27 March . 2026
Meet the Founding Headmaster of Great Hearts Blossom Rock
Every great school begins with great leadership—and at Blossom Rock, something meaningful is taking root. We are proud to introduce Conal Tanner as the founding headmaster of Great Hearts Blossom Rock, a tuition-free K–5 classical academy opening in Fall 2027 within the master-planned community.
Tanner brings more than a decade of teaching and leadership experience across three countries, a deep commitment to classical education, and a personal history that mirrors the very tradition Great Hearts seeks to preserve. Most recently, he served as assistant headmaster of Glendale Prep.
“Conal Tanner is exactly the kind of leader we want shaping a new Great Hearts campus,” said Brandon Crowe, Superintendent of Great Hearts Arizona. “His variety of classroom experience, his perspective from serving in and leading several different schools, and his unwavering commitment to classical education make him uniquely prepared to build a joyful, orderly, mission‑driven school community from day one.”
Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Tanner was homeschooled until age 16 before attending a classical boarding school in Pennsylvania—an experience that closely reflects the Great Hearts approach. He later graduated from Thomas Aquinas College in 2007, served in the Canadian Army, earned his degree in education, and went on to teach internationally in Columbia where he met his wife, Pilar. Today, they are raising their three children with the same values that guide his work as an educator.
Tanner joined Great Hearts as a fifth‑grade teacher at Archway Veritas before moving to Chandler Prep to teach literature, composition, and Humane Letters. Though trained as a primary teacher, he discovered his passion in the upper school, and a brief return to Canada only deepened his appreciation for the Great Hearts mission. After teaching in multiple countries and school systems, he says Great Hearts stands apart for its culture, alignment, and commitment to classical education.
“What keeps drawing me back to Great Hearts is the mission—the commitment to forming students through Truth, Goodness, and Beauty,” Tanner said. “I’ve taught in several countries and many types of schools, and nothing compares to the culture, alignment, and joy you find here. Leading Great Hearts Blossom Rock is an incredible opportunity to build that kind of community from the ground up, where students and teachers can thrive together.”
When Great Hearts Blossom Rock opens in Fall 2027, it will bring this nationally recognized classical model to families in Apache Junction and the greater East Valley—becoming Great Hearts’ 25th campus in Arizona. For the growing Blossom Rock community, it represents more than a new school—it’s an opportunity to nurture young minds in a setting designed for connection, character, and lifelong learning.
Join Us: Meet the Headmaster
Families interested in Great Hearts Blossom Rock are invited to attend Cheers to Blossom Rock: Meet the Headmaster on April 18 from 6–8 PM at The Dutch Clubhouse.
This special evening will give parents the opportunity to enjoy wine and light hors d’oeuvres, while connecting with Conal Tanner and other families excited to be part of this founding chapter.