Gilbert, Arizona Public Schools

Gilbert Public Schools (GPS), also known as Gilbert Unified School District #41 (GUSD), is a school district in Gilbert, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The 60.26-square-mile (156.1-kilometer2) district is Arizona's seventh largest, with over 34,000 students attending 39 schools in Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa.

The National Council for Home Safety and Security named the district "4th Best School District in America" in 2018, and the East Valley Tribune named it "Best Public School/District" in the Best of Gilbert 2018 issue. As of spring 2019, thirteen GPS schools have received the Arizona Educational Foundation's "A+ School of ExcellenceTM Award."

On the southwest corner of Baseline and Cooper Roads in Gilbert, the first school was established in 1900. In 1909, the school was relocated to the northwest corner of Guadalupe and Cooper Roads. Since it was the highest land south of the Salt River, it was given the name Highland. Mesa Unified School District #4 was responsible for these schools.

Gilbert School District #41 was founded in 1913, with the opening of the first elementary school. The new school, which was built on the corner of Elliot and Gilbert roads, had four classrooms, two offices, an auditorium, and a full basement underneath the auditorium. The Gilbert Historical Museum opened in 1982 after the building was closed for classroom use in 1977.

In 1917, the newly established Gilbert School District #41 held an election "for the purpose of building and sustaining a high school." Gilbert High School, on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Elliot roads, was the city's first high school, opening in 1917. The first graduating class, which consisted of four students, took place in 1918. Gilbert High School has since been demolished, with the Gilbert Public Schools district administration building now occupying the former location.

Gilbert Public Schools has expanded to serve over 35,000 students at 40 schools throughout Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa, Arizona, since opening its first school in 1913. Gilbert Public Schools sent a statement to the community on March 13, 2020, stating that all schools will be closed until further notice due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Gilbert Public Schools District's curriculum emphasizes academic studies while also providing educational options in areas such as technology, art, music, leadership, physical education, and a variety of sports and extracurricular programs.

They achieve their mission of outstanding education by working together with our students, their families, and the local community to encourage academic achievement and prepare students for success.