Gilbert Early College
Grades 9-12
Call: 480.545.8011 Or Visit:
717 W. Ray Road | Gilbert, AZ 85233
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Now Enrolling All Grades
Gilbert Early College is dedicated to providing its students with the tools necessary to become independent lifelong learners and citizens of character with a concern for individuals in their community.
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Leading Edge Academy Gilbert Early College Named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for 2025–2026
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We are proud to announce that Gilbert Early College has been officially recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) National Showcase School for the 2025–2026 school year. This recent honor celebrates our school’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and relationship-driven learning environment where students and staff can thrive.
Our campus began implementing the CKH model during the 2023–2024 school year, and we are proud to share that 100% of our staff are now fully trained in CKH strategies. From social contracts and student-led leadership roles to intentional daily connections, our team has worked diligently to build a strong, positive culture across our school.
The National Showcase School distinction is awarded to campuses that exemplify the very best of Capturing Kids’ Hearts—those that prioritize relationships, strengthen trust, and foster a school community where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to succeed.
Why Choose Gilbert Early College?
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There’s something special about our high school. Our program is designed to get students on the college campus, giving them the confidence that they can succeed at the college level.
One-on-One Advising
Our academic advisor works with each student to build a course schedule to meet high school graduation requirements and specific college goals. Click here to visit our Academic Advising website.
College Courses
Starting their junior year, students may take college classes through Chandler-Gilbert Community College and earn college credit that is paid by Leading Edge Academy.
EVIT + Online
Students may also pursue a technical degree in partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), or take specialized courses through our Award-Winning Online Academy.
We are proud to be fully accredited by Cognia. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.
Cognia is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement.
Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.
Our Varsity and Junior Varsity sports teams have won multiple local and state-level championships. Currently, our competitive sports programs include girls volleyball (Varsity and JV), coed soccer, and cross country. We also offer junior high girls volleyball, junior high flag football and junior high cross country.
Mission & History
Leading Edge Academy will develop lifelong learners who lead with character and achieve academic excellence by educating the whole child and fostering community and parental partnerships.
Founded in 2002 by Delmer Geesey, a pastor with the vision of starting a top-notch traditional education program, Leading Edge Academy schools began with 17 students. Through word of mouth by satisfied parents, the school began to grow each year. In 2007 The Leading Edge Charter Network took this successful format and expanded to East Mesa. The Leading Edge Charter Network continues to expand and currently has school sites in East Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert and Maricopa.