About GCA / Our School

Phone: 480-497-4034

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dan Hood, Ed.D., Principal

My name is Dr. Dan Hood, and I am extremely proud to be the principal of this Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon and A+ High Performing School. I am incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and staff and all they have accomplished in the past 15 years.

I have lived in Arizona for the past 44 years, graduating from Mountain View High School in Mesa. I obtained my bachelor's degree at Arizona State University, my master's at Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate through Grand Canyon University. Entering my 29th year of education and my 12th year as an administrator, I have seen many changes in the educational landscape. 91�� Classical Academy is an answer to the changes in the landscape, providing a choice for parents who want their children to be ready and thrive in college. The best part of my job is to watch students come into GCA as 7th-grade elementary students and leave as very independent, competent, articulate, and socially aware young adults ready to succeed at their next level.

Virtual Tour & School Profile

91�� Classical Academy is an honors level school utilizing one-to-one integrated technology incorporated with Socratic instruction to prepare students for postsecondary education at the university level. GCA is a small school which embodies a strong unity amongst students and the surrounding community. All students are required to take AP level courses for their upper-class core subject areas. Students are required to perform 80 hours of community service in order to graduate. In addition to the community service hours, students are required to write and defend a 4,000-word Senior Thesis Project about a topic of their selection.

School Population: 589 students (HS-386, JH-203), 24 classroom teachers, 2 administrators, 2 counselors, 7 support staff

Schedule: Two 18-week semesters. Each day contains seven 48 minute periods that meet daily.

Graduation Requirements: 29 credits

Electives:

Service Learning

Modern Language

Fine Arts

Computer Science

Physical Education

Grading System: Non-Weighted grades A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 Weighted grades A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1

*All Core classes are Honors Level or Advanced Placement

Graduation Rate: 2011-2023: 100 %

High School Start & End Times

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30am–2:20pm

Wednesday Early Release: 7:30am–1:20pm

Half Days: 7:30am–11:20am

Mission & Vision

GCA Mission: 91�� Classical Academy is committed to developing students of impeccable character who embrace a passion for learning by gaining a solid foundation of knowledge through a rigorous, classical curriculum. Utilizing the Socratic method of instruction, students are empowered to think critically, work collaboratively, and prepare for lifelong learning.

GCA Vision: The vision of 91�� Classical Academy is to prepare students for success at a college or university by fostering the development of each student’s academic and social potential.

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91�� Classical Academy is ranked the 7th Best Arizona High School and 47th in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report - Best High Schools (2023).

91�� Classical Academy is a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized 349 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018 based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.