Spartan Family
Find It Fast
Announcements & School News
Gilbert Classical Flyers
Gilbert Classical Flyers
Click to view flyers on upcoming school events, activities, and fundraisers.
![White text on a purple striped background announces "2026 BOND ELECTION Election Information NOVEMBER 2026".]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786119332/gilbertschoolsnet/ez0fgfkscb4flyookogi/Bond-DRHS2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786119332/gilbertschoolsnet/ez0fgfkscb4flyookogi/Bond-DRHS2.png","width":512}])
Read More
about Gilbert Classical Academy 2026 Bond Information (opens in new window/tab)
![Gilbert Classical Academy back to school guide]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784662336/gilbertschoolsnet/lotym4ymzdzzh3r5ijgj/GCATips.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784662336/gilbertschoolsnet/lotym4ymzdzzh3r5ijgj/GCATips.png","width":512}])
The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Start the school year strong with the Spartan’s Back‑to‑School Guide, which includes important tools and resources that will help you make it the best year yet.
![Principal Mrs. Torbert's Weekly Letter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755282972/gilbertschoolsnet/bwozdm4ygvdvq0t0lsph/WebsiteIcon-WeeklyLetter.png","width":256}])
Welcome Back Spartans!
The countdown to a new school year is on! Over the next two weeks, we look forward to welcoming our students, staff, and families back to Gilbert Classical Academy.
We are excited to welcome our new staff members on July 20 and greet our newest Spartans during 7th Grade Orientation on the morning of July 21 (see below for additional information). We also look forward to reconnecting with our returning students and families during Spartan Day from 12:00–4:00 p.m. on July 21. Spartan Day is a convenient opportunity to prepare for the school year by:
- Picking up a Chromebook (if one has not already been issued)
- Picking up your lanyard and ID (if you do not already have one)
- Paying school fees
- Purchasing a parking permit
- Requesting schedule changes
- Learning about clubs, athletics, and other opportunities at GCA
- Getting answers to any questions you may have before school begins
If you plan to stop by, I hope you'll take a moment to introduce yourself. I would love the opportunity to meet as many students and families as possible!
The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Students should plan to arrive before 7:15 a.m. so they are in class and ready to learn when the first bell rings at 7:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 1:20 p.m. on Wednesdays. We will also have Legion time every day for the first week. See below for the bell schedule.
As you prepare for the first day, here are a few reminders:
- Uniforms: Students may wear any approved uniform items listed in the GCA dress code.
- Student ID: Returning students should wear last year's ID badge. New students will receive their ID badge and lanyard during Orientation or at Spartan Day. IDs and lanyards will also be available on the first day of school for new students who are unable to come to Orientation/Spartan Day.
- Student Drivers: Parking permits must be displayed in your windshield. Students who have not yet purchased a parking permit should do so in the front office on Spartan Day. Parking enforcement will begin the following day.
- School Supplies: An all-black backpack is recommended (but not required). Suggested supplies include a 3-inch binder, six notebooks, pencils, pens, and colored pencils, pens, or markers.
Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and an open mind. This year, we'll challenge one another to look for possibilities, uncover potential, and make it a fantastic year to be a Spartan. We can't wait to see you soon!
Please select here to read all the vital information within the Newsletter.
Principal's Update
What an Incredible First Week!
What an incredible first week of school at Gilbert Classical Academy! It has been inspiring to walk through our classrooms and see students already taking ownership of their learning. We are incredibly fortunate to have some of the very best teachers and staff members here at GCA. They have gone above and beyond to welcome students, make them feel at home, and create engaging learning experiences from day one.
This year, I challenged our school to become the best school in the state, and I am proud to say our staff has embraced that challenge with enthusiasm and purpose. Our instructional focus this year is making student thinking visible, and it has been exciting to see that vision already coming to life in classrooms across campus.
Throughout the week, we witnessed countless examples of authentic, student-centered learning. Students gathered evidence around the classroom to draw conclusions about their teacher before ever being introduced. They participated in Socratic seminars, crafted thoughtful written responses, and debated the causes of historical events. Science students investigated whether water is soluble by exploring the relationship between water, cinnamon, and dish soap, while other students collaborated to design creative ways to move ping pong balls into beakers using only sticks. We saw students engaging in Four Corners discussions, writing and testing algorithms by "programming" a classmate/teacher to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and creating beautiful works of art and music. These experiences are exactly what meaningful learning looks like—students thinking, questioning, collaborating, creating, and discovering together.
Outside the classroom, the excitement continued! We hosted our Fall Athletics Parent Meeting on Thursday evening, where junior high and high school families learned about the upcoming athletic season. Junior high practices and tryouts begin Monday, while high school athletics will begin the following week. As a reminder, all student-athletes must be registered in Rank One before they are eligible to participate in practices or tryouts. Please see the information below for registration details.
As I write this message, our senior class is outside painting their parking spots for the very first time—a fun new tradition and a wonderful reminder that another memorable school year is underway. It has truly been a momentous first week, and if these first few days are any indication, we have an incredible year ahead. I cannot wait to see all that our Spartans accomplish together!
Please select here to read all the vital information within the Newsletter.
![New GCA Principal Elyse Torbert]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1785781379/gilbertschoolsnet/npxixqxxfbuhwxfpofrb/ElyseTorbert_GCA_1.jpg","width":2200}])
The Spartan family is excited to announce the appointment of Principal Elyse Torbert in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. She will bring a wealth of experience and a passion for continued student success and growth.
District News
![2026 Bond Election Information - November 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784556041/gilbertschoolsnet/calovpzsxhuppry5qxqh/2026BondElection.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784556041/gilbertschoolsnet/calovpzsxhuppry5qxqh/2026BondElection.png","width":512}])
In November 2026, voters living within Gilbert Public Schools boundaries in Gilbert and Mesa will decide on a proposed $136 million bond - Proposition 422. Read on for more information about the 2026 Bond Election.
![Governing Board Brief graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784819674/gilbertschoolsnet/gfqa6hgf7hsftfants6v/GoverningBoardBriefforDistrictNews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784819674/gilbertschoolsnet/gfqa6hgf7hsftfants6v/GoverningBoardBriefforDistrictNews.png","width":512}])
Gilbert Public Schools held a Gilbert Public Schools Regular Business Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The meeting began at 6:00 pm and was held in the Governing Board Business Meeting. Read on for a summary and view the meeting.
