GCA Welcomes a New Principal

The Spartan family is excited to announce the appointment of Principal Elyse Torbert in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Read on to hear about Elyse Torbert's passion for education in her own words.

"I have always been deeply passionate about teaching and learning. It started when I was very young. My mom was an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for 40 years and I grew spending my weekends in her classroom. I was able to see first hand the work and intentionality of being an effective teacher. As I got older, the most influential people in my life were educators. I have dedicated almost 30 years to public education in different capacities. I truly believe in the power of education to transform lives and that all kids can learn at the highest levels.

Ultimately, education is about relationships. Each year is a unique challenge, but also a unique opportunity. While educational trends and the world around us change constantly, the core mission of education remains stable: to create an environment where educators and students are working collaboratively to help young people learn and develop. The further I have gotten in my career, the more I view my role as an educational leader as a systems-based role in which it is my job to facilitate efficient systems for both staff and students to maximize their potential.

I want students to be excited about coming to school everyday and proud to be a Spartan. We have a unique campus, student body, and educational vision at Gilbert Classical Academy. Every person that walks on campus should be energized and highly motivated to contribute to the culture of excellence that we will continue to build. I aim to make this desire a reality by creating a safe learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks, but also an academically rigorous environment that invites students to move past their current comfort zone.

Thinking back to when I was a student, I enjoyed the challenge of academic competitions like mock trials, Academic Decathlon, Odyssey of the Mind, and Speech and Debate. These events helped foster a dedication to academic rigor that I can already see in our GCA community.

A fun fact about me: although a bit rusty, I have played the piano since I was 3 years old. It has been fun to watch my own daughter develop her talent in piano in her own right. I am also a foodie who has been described as a "Walking Yelp" by friends and family."