SE Valley Times

Neely Traditional Academy, established in 1999 as the first traditional school in the East Valley, offers a distinctive educational experience focused on core academic skills and community engagement for students from preschool through sixth grade. The academy emphasizes a structured learning environment where classrooms are designed to facilitate direct instruction, with desks facing forward to maintain focus. This setup ensures that all students engage with the same material, promoting understanding and collaboration.

The academy's curriculum includes consistent daily routines, enabling seamless collaboration among students and teachers. English Language Arts classes focus on precise speech, legible handwriting, spelling, and reading fluency. Math programs introduce new concepts daily while reviewing previously learned ones, with math taught at a grade level higher than the class is in. Gifted K-6 students learn math two grades ahead using a traditional curriculum.

Note-taking and written exercises are emphasized to aid information retention. "It's no secret that we remember things better when we write them down," said Cathy Davidson, a fourth-grade teacher at Neely Traditional Academy. "By emphasizing note-taking and written exercises, we're preparing our students for future academic and professional endeavors where clear communication and effective information management are important."

Neely Traditional fosters a strong community through relationships between students and faculty. Practical application of knowledge is encouraged through projects like creating an operation game or simulating the stock market.

"This is a truly amazing and incredible school," shared Heather Crandell, who has served in various roles over 25 years at Neely Traditional Academy. "In every position that I've been in, I've always felt a sense of unity and shared purpose."

Traditional education opportunities are also available at Canyon Rim Elementary and Spectrum Elementary. More information can be found at GilbertSchools.net/Teaching-Learning/Academic-Programs/Traditional-k-6.