Third-graders in Laura Grunewald’s class at Chandler’s Knox Gifted Academy were given a task Monday. Using a limited number of sticks, small cups, paper clips, paper and tape, they were to design a device that can hold three plastic balls 6 inches above the ground.

The Chandler Unified School District governing board approved a plan Wednesday that will transition Knox Elementary School into the Knox Gifted Academy over the next few years.

Demand is so high for the Knox Gifted Academy in Chandler that the district is recommending converting the entire campus to that program once this year's kindergartners complete sixth grade.

The Chandler Unified School District governing board voted 5-0 Wednesday night to open The Academy at Knox Elementary School beginning with the 2011-12 school year in July. Nine empty classrooms at the school, 700 W. Orchid Lane, will be used for a self-contained gifted program (known as CATs, or Chandler Academically Talented Students) with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and fine arts.

Once again, East Valley school districts are shifting into high gear to offer options for families of gifted children.

Competition is intensifying among Arizona's school districts, charter and private schools for a group of students who can be more difficult to teach than their education label implies: the gifted learners.

Competition is intensifying among Arizona's school districts, charter and private schools for a group of students who can be more difficult to teach than their education label implies: the gifted learners.

Competition is intensifying among Arizona's school districts, charter and private schools for a group of students who can be more difficult to teach than their education label implies: the gifted learners.

Gilbert Junior High School would be closed as a neighborhood school and Gilbert Classical Academy would move there under a plan outlined in a parent letter sent home this week.

Upset parents, confused children and signs that read “Save our school” have become a familiar sight in the East Valley in the last few years.

Many parents were unhappy Tuesday night as they learned more about their school district’s proposal to close Gilbert Junior High as a neighborhood school and move Gilbert Classical Academy into its space.

Two years ago, the Tempe Elementary School District governing board voted to close three schools.

Despite a base-price increase and substantial raise in seating premiums that caused many Arizona State football fans to grumble, school officials expect the number of season-ticket holders to be at least equal to 2005.

Despite a base-price increase and substantial raise in seating premiums that caused many Arizona State football fans to grumble, school officials expect the number of season-ticket holders to be at least equal to 2005.

 The Gilbert Unified School District governing board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the district office, 140 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert.For agenda information, call (480) 497-3300 or visit www.gilbert.k12.az.us.

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