7-12 Academic Planning Guide
At Gilbert Public Schools, our mission is to inspire excellence in every learner. Academically, we achieve this through providing an extensive range of core academic subjects, electives, accelerated learning opportunities, and programs district-wide. Our comprehensive core curriculum includes English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Sciences, and World Languages. Electives include Career & Technical Education, Visual and Performing Arts, and Physical Education.
Our schools deliver academic excellence with a wide variety of programs, high-quality certified teachers, and a commitment to inspiring excellence in every learner every day.
Welcome to the preview of our new GPS Secondary Digital Course Catalog. Please be advised that this tool is currently in a Beta testing phase. While we strive for precision, course descriptions, prerequisites, and availability are subject to change. Always consult with a school counselor for availability and official graduation requirements. Your input is vital. If you notice any errors or have suggestions for improvement, please contact webmaster@gilbertschools.net.
Academic Planning Tools
GradTracker
GradTracker is an interactive tool integrated within Infinite Campus that provides real-time academic checks for individual students. Replacing manual paper checks, GradTracker instantly shows students exactly what courses they need to graduate on time, tracks weighted and unweighted GPAs, class ranks, and state exams. GradTracker supports students' journeys towards graduation and their college or career plans, post-graduation.
Career Pathways
Career Clusters and Career Pathways help students develop and follow an organized, more focused plan in setting their academic and career goals. In addition to the requirements for graduation and/or university entrance, suggested courses are recommended for specific pathways to aid students with a specific interest.
THRIVE
THRIVE is a College & Career Success Guide providing helpful timelines and resources to encourage students (and their families) to get the most out of their high school experiences, along with helping our students plan for their brightest futures.
Junior High & High School General Information
Junior High
At the junior high and middle school level, specialized programs are available, including Dual Language Immersion (DLI), Gifted Education, and the Middle Years International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme (MYP).
Counseling
School counselors are available to all students and parents who wish to discuss academic or social concerns. Any parent who needs to consult a counselor should call the school for an appointment.
Schedule Change Process
Schedule changes may be requested through the school’s Counseling Department. Schedule changes may only include level changes or incorrect placements. Please contact your school’s Counseling Department regarding specific schedule change protocols and timelines.
Promotion Requirements
Seventh and eighth-grade students will be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credits a year in the required basic curriculum.
One-half (1/2) credit will be earned for each semester’s work successfully completed in each area, as demonstrated by a passing grade. A maximum of two (2) credits per year can be earned through successful completion of the offered electives.
High School
At the High School level, specialized programs include: Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma, Career & Technical Education, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (CP), and Dual Enrollment.
Enrollment Requirements
High school students must enroll in the minimum number of GPS class periods per semester as required in District Policy. High school students may enroll in a combination of GPS campus and online courses.
Schedule Change Process
Schedule changes may be requested through the school’s Counseling Department. Schedule changes may only include level changes or incorrect placements. Please contact your school’s Counseling Department regarding specific schedule change protocols and timelines. Students who withdraw from a course after the 9-week period, will receive a “Withdraw/Fail” (WF) for that course.
Graduation Requirements
Gilbert Public Schools is committed to providing students with a comprehensive, world-class education that prepares students for post-secondary education and career. To that end, we will guide students to earn the following set of credits to meet the Arizona University Entrance Requirements.
Fees/Expenses
Please see course descriptions for specific fee and expense information.
Fundraising, tax credits, and donations may help defray the cost of participating in extracurricular activities. Non-participation in optional activities will not affect the student’s grade. Fees and expenses listed will furnish sufficient resources to successfully complete required course activities. Supervised agricultural experiences could involve entrepreneurial efforts and related financial risks depending on the choices of students and parents, and the advice of the faculty.
Students may contact the school’s principal to request a reduction/waiver of course fees.