Gowan Science Academy in Yuma | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Arizona Academic Standards Assessment data from Arizona Department of Education, and using 2025 Arizona Science Field Test data from Arizona Department of Education.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Arizona Department of Education.

Posted: August 21, 2026

It was pretty clean the teachers were really nice and they teached me ALOT of things and they let us play lots of games about math and its the best school ever and you guys should rate it five stars because you hi just should.

Posted: August 21, 2026

Posted: May 21, 2026

As a parent of a child with disabilities, my experience with this school has been deeply disappointing and concerning. Throughout the school year, legally required supports and accommodations were not consistently followed with fidelity, despite repeated concerns being raised. Instead of actively supporting students with disabilities and partnering with families, it often felt as though the schools priority was maintaining its public image and state ranking rather than ensuring all students received the education and support they are legally entitled to.

Communication from the school was extremely poor throughout the year. As a parent, I constantly had to request updates regarding grades, behavior, services, and overall progress. Information was rarely communicated proactively, leaving families to continuously advocate just to stay informed about their childs education and wellbeing.

Safety also did not appear to be treated as a priority. My child reported a serious concern involving another student allegedly bringing a weapon to school. When administration was questioned about whether law enforcement would be contacted, the response given was that the situation needed to meet a certain threshold and that they would handle it internally. This response was alarming and did not provide confidence that student safety was being taken seriously.

Additionally, interactions with the front office were frequently unpleasant. One staff member in particular was consistently rude toward families and lacked basic customer service skills. It often felt as though any question or request from parents was treated as an inconvenience rather than part of supporting students and families.

Families of students with disabilities deserve transparency, support, accountability, respectful treatment, and safe learning environments. Unfortunately, our experience reflected the opposite. I would strongly encourage other families to ask detailed questions about special education services, communication practices, office culture, and safety protocols before enrolling their children here.

Posted: May 21, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2024

I have recently graduated from Gowan Science Academy as the first class to go all the way from K-8, being in this school for so long has made the people around me become like family. This school does a great job at ensuring that all students are treated equally. Gowan has not only taught me all of the academic standards, they have also taught me how to be a better person. This is because of the amazing staff. The teachers are wonderful, they are what truly what makes this school so amazing. Another factor of how amazing this school is are the administrators, everyone of them make you feel welcome when you walk in those doors, despite having 9 grade levels to look over they still make you feel as important and heard as everyone else. I truly do not believe I have had one regret about joining this school in the 9 years that I attended. With this being said, Gowan is an amazing school that deserves its A+ rating.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Posted: August 22, 2023

This school will hang their past academic accomplishments like they are present. They do this because we have no present things to hang. Now I am in middle school at Gowan the middle school project started when I was in 6th grade. They have sense then still not found a program they want to use. The teaching and learning differences throughout the year. They start the year saying something about how its going to go, then mid way and throughout they will change it drastically. The teachers dont care how yin you participate and dont put any effort at all in teaching. We have 1 hour and 40 minute long classes and if we talk out of turn once or any minor thing we lose our 5 minute break. We have only one 30 minute elective. We have to trade off our classes for example we have SCIENCE on Monday and Friday then MATH and ELA everyday and only have SOCIAL STUDIES on Tuesday and Thursday. They also dont give fair punishments. There was a time where I was repeatedly getting physically bullied and only gave my bully 1 day of lunch detention. This school is not great please dont send you kids here.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: September 21, 2021

Overall, I think that this is an average school that lives on their reputation and past accomplishments. The school has consistently received a lot of support and resources, yet has failed to truly set itself apart from the other schools in the district or around it. Looking at the test scores, there is a noticeable consistent slide in the data from year to year, with a significant drop in the year 2021. Although this was seen throughout Arizona, the drop was significant enough that the overall ranking of the school fell behind 200 other schools in Arizona (in other words, the drop was more significant at this school than at others of equal ranking/rating).

The culture of the school can be a little challenging at times as well. Many on the campus still desire the school to be a charter school (as it was originally when it was opened, but the charter was removed several years ago). In addition, many of the parents want the private school feel of the school, but on the public dime. This results in a school that is significantly more affluent than others around it while having less diversity than most in the area. This causes an us and them dynamic at the school where not all kids feel welcomed or fit in.

The rankings on this website are deceiving as they are using outdated scores (current year performance scores place them at 55% passing in ELA and 40% passing in math with a huge gender gap observable in math as only 31% of female students passed on math) and reviews that are nearly 4 years old at this time.

Ultimately, this is an average school, but it is not the school that the teachers and administration like to preach that it is.

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: June 30, 2018

We love this school and how it is inclusive.

