#USA #Great Hearts #Blossom Rock #Apache Junction #Conal Tanner

Great Hearts Announces New School Leadership

Great Hearts Academies has officially appointed Conal Tanner as the founding headmaster of the upcoming Great Hearts Blossom Rock, a tuition-free classical academy. Set to open its doors in Fall 2027, the school will be located in the newly developed Blossom Rock community of Apache Junction, marking the 25th academy under the Great Hearts banner in Arizona.

Conal Tanner brings over a decade of educational experience spanning various countries and educational settings, aligning perfectly with the mission of Great Hearts Academies. His most recent role was as the assistant headmaster at Great Hearts Glendale Preparatory Academy, where he honed his skills in educational leadership and classical pedagogy.

Brandon Crowe, the superintendent of Great Hearts Arizona, expressed confidence in Tanner's leadership capabilities: "Conal Tanner is exactly the kind of leader we want shaping a new Great Hearts campus. His diverse classroom experiences and steadfast commitment to a classical education are pivotal for establishing a mission-driven school community right from the start."

Born in Ottawa, Canada, Tanner's unique educational journey began with homeschooling, followed by attendance at a classical boarding school in Pennsylvania. This early exposure to classical education mirrors the Great Hearts approach, emphasizing formative experiences to cultivate well-rounded individuals. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College in 2007, Tanner served in the Canadian Army and later pursued a degree in education. His teaching career reached international heights when he taught in Colombia, where he met his wife, Pilar. They are proud parents of three children, two of whom are currently enrolled at Great Hearts Archway Glendale.

Before his current position, Tanner began his tenure with Great Hearts as a fifth-grade educator at Archway Veritas. His teaching trajectory included a stint at Chandler Prep, where he specialized in literature and composition. Despite his training as a primary teacher, his journey led him to discover a passion for instructing upper grades. A brief return to Canada only reinforced his admiration for the Great Hearts culture and mission.

"My unwavering commitment to Great Hearts stems from its mission to foster students through Truth, Goodness, and Beauty," Tanner shared. "Having taught in various countries and schools, I found that nothing compares to the joyous and aligned culture of Great Hearts. I am excited about the opportunity to build this community from the ground up at Great Hearts Blossom Rock where both students and teachers can flourish together.”

To celebrate his appointment, a community event titled “Cheers to Blossom Rock: Meet the Headmaster” is scheduled for April 18 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Blossom Rock Community Clubhouse (The Dutch), located at 10075 S. Dutchman Drive, Apache Junction. During the event, potential families will have the chance to meet Tanner, share refreshments, and network with other families interested in the new academy.

For those interested in attending this gathering to hear more about the academy and its vision, RSVPs and updates can be found at Great Hearts Enrollment.

About Great Hearts

Great Hearts is a nonprofit organization, recognized as the largest provider of classical education serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Currently, it supports more than 30,000 students across 50 physical academies in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, and also operates a national online academy. The classical curriculum devised by Great Hearts focuses on advanced academics, languages, arts, and character development grounded in the principles of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. To learn more about its educational philosophy and offerings, visit Great Hearts America.