Welcome Home: A Look at the First Day of the 2026–2027 School Year Across GPS

Tristan Chavez

Jul 28 2026

Carol Rae Ranch Elementary students and staff in a hallway

Welcome to the 114th year of GPS. Thank you to all the students and families who have made it to our beginning-of-the-school-year events, from Senior Sunrises to Elementary Meet the Teacher Nights; these events are a great way to prepare for the year ahead. If you missed these events, no problem; check your student’s school website calendars for upcoming Curriculum Nights and other welcome events happening in August as great ways to build connections with your student’s school community.

The start of a new school year at Gilbert Public Schools represents the beginning of new opportunities and the continuation of our tradition of excellence. At GPS, the first day of school isn’t just about stepping into a new classroom for the first time; it is a community event that welcomes every student, staff member, and family back home for the school year.

For our families, the day starts at home - double-checking schedules, capturing that first-day photo, and making sure everyone is prepared. At drop-off lines and campus entrances, it’s the wave goodbye and the reassuring feeling that comes with placing your children in the hands of a team dedicated to their success.

For our students, it’s the excitement of wearing a new outfit, shouldering a backpack with supplies, and stepping onto campus with a mix of energy and anticipation. From preschoolers finding their cubbies to seniors walking the halls on their final first day of school, students are met with friendly faces, familiar routines, and new possibilities.

Our staff have been preparing for weeks and are excited to have our students back in class. You may also notice some updates and improvements to our campus buildings, completed by our Operations team over the summer to ensure all students have a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, and please enjoy our gallery of first-day photos from across GPS.

It’s not too late to enroll for this school year! Visit GilbertSchools.net/Enroll to learn more and schedule a tour at one of our 38 schools across Gilbert and Mesa.

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Burk Elementary students sit in the cafeteria — **Burk Elementary** students and families gather in the multi-purpose room on the first day of school.

Gilbert High students walk across campus on first day of school — **Gilbert High** students walk across campus on the first day of school.

Gilbert Classical Academy Student Counsel students take group photo after assisting new students on first day of school — **Gilbert Classical Academy** Student Counsel students take a group photo after assisting new students on the first day of school.

Highland High students walk through Hawk Hall on first day of school — **Highland High** students walk through Hawk Hall on the first day of school.

A covered walkway with red picnic tables in the foreground leads to a courtyard with people and trees in the background. — **Desert Ridge High** students walk through the campus courtyard on the first day of school.

Desert Ridge Junior High students walking in the gym — **Desert Ridge Junior High** students walking through the school's gymnasium on the first day of school.

Highland Junior High students walking through campus on first day of school — **Highland Junior High** students walking through campus on first day of school.

Meridian Elementary students sitting in a classroom on the first day of school — **Meridian Elementary** students engaged in an activity on the first day of school

Oak Tree Elementary staff group photo on the first day of school — **Oak Tree Elementary** staff take a group photo on the first day of school.

Patterson Elementary students welcomed by Principal Chip Pettit and Gilbert Police Department on the first day of school — **Patterson Elementary** students were welcomed by Principal Chip Pettit and the Gilbert Police Department on the first day of school.

Gilbert Elementary student welcomed back on campus by Gilbert Police on the first day of school — **Gilbert Elementary** student interacting with a Gilbert Police officer on the first day of school.

Sonoma Ranch Elementary students sitting in a classroom on the first day of school — **Sonoma Ranch Elementary** students start the first day off with a Good Morning Song.

Augusta Ranch teacher instructing a group of students — **Augusta Ranch Elementary** teacher shows students their first day of school hats.

Settler's Point Elementary students play with toys in after-school program — **Settler's Point Elementary** students play with toys in an after-school program.

A large yellow pencil decoration rests in front of a white archway with %22WELCOME TO THE PARK%22 written on it, all surrounded by a colorful balloon arch. — **Highland Park Elementary** welcomes students back to "The Park" with a balloon arch.

Val Vista Lakes Elementary students sitting at a table and working on crafts — **Val Vista Lakes Elementary** students sitting at a table and working on crafts.

Towne Meadows Elementary teachers pose for a photo on first day of school. — **Towne Meadows Elementary** teachers pose for a photo on the first day of school.

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