Gilbert schools earn A+ School of Excellence designation

Several schools in Gilbert have earned the Arizona Educational Foundation’s 2026-2030 A+ School of Excellence Award, the foundation announced Feb. 20.

The designation, awarded for a four-year period, is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school and is open to campuses that hold an “A” or “B” rating from the Arizona Department of Education and demonstrate exemplary practices.

In Gilbert Public Schools, the following campuses received the A+ designation:

• Campo Verde High School
• Gilbert Classical Academy
• Highland Junior High School
• Playa del Rey Elementary School

In Higley Unified School District, the recognized schools are:

• Cooley Middle School
• Cortina Elementary School

Eduprize Gilbert, part of the EDUPRIZE Schools charter network, also earned the 2026-2030 designation.

The A+ School of Excellence program was created in 1983 and serves as a self-assessment and recognition process for public schools across Arizona.

Schools undergo a multi-step evaluation that begins with an online application and may include interviews and site visits conducted by trained judges.

Judges are either current or former A+ School of Excellence recipients or have served in such schools.

According to the Arizona Educational Foundation, schools that earn the designation demonstrate strong leadership, high-quality instruction, a rigorous standards-aligned curriculum, parent and community involvement, and a student-centered approach in a safe learning environment.

The recognition also carries ongoing responsibilities. During the four-year term, A+ principals mentor participants in the foundation’s Principal’s Leadership Academy of Arizona and assist with professional development training and workshops through the AEF Academy.