Posted: June 30, 2018

Posted: September 3, 2017

The principal acts quickly to solve conflicts. She is very effective at guiding students to find solutions and has great communication with parents when issues arise.

Posted: September 3, 2017

We love GSA. My children began attending when the school first opened. The push for more rigor coupled with the STEM approach has really developed my kids' critical thinking. My now middle schooler's teachers have even made comments about the level of critical thinking seen in the students who have attended GSA. The school really is a caring, family community of involved teachers, staff, parents, and students. It is evident the teachers and staff want to be there. The communication is excellent--organized and efficient.

Posted: September 3, 2017

ALL of teachers are passionate about teaching and want to be there. This cannot be said for other schools we've attended. It shows in how they genuinely care for their students and interact with their fellow staff. The teachers are great at communicating with parents regarding student progress and school activities.

Posted: September 3, 2017

The principal and staff put the students first. Open communication is encouraged and meeting the needs of each child is a priority. It is evident that the principal values all the people she leads.

Posted: September 3, 2017

The principal and teachers are open and flexible to different learning needs.

Posted: August 29, 2017

Teachers are committed and work very to ensure kids are getting the best education. My daughter enjoys attending Gowan.

Posted: August 28, 2017

GSA has very qualified and effective teachers. The staff is devoted to students and their families. The principal is very involved and has established a close-knit school climate. Students are provided with fantastic learning opportunities throughout the year.

Posted: August 28, 2017

Posted: August 24, 2017

I have two children at the school with very different personalities and needs. I've been impressed with how GSA has been able to be flexible--the school has gone above and beyond what is necessary to create an environment where I feel absolutely confident that my sons are getting what they need, emotionally and educationally.
Another thing I appreciate about the school is that the teachers seem to want to be there which is different than other schools I've been at. I think that is contagious and the kids can feel it. That goes a long way to create a culture of learning excitement and probably starts at the top.

Posted: August 24, 2017

Great experience with GSA! Kids are proud and enjoy their classes. Teachers, staff and principal are absolutely awesome always showing kindness and friendliness towards the kids. Can't wait to see how much more they grow acedemically here

Posted: August 24, 2017

Posted: August 23, 2017

Great school overall. My experience has been amazing, they show care and determination to help your child succeed in their classes.

Posted: August 23, 2017

I have had nothing but positive experience with this school, having loved from another state this school it's teachers and especially he principal made an extra effort to learn the kids and made them feel welcomed and they truly love the students and in turn the students love them, which makes the students want to learn more everyday!

Posted: August 23, 2017

They look to see how a student learns knowing that not everyone learns the same way and can adapt to it and makes the student feel amazing teaching in a way they can understand

Posted: August 23, 2017

Experience with the school, teachers, and parents has been great! Glad we chose GSA!

Posted: August 23, 2017

Great! Everyone there as gone above and beyond and exceeded our expectations. The staff at Gowan Science Academy are knowledgeable, caring, loving and make learning fun!

Posted: August 23, 2017

My daughter truly loves going to school everyday. Her teacher is incredible, the students are so well-mannered, and administration is very supportive. She has already grown so much in her short time at Gowan.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Awesome!!! I searched and shopped around for the right Kinder placement and I am very pleased with my choice!

Posted: August 23, 2017

The teachers are the most amazing part. Most schools have a grade level or two with no superb teacher but every teacher at Gowan is great. There is not even a need to request!

Posted: August 23, 2017

The principal has a clear vision and treats every kid and family as special and important.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Excellent. The principal makes an effort to know all of the students and families and the teachers are all very approachable and easy to work with.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Amazing inside and out. Hands down the best school in Yuma .

Posted: August 23, 2017

Amazing!!! I love the hands on the teacher bring to the kids. Each teacher really cares and puts in more then the school time requirement. Some of the teachers do individual tutoring after school and make sure that the students that are struggling get the help and support they need. I love how this school requires parents to put in parent involvement time per school year. Because it's important to have each parent be involved in their kids education. If the kids see their parents involve they want to also put in 100%.

Posted: August 23, 2017

The no bullying tolerated policy is adhered to very strictly!

Posted: August 23, 2017

They are always looking for new ways to teach subjects to the students & are flexible enough to make sure each student learns, even if the topic needs to be approached differently

Posted: August 23, 2017

Absolutely amazing. My kids & their friends love going to school & their state test scores show they are all excelling.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Homework is adjusted to students' needs and is relevant to what is taught in class.

Posted: August 23, 2017

The teaching staff at GSA are amazing! They work hard to make sure every student is successful.

