Two GPS Schools Recognized as National Model Schools, Present at Global Conference

Two Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) campuses represented Gilbert and Mesa on a global stage as presenters at the 2026 Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida, held from June 28 to July 1. 

Selected from a competitive pool of applicants nationwide, Canyon Rim Elementary and Mesquite High School were recognized as Model Schools by demonstrating rapid student academic growth through a school-wide culture of high expectations. The schools were invited to share their strategies for boosting growth, improving campus culture, and building collaborative leadership with thousands of people around the world.

The annual Model Schools Conference gathers more than 5,000 educators from over 100 countries to learn innovative strategies from leading schools and districts across the globe. Just 30 schools across the United States presented at the conference and were named Model Schools this year, with Canyon Rim Elementary and Mesquite High representing two of the three schools selected from Arizona.

"Being selected as a Model School means everything to us," said Joe Lopat, Principal of Canyon Rim Elementary. "It is a distinct validation of the hard work our teachers and staff put in every day, and a direct result of the amazing growth our students demonstrate on a daily basis.”

Canyon Rim Elementary: The Power of “OUR Kids”

Canyon Rim Elementary’s presentation, titled The Power of “OUR Kids”: How Culture, Systems & Leadership Can Transform A School, detailed how the Title I school has maintained an A-rating for eight consecutive years and has repeatedly ranked among the best in GPS on state assessment scores.

The school's "OUR Kids" philosophy describes a mindset shift in which the entire staff takes collective responsibility for the growth of every student at each grade level. “Shifting our focus to 'OUR kids' rather than 'my classroom' has built an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged," added Lopat.

Notably, Canyon Rim shared how they reduced discipline referrals by 83% in a single year by building common language and aligning schoolwide behavior expectations. The team also shared insights on building meaningful relationships and putting systems in place to ensure no student falls through the cracks.

Mesquite High School: The Power of Collaborative Leadership

Mesquite High School presented The Power of Collective Leadership and Coordinated Effort, which shared how the school transitioned from one of the region's lower-rated campuses to a top-tier high school in just a few years.

Mesquite High shared their blueprint for "collective leadership", a strategy that empowers department chairs, counselors, and instructional coaches to take active leadership in school improvement goals alongside administrators. Their presentation provided educators with practical, collaborative resources to encourage shared leadership and promote academic success for all students.

These national recognitions highlight a shared commitment across Gilbert Public Schools to focus on student relationships and collaborative staff environments that drive academic success. In 2025, GPS was recognized as an Innovative District at the Model Schools Conference for demonstrating a commitment to transforming student outcomes in learning environments where every student can thrive.

To learn more about the educational programs or to find your local GPS community school, visit GilbertSchools.net/School-Finder.