Gilbert Public Schools Celebrates Major Milestone Anniversaries for Four Mesa Campuses

Augusta Ranch Elementary, Desert Ridge Junior High, Superstition Springs Elementary, and Harris Elementary mark 25, 30, and 35 years of educational excellence, community connection, and East Valley growth.

MESA, Ariz. — Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) is proud to announce milestone anniversaries for four of its schools located in the City of Mesa. This year, Augusta Ranch Elementary and Desert Ridge Junior High celebrate 25 years, Superstition Springs Elementary celebrates 30 years, and Harris Elementary (the first GPS school built in Mesa) celebrates 35 years of serving East Valley families, reflecting decades of dedication to academic excellence, student success, and neighborhood connection in Mesa.

Before the 1990s, all GPS schools were located in the Town of Gilbert. To accommodate rapid growth in Mesa, Gilbert Public Schools expanded its footprint north and east, with Harris Elementary being the first GPS school in Mesa, opening its doors to students and families in 1991. GPS eventually grew to operate a total of 10 campuses located in the city of Mesa. 

All five of these GPS Mesa campuses, celebrating special anniversaries this year, are examples of the East Valley’s residential expansion over the past three decades and how schools were established at the center of communities and supported neighborhood growth. As thousands of new families moved into the East Valley during the 1990s and early 2000s, GPS built strong, neighborhood-focused schools designed to serve as the heart of these growing communities. 

Decades of Foundation and Growth

• Harris Elementary (Celebrating 35 Years): Opened in 1991, Harris Elementary marked GPS’s initial expansion footprint into Mesa. For three and a half decades, Harris has provided a warm, supportive learning environment, building a tradition of multi-generational family involvement and local pride. The Harris Elementary team has a lot planned, including time capsules for each grade level to capture what Harris is like today.
• Superstition Springs Elementary (Celebrating 30 Years): Established during the mid-1990s boom, both campuses emerged alongside residential developments and community hubs in East Mesa. Over the past 30 years, they have built strong reputations for academic achievement, innovative enrichment programs, and strong school cultures. Superstition Springs' celebration theme is “30 years of awesomeness,” which will be included in all events throughout the year.
• Augusta Ranch Elementary (Celebrating 25 Years): Opening at the turn of the millennium, Augusta Ranch Elementary has spent a quarter-century serving as an anchor for one of Mesa's premier master-planned communities, consistently recognized for academic performance and community involvement. Augusta Ranch staff are excited to celebrate this milestone with their community. They plan to dedicate their “Learning Garden” to what students, staff, and families have achieved together over the last 25 years.
• Desert Ridge Junior High (Celebrating 25 years): The first and only GPS Junior High in the City of Mesa, Desert Ridge Junior High is celebrating its silver anniversary with the theme of “25 Years of Excellence” along with a celebratory Spring “Birthday” Dance and a silver version of their well loved “Rattler” logo.

"Schools are more than just buildings where children learn; they are anchor points in our neighborhoods," said Dr. Jared Ryan, Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools. "For 25, 30, and 35 years, Harris, Meridian, Superstition Springs, Desert Ridge Junior, and Augusta Ranch have educated generations of Mesa students. We are incredibly proud of the legacy these schools have built alongside the City of Mesa, and we look forward to their continued success for decades to come."

Throughout the academic year, each campus will host special commemorative events, alumni gatherings, legacy displays, and community celebrations to honor current students, dedicated educators, and generations of alumni.