Posted: August 23, 2017

8 Keys of Excellence is a key component of the curriculum and expectations at GSA.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Mrs. Haines is a wonderful leader! She knows all 420+ students, by name, and truly loves to see all of her students succeed.

Posted: August 23, 2017

GSA is a school that brings not only students together as family, but the families of those students together. Parental involvement is an expectation and is encouraged, with multiple opportunities during the year given to volunteer and be involved in the classroom.
The curriculum is rigorous and students are posed with real-world problems to tackle and solve. Being part of the GATOR FAMILY is an amazing feeling!

Posted: August 23, 2017

A great community feel, caring teachers, and hands-on learning.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Gowan Science Academy provides a rigorous education with opportunities not found at other schools. There is a true feeling of community. Students are pushed in innovative ways, including solving real world problems. Gowan Science Academy prepares students for the real world. It is a school I am proud to say my children attend!

Posted: August 18, 2017

Bullying and poor behavior are not tolerated. The standards for interaction are high and maintained.

Posted: August 18, 2017

I have had one child in this school for 3 years and my youngest has just started kindergarten. We have loved every single day we've been fortunate enough to be Gators. It is truly top notch in every way, and we are so thankful that Yuma has such an awesome school for our kids to attend!

Posted: August 18, 2017

Homework has always been long enough to complement the classroom learning, but never so long that it turned into a fight with my kids to complete it. The teachers respect that the children have a life outside of school and ensure they are not overburdened.

Posted: August 18, 2017

I am amazed daily at the knowledge being imparted to my children. They are engaged in what is being taught and are excited to tell us about it when they get home.

Posted: August 18, 2017

Being a good buddy is highlighted constantly. Praise is given when the children are being good friends and good stewards which is always reinforcing the expected behaviors.

Posted: August 18, 2017

The leadership knows every kid by name. Every kid! And most of the parents. We are always greeted with a smile, and parent participation is highly encouraged.

Posted: August 18, 2017

I do not have personal experience with this.

Posted: August 18, 2017

I love it, and would never consider moving my daughter to any other school. I've done the research, and Gowan Science Academy is not only the best school in Yuma, but continuously serves as one of the best schools in Arizona. The Gators annually rank among the top performers in statewide measures, while also teaching my child various others skills that will allow her to be successful. The entire school's desire to ensure that all students develop the confidence, skills and knowledge required are well beyond my expectations! This begins with the principal and her vision, leadership and abilities are felt throughout the school culture.

Posted: August 17, 2017

The Principal is always available to speak with and is heavily involved in the school.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Thankfully this is not an issue I have had to deal with but I have no doubt it would be handled quickly amd effectively.

Posted: August 17, 2017

This school is one of the best in our County and I am glad I made the decision to move my son there.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Homework is limited and almost always on the computer keeping technology at the forefront of all the childrens learning.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Every teacher I have come into contact with has tried to push kids and parents outside of their comfort zone of traditional teaching. Whether it is in the form of a way of learning or the kids learning by laying on the floor, the teachers are eilling to do what is necesaary to allow every kid to learn at their potential regardless of how nontraditional it is.

Posted: August 17, 2017

I have heard many conversations where the teachers AND the leadership speak to the kids character. The staff practices what they preach and you can see that in the way they interact with the students.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Communication is their number priority. GSA staff want students to succeed to their full potential.

Posted: August 17, 2017

10+ GSA is a fantastic. Staff goes above and beyond to strive for success in their students. They truly care.

Posted: August 17, 2017

GSA is one of the best schools in Yuma! Teachers are amazing and truly care for their students. Teachers go above and beyond in helping students strive for success.

Posted: August 17, 2017

This school has been a fantastic fit for my son. They do everything in their power to make sure every student succeeds. The teachers and staff go above and beyond each and every day!

Posted: August 17, 2017

Great School , muy kids very happy, and learning a lot.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Amazing school with dedicated leaders and teaching staff.

Posted: August 17, 2017

My daughter is a student at GSA. We are very happy with our experience, great teachers create an excellent environment where kids can pursue their curiosities in science and math, along with language arts.
Teachers and staff are always available for our questions and provide a very fertile ground for the students to be able to create their best versions of themselves.

Posted: August 17, 2017

My children had a great experience at Gowan. My oldest attended from its first year thru 6 th grade. He loves the science and technology at the school. Both my kids really enjoyed the hand on learning activities especially in science !

Posted: August 17, 2017

It is an amazing school with amazing teachers and staff. Everyone is incredibly kind and more than wonderful with our children. The principal and teachers are hands on and involved with every student. We are so lucky to have this school and education for our children.

