Gilbert Public Schools offers Traditional Programs for K-6 (classrooms and curriculum) at Neely Traditional Academy, Spectrum Elementary, and Canyon Rim Elementary.

Neely Traditional Academy was founded in 1999, leading the way in Traditional Academy education in the Valley.  In 2018 Gilbert Public Schools added two more K-6 Traditional programs to improve access to Traditional education for our families living in the eastern and southern areas of our District.  

Spectrum and Canyon Rim families can now choose between a Traditional curriculum and classroom structure or the existing conventional curriculum and classroom structure offered at Canyon Rim, Spectrum, and our other elementary schools in Gilbert Public Schools.  

What is Traditional?

In the Traditional classroom, the desks all face the front of the room, and the curriculum is delivered primarily through whole group instruction led by qualified teachers. 

The ELA curriculum in Traditional is Spalding K-6.  Spalding focuses on precise speech, legible handwriting, spelling and fluency in reading.  Teachers model, coach and provide support when needed. The curriculum is structured, sequential and cumulative.

The Math curriculum is Saxon Math K-6.  Saxon Math reinforces incremental learning.  New concepts are introduced daily, and previously learnt concepts are reviewed.  In this program, Math is taught one grade level above.

Traditional homework will meet or exceed our usual GPS homework requirements, and there will be additional reading time of 15-30 minutes related to an Accelerated Reading program.

ELA

GPS Traditional classrooms (at Neely Traditional Academy, Canyon Rim Elementary, and Spectrum Elementary) use the Spalding Method as the basis for all instruction in literacy.  The Spalding Method of instruction is a total language arts approach to instruction that includes instruction in spelling, writing, and reading.  It integrates content, principles, and procedures that empower teachers and parents to be successful decision makers, equipping them with the ability to help all students learn to read and write.

GPS Traditional classrooms use ReadyGEN as a resource for reading instruction.  This reading program offers a wealth of high-quality literature to engage learners.  Explicit instruction and ample practice ensure students’ growth in reading proficiency.   

Dyslexia Resources: Arizona Department of Education Dyslexia Handbook | Arizona Department of Education Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families

Math

To master mathematics, students need to build on prior learning—what new concepts they can learn depends on which concepts they already know. Saxon Math™ provides a learning structure proven to advance students steadily and assuredly to higher levels of understanding.  Saxon Math is taught in GPS Traditional classrooms (at Neely Traditional Academy, Canyon Rim Elementary, and Spectrum Elementary).

Learn more - https://www.hmhco.com/programs/saxon-math