gear programs

GCS’ Exceptional Academic Resources

Gear program

At Gilbert Christian Schools, we believe that every student is uniquely created by God and has been gifted with individual strengths, abilities, and potential. We are committed to providing a Christ-centered education that supports a wide range of learners, including students who are gifted as well as those who benefit from additional academic support. In order to meet these diverse learning needs, Gilbert Christian Schools offers the GEAR Program.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” – Ephesians 2:10

GEAR classes are intentionally kept small to provide individualized instruction and support, tailored to each student’s academic needs. Placement decisions are based on multiple sources of information, including parent and teacher input, academic performance, grades, and assessment data. Final placement decisions are made collaboratively by Student Services and the campus Principal to ensure that each student is placed in the learning environment best suited for their success.

k-8 GEAR PROGRAMS

GEAR Gifted

Available to students in grades 1–6, GEAR Gifted provides advanced learning opportunities that challenge students to think critically, explore concepts in greater depth, and reach their full potential. Students must score at or above the 97th percentile on the gifted assessment (CogAT) to qualify.

There is no additional tuition cost for this program.

GEAR Reading Intervention

GEAR Reading Intervention is available to students in grades 1–5 and provides targeted instruction to address identified reading skill deficits. Placement is flexible and based on individual student needs. Student participation is reviewed regularly through collaboration between the reading interventionist and classroom teacher to ensure support is aligned with current academic needs.

There is no additional tuition cost for this program.

GEAR Remediation

GEAR Remediation is available to students in grades 6–8 who benefit from additional academic support to achieve success at Gilbert Christian Schools. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and targeted skill development. Course offerings include GEAR English, GEAR Math, and Prep for Success. Students may be enrolled in one, two, or three GEAR courses based on academic data, staff recommendations and parent input. 

Additional tuition applies for participation in GEAR Remediation courses. Please see the current Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two or three GEAR class placements.

High School GEAR Courses

The GEAR 9–12 Program provides instruction aligned with grade-level standards in a small-group learning environment, allowing students to receive individualized support and targeted instruction based on their academic needs. To ensure appropriate placement and determine whether the program is a good fit, academic testing and a review of student records may be required prior to admission. Students may be enrolled in one, two, or three GEAR courses based on academic data, staff recommendations, and parent input. 

GEAR English

GEAR English is available to students in grades 9–12 and fulfills the English credit requirement for graduation. Students participate in the same core curriculum and learning objectives as their peers in traditional English classes while benefiting from a smaller class setting, adjusted pacing, and instructional support designed to promote academic success. 

Additional tuition applies for participation in GEAR courses. Please see the current Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two, or three GEAR class placements.

GEAR Math

GEAR Math is available to students in grades 9–12 and fulfills the math credit requirement for graduation. Students participate in the same core curriculum and learning objectives as their peers in traditional math classes while benefiting from a smaller class setting, adjusted pacing, and instructional supports designed to promote academic success. 

Additional tuition applies for participation in GEAR courses. Please see the current Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two, or three GEAR class placements.

Prep for Success

Prep for Success is available to students in grades 9–12 as an elective course designed to support academic success and independent learning skills. The course focuses on organization, time management, study strategies, assignment completion, self-advocacy, test preparation, and executive functioning skills. Students receive individualized support and guidance to help them develop the habits and strategies needed to succeed in high school and beyond.

Additional tuition applies for participation in GEAR courses. Please see the current Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two, or three GEAR class placements.

faq

We welcome applications for students with special needs. All children are created in the image of God and therefore receive love, respect, and educational opportunity if accepted at Gilbert Christian Schools. GCS offers academic assistance through our GEAR program, but services and space are limited. As part of the admissions process, we review all IEPs, 504 Plans, METs, etc. to ensure GCS is able to meet your child’s academic needs. Failure to disclose the existence of a current or prior IEP or 504 Plan may jeopardize your child’s admission or continued enrollment at Gilbert Christian Schools.    

Yes, GCS welcomes students with identified learning difficulties, including those on an IEP, 504 Plan, ISP, or other accommodation plan from another school, if it is determined in the admissions process that the student is a good fit for GCS. We encourage parents to share their students’ academic documents up front so that, if enrolled, we can proactively establish an accommodation plan for the student’s success. Applicants with such documents may be asked to complete placement testing as part of the admissions process. Please keep in mind that GCS is not required to develop IEPs or 504 Plans. GCS is a private school that does not accept any government funds and by law is not required to write IEPs or 504 Plans.

Please see the Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two, or three GEAR class placements. (GEAR English, GEAR Math, Prep for Success). There is no additional tuition cost for GEAR Gifted or GEAR Reading Intervention.

Students may be scheduled for one, two, or three GEAR classes based on recommendations from staff and input from parents.

Classes are kept small (between 5-6 students) to provide individual attention.

At the middle school level, our gifted program is available to students in 6th grade and offers enriched academics to challenge students who qualify.

There is no gifted program at the high school level. Students can take honors classes or dual enrollment classes for college credit.

Students (grades 1-5) who qualify meet with our reading interventionist in 30-minute sessions five days a week to focus on a target reading skill in which they are deficient.
 
Within the classroom, teachers focus on differentiating their lessons to meet the needs of their individual learners. Additionally, tutoring is offered weekly in grades K through 8. 
GCS welcomes 1:1 individual student aides if needed. The decision is made between the parent, Student Services Coordinator, and campus principal. Individual aides are paid for privately by the parent. 
 

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IS IMPORTANT TO US

No one has thought more than you have about your child’s education and future. We want to partner with you as your children become mature in their faith and learn to walk with God and follow His commands. 

Questions? Please fill out an application.

Lindsay Massey

Student Services Director

Chelsea Von Iderstein

Assistant Student Services Director