Higley Traditional Academy

3391 East Vest Avenue

School District

Higley Unified
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Higley Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

I absolutely love this school :) I feel so blessed to have my daughter here <3
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2025

I can't speak highly enough about this school! From the moment I stepped in, I could tell that the atmosphere was welcoming and vibrant. The staff are incredibly dedicated and genuinely care about the success and well-being of each student. The teachers are not just educators; they’re mentors who take the time to understand individual learning styles and needs.I have had three children at HTA over the years and they have all thrived with the support and encouragement from staff and administration. My oldest has moved on from HTA. It is evident that HTA has helped to build the foundation for her to thrive in Jr high and High School. Overall, this school excels in providing students with a strong academic foundation that will serve them throughout their education and beyond. HTA truly understands the importance of laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2025

We have loved our time at HTA and appreciate all the time and effort the teachers have put into helping our student be successful. Definitely recommend this school if you’re considering it as either a transfer or as a kindergarten family.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2025

My son has been going to HTA for 4 years now and we absolutely love it. The staff is very communicative and teachers have been very effective in recognizing any special needs of students. My son has been helped via their appropriate assessments and aid within school to improve his academic achievement. Impressed with their school uniform policy compared to other schools in the area. Would definitely recommend to any parent thinking about enrolling their kids here.
Submitted by teacher on January 19, 2025

I have been teaching at HTA for almost 6 years and can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. Higley Traditional Academy is a school that accommodates all types of learners. There are various clubs for students to be a part of such as drama club, garden, club, and art club. There well respected administrators speak volumes to the low teacher turnover and high staff morale. If you’re looking for a great school community to be part of, please consider HTA; you won’t be disappointed!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2025

HTA was recommended to me by my daughter’s preschool teacher. To be honest I know little about the differences in school choice but I knew I wanted a stable environment for my kids. After touring I knew it would be a good fit for our family. Mrs. Bacon’s leadership allows there to be a stable and amazing group of teachers who stay year after year. Any concerns I have ever had were met with kindness and effort on the part of administrators. My 6 year old now has the same kindergarten teacher as my 3rd grader did. That connection within the family has been amazing. Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Catalani, Mrs. D’Ambrosio are just a few of the exceptional teachers we have been able to experience. There are many more I could name. We are love it here!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2025

We've been going now for 3+ years. The children are more advanced in their learning skills and topics compared to peers in other schools. Love the uniform outfits, it saves time finding clothes each morning. I also appreciate their security protocols to keep are young ones safe.
Submitted by other on January 18, 2025

Higley Traditional Academy is a wonderful example of a school that meets many students’ needs. Teachers are willing to the extra mile to differentiate within the classroom and offer a variety of learning opportunities for their students. HTA offers many extracurricular, clubs and programs- yearbook, art club, running club, drama club, & garden club to name a few. Not to mention, the hundred year-old history of the school is a treasure to the town of Gilbert!
Submitted by other on January 18, 2025

HTA is a wonderful place to be. Teachers work very hard for each and every student to be successful. Leadership works hard to ensure the campus is safe and secure.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2025

Our journey with HTA has been incredible over the last two years. We moved from out of state, and the administration, staff, and teachers at HTA have supported my children's academic needs and their transition into the HTA community. Their passion, hard work, and dedication to teaching do not go unnoticed.If you're looking for a school in the East Valley that values community, academic excellence, and personal growth, HTA is the best choice!
Submitted by other on January 18, 2025

HTA is an outstanding school. It is not bright and shiny on the outside (it is over 100 years old after all), BUT its open-air campus has a charm all its own. It has been an A-Rated school for 10 consecutive years! The staff and administration are highly qualified, certified, and student-centered. HTA offers intervention and acceleration so every student gets what they need. After-school clubs and activities are offered as well. If you are looking for a school, HTA is it!
Submitted by other on January 18, 2025

Amazing staff and leadership! Provides intervention and acceleration. Effective communication with the community. Great school!!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2023

This school is a joke. They claim to have a “no bullying policy” but let children get bullied and do not address it properly. The staff and teachers let it happen and the principal, Caryn Bacon, does not care about students getting bullied. The most she’ll do is have a conference with your child and absolutely gaslight them into thinking this behavior is okay. She needs to be fired. Do not send your kids here unless you are okay with HTA not addressing your problems and issues that your child is having. Absolutely terrible. I would give it 0 stars if I could. Once again, Caryn Bacon should not have a principal position at HTA.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2022

I cannot say enough good things about HTA. We transferred our boys to HTA from a charter school. One of children has an IEP and was so far behind without the help and resources. As parents, we were watching him struggle and all of our advocating for him at his previous school got us no where. From the moment we switched to HTA, we knew it was the best decision for all three of our boys, but especially our son with an IEP. The amount of resources and help they offer and how much they care about him and his success makes my heart so incredibly happy. Every single teacher and staff member I have come across at HTA is welcoming and kind. Our only regret is that we did not move them earlier.
Submitted by other on April 04, 2020

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT SCHOOL!!! 8)
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2019

HTA is an amazing school. It is like a family. The staff is so caring and compassionate. The teachers are all highly qualified and work hard to enrich every student. The leadership is top notch. Mrs. Bacon is an outstanding principal who is visible on campus and always has the students best interest as her priority. We couldn't ask for a better school!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2019

Amazing place! We love it here. It is like a family
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2019

Absolutely awful, as a parent I fee as if my child is just another number. I do not know who the principal is, she is nowhere to be seen and instead pushed out the assistant principal to be front row center. They are more focused on high test scores than teaching children fundamental life skills. The most disturbing part of HTA is that they have absolutely NO BULLYING POLICY! They act oblivious to their rampant bullying issues on campus. My cheerful, happy, and energetic child has now changed into an insecure, soft spoken and unsure student thanks to HTA!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2018

HTA was recently (10/2018) ranked as the top performing school in Higley USD, and among the top 10 elementary schools in the state of AZ. Having moved to Gilbert from a north valley community where our 2 daughters attended and excelled in a high rated/performing school, it was very important for us to find a school that would afford them a similar opportunity. While we were a bit hesitant at first about the "uniform" requirements, it is really more of a "dress code" that allows for a decent variety of options, none of which require "uniforms" be purchased from the school or other specific source. Our Kindergartner, not knowing any differently outside of her preschool experience, had no issues adapting to the "traditional" learning style. It was understandably more difficult for our 6th Grader to adjust to a new learning style/curriculum/dress code, but after a few weeks she was "caught up" and back to excelling. I can see it being more difficult for students in higher grades to adjust if they were not in a similar curriculum before and/or are not quick to adapt to change in general. We are now over a year in and our overall experience has been fantastic. The teachers are caring, communicative, and motivated. A high percentage of parents are engaged. Student/family diversity lends to a well-rounded learning environment/experience. Highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2017

A+ my two kids transferred last year from a Chandler school, and we could not be happier! Rigorous school with stellar teachers!