Original Research by School Decision on Gilbert High School
Gilbert High School is the single high school serving the Gilbert Community School District, located in a small, mainly residential town just north of Ames and Iowa State University. The town describes itself as having a small-town atmosphere and has grown steadily in recent years, with a compact footprint of parks, a library, a museum, two community centers, and a walking trail. Many residents commute south to Ames for employment, including at the university, and the school district itself is a notable local employer. The town sits along Highway 69, with a Union Pacific rail line running through it and no public transit service.
The student body is moderate in size, with roughly even numbers across all four high school grades. Demographically, the school is predominantly white, with Hispanic students as the largest minority group. Asian, Black, and multiracial students each make up small shares. A very low proportion of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, signaling that most families have middle or upper incomes relative to the area. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not provided, so a parent interested in special education or language supports should inquire with the school directly.
Academically, the school’s state assessment results, available for a single school year, show strong performance across all three tested subjects. Proficiency rates in English language arts and science are very high, and math proficiency is also well above typical levels. Because only one year of data is reported, no trend can be drawn, but the snapshot points to solid academic foundations. Graduation rate, chronic absenteeism, and a year-over-year comparison for test scores were all absent from the available records. A family looking for concrete metrics on how many students graduate on time or what share of students miss substantial school days will need to ask the school directly.
The data did not include specific information on course offerings such as Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, career and technical education programs, or academic clubs. Without that, it is not possible to assess the breadth of pathways available for college preparation or workforce training. A parent whose decision depends on that program menu should request it from the school.
Housing values in Gilbert are notably higher than the typical Iowa home, consistent with its desirability as a commuter town and the relatively high median household income. The town has grown faster than many Iowa communities since the last census, and the city notes continued steady development. The built environment centers on single-family homes and small businesses along the main roads, with schools distributed within the residential area rather than on isolated campuses. No major new housing developments were named in publicly available sources, but the demographic trend points to sustained demand for new homes and families.
The district itself appears administratively stable; a search for recent changes found little of lasting impact to report. For a family weighing this school, the strengths are clear in state test results and the low-poverty, high-income context. The gaps are in post-secondary data and program breadth, and those are best filled by a direct conversation with the school.
See more original research from School Decision →