SE Valley Times

Neely Traditional Academy and Gilbert Classical Academy have achieved top rankings in Arizona according to U.S. News & World Report. Neely Traditional Academy was ranked fourth among the state's elementary schools, while Gilbert Classical Academy secured the same position among middle schools.

U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools across the United States by summing standardized scores on four ranking indicators, which include proficiency and performance in mathematics and reading. The data is sourced from public records provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

At Neely Traditional Academy, serving Pre-K through 6th grade, 83% of students scored at or above proficiency in math, with 86% achieving similar levels in reading. These results contributed to an overall score of 99.71 out of 100 for Neely, placing it fourth among 1,031 elementary schools in Arizona. The academy has also received several accolades such as being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon school and receiving an A+ School of Excellence Award along with an "A" letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education for the 2023-24 school year.

"This is an incredible honor to be ranked among the best schools in our state," said Jennifer Greene, Principal at Neely Traditional Academy. "This ranking is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of all our students, staff and families."

Gilbert Classical Academy's middle school rankings are based on performance and proficiency in both reading and math. The academy scored 88% in mathematics and 94% in reading, placing it fourth and second respectively within the state rankings. Overall, GCA earned a score of 99.54 out of 100, positioning it fourth out of 654 ranked middle schools. It was recognized nationally as a Blue Ribbon School in 2019 and has been awarded an A+ School of Excellence along with an 'A' letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education for the current school year.

For more information about Neely Traditional Academy visit their website at NeelyTraditionalAcademy.GilbertSchools.net; details about Gilbert Classical Academy can be found at GilbertClassicalAcademy.GilbertSchools.net.