Posted: August 17, 2017

There is something magical about this school. The academics are top notch, taught in a way that is fun for the students and promotes a love of learning. The principal and teachers genuinely care about all of our children and I can't imagine sending my child anywhere else. This is truly a supportive and nurturing community not only from the staff , but all the parents work together like a family too!

Posted: August 17, 2017

Amazing experience! The teachers are the seriously the best!

Posted: August 17, 2017

We absolutely love the teachers at Gowan! They really care about the students. The principle is one of the best I've seen! Her expectations are high for both students and faculty. We love that! We are very fortunate to have found Gowan!

Posted: August 17, 2017

Buddies with different grade levels and kind, compassionate teachers build an environment of kindness.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Even when my children are difficult, we know Ms. Haines cares.

Posted: August 17, 2017

This is the best school in Yuma. I wouldn't make an effort to send my children to a school way out of our attendance zone if it wasn't as amazing as Gowan.

Posted: August 17, 2017

I have been so pleased with the quality of teachers at Gowan. They pass on their passion to students and encourage students to strive for their personal best.

Posted: August 17, 2017

The principal is super accessible to students and parents alike. She is a phenomenal leader.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Both of my children have been academically challenged and successful at Gowan. They love the science and engineering components of the curriculum. I would highly recommend this school to others.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Targeting learning at GSA is paired with targeted homework.

Posted: August 17, 2017

The leadership team, including the Principal, is the best I've ever experienced.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Gowan Science Academy is the best elementary school in Yuma, Arizona, and one of the best in the state. My wife and I give it two thumbs way up! The Crane School District that GSA is part of is superior in the region, and GSA is the best school in the district. GSA students are the best in science, mathematics, engineering, research and even athletics.

Posted: August 17, 2017

It is difficult to rate this school anything less than 4 stars. It is a STEM school and that curriculum may not be for every child, but it has been perfect for both of my children. The leadership is amazing, to them, this is not a job; it is a passion. Their philosophy works for those interested in STEM education; the scores are obvious proof. Not to mention waiting lists as many as 90 long to get in per grade. All these parents couldn't be wrong.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Gowan Science Academy is a great school with wonderful teachers, and families. At times, it's curriculum can be challenging to both my students. And I know that my kids are pushed to achieve more and to earn better results. I wouldn't have my kids at any other school in the county.

Posted: August 16, 2017

Amazing teachers that believe in the success of all children

Posted: August 16, 2017

Jamie Haines goes above and beyond. She helps parents and students with different strategies to ensure success.

Posted: August 16, 2017

Absolutely! Every child is different and they care.

Posted: August 16, 2017

Fantastic, my daughter started the first year the school opened. My child has struggled with anxiety, and the staff has been very accommodating with offering different solutions. I leave knowing that my child is in good hands every day.

Posted: July 18, 2017

My children had a very hard time at this school. The teachers were not effective and seemed unhappy with their jobs. Pretty sad that this is supposedly the best school in Yuma. We have lived all over the country and cannot wait to move on to the next place and a better school system.

Posted: April 2, 2017

Gowan Science Academy in the best school in Yuma, hands down. The principal is a definite go-getter and is very particular in who she hires. Each teacher is hand selected and held to very specific standards which they uphold well. There is little to no accounts of bullying, they are very pragmatic in how they handle situations between students and uphold a family standard. We are a military family who have been enrolled in several schools. I have never seen that in any of them. They encourage parent involvement which is amazing and they are always sending out invitations for parents to join in on the fun and every day activities. Our time as Gowan Gators is drawing to an end this year, we will miss this school, the staff and the amazing students very much. Thankful for the 3 years we had there!

Posted: November 21, 2016

The administration works very hard and are an effective leadership team!

Posted: November 21, 2016

The homework is always aligned with what they are working on in the classroom and the kids are not overloaded with unnecessary homework

Posted: November 21, 2016

Both of my children attend Gowan Science Academy, they are learning so much and are able to apply what they learn in school to everyday life. They both love their school and are proud to be Gowan Gators! The teachers and staff are amazing!

Posted: October 2, 2016

We applied for our son to attend GSA. He was accepted but once it was found out he has special needs we were asked to enroll him at HLS. Very disappointing,

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Victoria Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Yuma	AZ	2.1 mi
2	Belleza Subdivision	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Yuma	AZ	2.7 mi
3	Kerley Ranch Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Yuma	AZ	2.7 mi
4	Ocotillo Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Yuma	AZ	9.1 mi
5	Foothills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Yuma	AZ	11.3 mi

Base	Distance
Yuma MCAS	5.6 mi.
Yuma Proving Ground	19.6 mi.

Gowan Science Academy

Yuma, AZ 85364

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Gowan Science Academy

Yuma, AZ 85364

School Ratings

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