GEAR Program

GCS' Exceptional Academic Resources

Gear program

Gilbert Christian Schools believes that all students are valued and cherished. We desire to provide a Christian education for children with unique learning styles, including those who are gifted or who have learning challenges. In an effort to meet these needs, we have established the GEAR Program.

GEAR classes are kept small to provide individual attention tailored to the needs of the student. Placement decisions are based on input from parents and teachers, previous testing, current testing, and grades. Final placement decisions will be made by the Director of Student Services and the campus Principal.

k-8 services

Our GEAR K-8 program is a three-component program that approaches academics in a way that is specific to each student. Placement in any of the three branches may depend on grade, abilities, test scores, and learning needs.

GEAR Gifted

Available to students grades 1-6 and offers enriched academics to challenge students who qualify. Students must score a 97% or higher on the gifted test in order to qualify. There is a minimal cost to test.

There is no additional tuition cost for this program.

GEAR Reading Intervention

Available to students grades 1-5 and is a fluid placement as needed based on the targeted reading skill that the reading interventionist is focusing on that week. Invitation to GEAR Reading Intervention is based on student need and is re-evaluated on a weekly basis by our reading intervention teacher and homeroom teacher.

There is no additional tuition cost for this program.

GEAR Remediation

Available to students grades 6-8 who need learning support to obtain academic success at GCS. The maximum class size for these classes is six students. 

  • GEAR English
  • GEAR Math
  • Prep for Success


There is an additional tuition cost for this program.
Students may be scheduled for one, two, or three GEAR classes based on recommendations from staff and input from parents.

Please see the Tuition Schedule for the cost of one, two, or three GEAR class placements.

High school services

Our GEAR 9-12 program approaches academics in a way that is specific to each student. In an effort to make the most informed decision regarding our ability to serve a student, testing may be required prior to admission into the GEAR program. Students may be scheduled for one, two, or three GEAR classes based on recommendations from staff and input from parents.

GEAR English

GEAR English is available to students grades 9-12 and replaces the non-GEAR English class that is required for all GCHS students. The GEAR English program uses the same curriculum as the non-GEAR English classes but with modified pacing, modified tests, and modified homework.

There is an additional tuition cost for this program.

GEAR Math

GEAR Math is available to students grades 9-12 and replaces the non-GEAR Math class that is required for all GCHS students. The GEAR Math program uses the same curriculum as the non-GEAR Math classes but with modified pacing, modified tests, and modified homework.

There is an additional tuition cost for this program.

Prep for Success

Available to students grades 9-12. The Prep for Success class is an elective that focuses on helping students with organization, work habits, assignment completion, self-advocacy, preparing for tests, and homework completion.

There is an additional tuition cost for this program.

Please see the 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.

Amy Milchman

K-8 Student Services

Frank DeSena

HS Student Services