The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in English language arts. The lowest is 51% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Finley Farms Elementary
Finley Farms Elementary is a regular public school in Gilbert, Arizona serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. It operates as part of the Gilbert Unified District, a large suburban district that covers much of the town. With an enrollment of several hundred students, the school is mid-sized for an elementary campus in this fast-growing part of the Phoenix metro area.
The student body is majority white, with a substantial Hispanic population making up roughly three in ten students. Smaller shares of Asian, Black, Native American, and multiracial students round out the mix. Information about the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are learning English was not available in the data reviewed, which limits a full picture of the school’s economic and support needs.
Academically, Finley Farms posts results that place it among the stronger elementary schools in Maricopa County. Across tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency level sits in the top quarter when compared to other schools countywide. This is a genuine strength, and it holds across both math and English language arts, though there is variation by grade level. In reading, proficiency rates in third and fourth grades are notably higher than in fifth and sixth, and math shows a similar pattern, with fourth grade the softest spot. For math, fourth-grade proficiency is lower than the other grade levels; parents may want to ask the school how that cohort is being supported. Science is tested only in fifth grade, and about half of students met the proficiency bar there. The data provides only a single year of test results, so no trend on improvement or decline is available.
The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. Likewise, no data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, or staffing were included in the available profile. Those are meaningful gaps for a parent trying to gauge school climate and daily experience.
Gilbert itself is a large, primarily residential suburb that has grown explosively over the past few decades, transforming from a farming town into a master-planned suburban community. The town remains incorporated as a town rather than a city, a quirk of Arizona law that gives it somewhat less control over development than neighboring municipalities. Housing is expensive. The typical home value and rent in the area are well above national averages, reflecting the desirability and demand in this part of the Valley. The community is car-dependent, with most errands requiring a drive, though the Heritage District along Gilbert Road offers a small walkable core with restaurants and civic buildings.
At the district level, Gilbert Unified has faced notable financial headwinds. In late 2023, voters rejected both a maintenance and operations budget override and a bond request, marking the third consecutive failure for the override. The district has been operating without an override for some time, and the failed bond would have funded school renovations and technology upgrades. In response, the district cut positions through attrition and reduced discretionary budgets at school sites for the following school year. These pressures may affect class sizes and school-level resources, and families considering Finley Farms should be aware of the ongoing budget environment. The district has also adopted a five-year strategic plan focused on student success, safe schools, employee excellence, and community engagement.
Finley Farms Elementary offers solid academic outcomes in a high-cost, fast-growing suburb. The financial constraints facing its district are a real consideration for anyone choosing this school, as they can affect programming and staffing over time. The school’s reported test results suggest that for families who value strong elementary academics in a familiar suburban setting, this campus warrants serious attention. Missing data on economic need and other student supports, however, leaves some important questions unanswered.
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