The Center for Model Schools has announced Gilbert Public Schools as an “Innovative District” for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to transforming student outcomes by fostering learning environments where every student can thrive.  

GPS was honored at the 2025 Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C., which celebrated forward-thinking districts that drive transformation, inspire change and implement groundbreaking strategies to improve student outcomes. 

Gilbert Public Schools is one of only nine school districts in the United States, and the only district in Arizona, to earn the Innovative District recognition.  

This distinction is a result of the district’s commitment to student success and continuous improvement, according to the district. GPS aims for excellence in education by fostering a culture of collaboration, visionary leadership, and ongoing development across each of its 39 schools. 

 "We are honored to be recognized as an Innovative District at MSC 2025," Dr. Shane McCord, superintendent at Gilbert Public Schools, said in a release.  "This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, students, and community in fostering an environment where our students can thrive." 

 As part of this recognition, Dr. Krista Cox, director of secondary curriculum, instruction and assessment at GPS, and Robert Bircher, director of elementary curriculum, instruction and assessment at GPS, presented at the conference.  

Their session, "Proven Strategies for Continuous Improvement and Impact Measurement in Schools and Districts," shared effective frameworks and practical strategies for continuous improvement with student outcomes, emphasizing data-backed impact checks, accountability and measurable outcomes. 

 “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to speak at an event with so many leaders in education from across the country,” Cox said inthe release. “Being recognized as an Innovative District requires a commitment to student success and continuous improvement from everyone in our district, which is evident in the remarkable achievements our students and schools continue to accomplish." 

 Notably, Gilbert Public Schools is one of four large school districts in Arizona to maintain an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education for two consecutive years. GPS is also the only large district in the state where each of its schools has earned either an A or B rating.  

Over the past three years, GPS has experienced growth in advanced academic achievement — for example, in areas with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate enrollment — with passing rates increasing by more than 15% annually.  

 During the 2024-2025 school year, students at Gilbert Public Schools earned roughly 1,400 graduation proficiency seals from the Arizona Department of Education, a 50% increase from the previous year.  

Furthermore, the class of 2025 graduating seniors across GPS collectively earned $74,583,187 in scholarships.  

Meanwhile, each high school earned all college and career readiness index points on their school report cards, making GPS the only district in the East Valley to do so.