The top reported proficiency rate is 82% in English language arts. The lowest is 62% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Neely Traditional Academy
Neely Traditional Academy is a regular public school in Gilbert serving students from preschool through sixth grade. It sits within the Gilbert Unified District, one of the largest employers in this fast-growing Phoenix suburb. The school’s stated approach is a traditional academic model, which in practice means a structured, teacher-led environment with an emphasis on core subjects. For families considering a school that leans into direct instruction and routine, Neely puts that philosophy front and center.
On state assessments, Neely’s students perform at a high level. In both math and English language arts, proficiency rates across grades three through six consistently land well above the county median; the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the top quarter of all districts in Maricopa County. In third grade, for example, a large majority of students met or exceeded expectations in math, and the share rose even higher in fourth-grade ELA. Science results for fifth graders, while solid, were a notch below the reading and math marks. For a parent, the pattern is clear: academic achievement by conventional measures is a clear strength here, and a family drawn to a school where test results are a priority will find that alignment.
The student body is racially and ethnically diverse, which is common in Gilbert’s broader population. White students make up the largest group, followed by a substantial Hispanic share and a notable Asian contingent. The school does not report the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and information on students with disabilities and English learners is also absent from the available data. A parent with questions about how the school serves those populations would need to follow up directly with the school or the district.
Gilbert itself has undergone explosive growth over the past several decades, transforming from a farming town into a sprawling residential suburb. The housing market reflects that demand: home prices in the area run well above the state median, and rents are elevated too. The town remains incorporated as a “town” rather than a city, which under Arizona law limits its regulatory power over utilities and construction, but development has continued apace. For families moving into the area, the school sits in an older part of Gilbert near the Heritage District, where some walkable amenities exist, though the town is predominantly car-dependent.
The district context matters here. Gilbert Unified has faced repeated failures of maintenance and operations override requests at the ballot box; the most recent rejection came in late 2023, and voters also turned down a bond measure that would have funded renovations and technology. The district subsequently cut budgets, reducing teaching positions through attrition and trimming discretionary spending at school sites. These constraints may affect class sizes and resources at Neely, though the school’s strong academic record suggests it has so far maintained its program. The district adopted a five-year strategic plan in early 2022 centered on student success, safe schools, employee excellence, and community engagement, but the funding outlook remains tight.
Because Neely serves only through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report, and state testing data for the earlier elementary grades that are not tested is simply not generated. Chronic absenteeism and discipline data were not available, and the school’s course access and staffing details were also absent from what we received. None of those gaps necessarily indicate a problem, but they are areas where a prospective family may want to ask specific questions during a visit.
In summary, Neely Traditional Academy offers a straightforward, academically strong environment in a growing but fiscally constrained district. It is a good match for families who value traditional instruction and strong test performance, and who are comfortable with a suburban setting that has seen rapid development. The missing pieces on student support services and school-level resources are worth investigating directly.
See more original research from School Decision →