- Augusta Ranch Elementary — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–6 · 855 students
- Desert Ridge High — 1.1 mi · Grades 8–12 · 2,103 students
- Desert Ridge Jr. High — 1.3 mi · Grades 7–8 · 925 students
- Canyon Rim Elementary — 1.3 mi · Grades PK–6 · 905 students
- Boulder Creek Elementary — 2.0 mi · Grades PK–6 · 461 students
- Superstition Springs Elementary — 2.8 mi · Grades PK–6 · 731 students
- Highland Jr High School — 3.0 mi · Grades 6–8 · 961 students
- Meridian — 3.4 mi · Grades PK–6 · 850 students
with district
with district
| Metric | Gilbert Unified District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 33,281 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 38 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,900/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 38% below avg |
| District Type | Charter School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Unified District (this district) | 8/10 | 79th | 33,281 |
| Mesa Unified District | 6/10 | 53rd | 58,343 |
| Queen Creek Unified District | 8/10 | 76th | 13,818 |
| Apache Junction Unified District | 4/10 | 31st | 3,021 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 492 rated districts in AZ → 79th percentile → 8/10.
Source: Arizona Dept. of Education AASA/ACT/MSAA combined assessments, Percent Passing, 2025. Full methodology →
About Gilbert Unified District
Zip code 85209 in Gilbert, Arizona is served by Gilbert Unified District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Gilbert Unified District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Gilbert Unified District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Arizona’s AASA/ACT/MSAA combined assessments (2025 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Arizona is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Gilbert Unified District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Arizona. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 85209
Children in zip code 85209 are assigned to Gilbert Unified District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 85209, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Gilbert Unified District at (480)497-3300 or visit www.gilbertschools.net. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Arizona districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Mesa
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Gilbert Unified District serves zip code 85209, homes in and around zip code 85209 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Arizona, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Gilbert Unified District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 85209.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Gilbert Unified District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 85209 data.