our schools' teachers, staff, and students,” said Dr. Jason Martin, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education. “This recognition affirms our commitment to providing every child with a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment."

Augusta Ranch Elementary Principal, Terrie Barnes, with the Principal's Academy Club

Ashland Ranch Elementary earned its A+ School of Excellence Award by cultivating a strong sense of community where students, staff, and parents work together to foster a love of learning and inspire lifelong success. The school is committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Ashland Ranch Elementary is proud to be an A-rated school, dedicated to creating a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere with rigorous academics that support students to thrive.

Augusta Ranch Elementary’s A+ School of Excellence Award comes as a result of the school creating a safe and positive learning environment that addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. The school is particularly proud of its K-6 Accelerated programs, designed to challenge and support students with strong academic abilities and a motivation to learn. Augusta Ranch’s commitment to engaging and elevating its students every day also played a role in the school’s A+ School of Excellence Award.

Boulder Creek Elementary’s work to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment that develops the skills students need for a successful future leads to the school’s A+ School of Excellence Award and being an A-rated school. The school’s dedicated staff believes that every student matters and every moment counts, genuinely caring for students and supporting their best efforts. Boulder Creek offers accelerated learning opportunities K-6 and fosters a caring culture in many ways, including its engaging clubs like Student Council, Running Club, National Elementary Honor Society, and Oceanography.

Carol Rae Ranch Elementary earned its A+ School of Excellence Award by dedicating itself to building a community of compassionate, lifelong learners who strive to make the world a better place. The school believes in the power of strong partnerships between school and home to enhance children's learning experiences and successes. Carol Rae Ranch Elementary, an A-rated school, fosters an environment of respect, understanding, and encouragement, where everyone is valued and inspired to be their best.

Gilbert Elementary prepares students for full participation in the global economy through its research-based Spanish Dual Language instructional model, which contributed to its A+ School of Excellence recognition. In this dual-language learning environment, participating students develop proficiency in two languages while learning grade-level academic content. Gilbert Elementary utilizes its outdoor campus to provide a unique atmosphere for learning in both indoor classrooms and outdoor settings. The school also emphasizes positive character development through its P.A.W.S. program, which promotes Positive Attitude, Assertive Wise Choices, and Showing Respect for Self and Others.

Quartz Hill Elementary Art Teacher, Darlene Hibbs, in Front of Her Students

Quartz Hill Elementary’s A+ School of Excellence Award comes as a result of offering students and families the choice of conventional and accelerated classrooms K-6, allowing students to find the learning environment that fits their unique academic journey. The A-rated school fosters a vibrant learning community through engaging student clubs and activities, including Oceanography Club, Sunshine Service Club, Student Council, and STEAM Club. These opportunities, along with Quartz Hill Elementary's commitment to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment, empower students to "blaze a trail of excellence" toward their futures.

The other Gilbert Public Schools with the A+ School of Excellence recognition include Campo Verde High School, Canyon Rim Elementary, Gilbert Classical Academy, Highland High School, Highland Park Elementary, Mesquite Elementary, Neely Traditional Academy, Oak Tree Elementary, Sonoma Ranch Elementary, Superstition Springs Elementary, Towne Meadows Elementary, and Val Vista Lakes Elementary.