Gilbert Public Schools is inviting elementary school families thinking about what’s next for their students to explore the district's schools and academic programs specifically for seventh and eighth graders.

These options include the district's five comprehensive junior highs, Gilbert Accelerated Middle School, Gilbert Classical Academy, the district's Sports Performance Academy and its Gifted, Talented and Creative program for gifted students.

The comprehensive junior highs also offer four seasons of competitive athletics along with a wide range of clubs and activities.

Desert Ridge Junior High offers honors and accelerated courses, electives and enrichment opportunities to students. Desert Ridge Junior is recognized as an AVID school for its promotion of college and career readiness. 

Gilbert Accelerated Middle School at Gilbert High School immerses seventh and eighth grade students in honors and accelerated curriculum in the areas of math, English, social studies, science and world languages. Coursework is project-based and student-centered. Students enrolled in the program benefit from smaller classroom settings, 6-year personalized academic planning, and instruction by high-school faculty. 

Gilbert Classical Academy is a college preparatory school for 7-12th grade students. GCA is A-rated by the Arizona Department of Education, recognized as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School, and a 2020 A+ School of Excellence winner. GCA offers a rigorous classical curriculum with a focus on building relationships, mentorship and character development. the school will have an informational meeting on site at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.

Greenfield Junior High supports student learning through honors and accelerated courses as well as enrichment opportunities. Highly-qualified teachers are in every classroom. 

Highland Junior High is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to pursue personal growth and excellence. Highland Junior offers honors and accelerated courses as well as the Gifted, Talented and Creative  program for gifted students. GTC is specialized instruction and programming taught by gifted-endorsed teachers. Highland also offers an exemplary performing arts and music program.

Mesquite Junior High offers all core academic areas, honors classes and an extensive offering of electives and extracurricular activities. Campus activities also take place frequently to build relationships and peer support.

South Valley Junior High offers rigorous educational experiences at an  A-rated school by the Arizona Department of Education. Students have access to honors and accelerated courses as well as enrichment opportunities. South Valley is also home to the Sports Performance Academy, designed to provide student athletes with a flexible schedule for academic and personalized support. 

Tours of any of the campuses can be arranged through the district website.