Vanguard Gifted Academy Appoints Mrs. Amy Trujillo as New Head of School

BATAVIA, IL – July 30, 2025 – The Vanguard Gifted Academy (VGA) Board of Trustees has appointed Mrs. Amy Trujillo (pronounced True-HE-yo) as the school’s next Head of School. The decision follows a comprehensive national search to find a successor for VGA’s beloved founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Blaetz.

The Board of Trustees selected Mrs. Trujillo for her impressive background, extensive leadership experience, and a clear, passionate commitment to serving the unique needs of gifted children.

A veteran educator with over two decades of experience, Mrs. Trujillo most recently served as Assistant Principal at the Osceola Science STEM School in Kissimmee, Florida. Her distinguished career has been marked by a commitment to serving and writing about underrepresented populations in both gifted and STEM education. Her leadership includes past presidencies of both the Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG) and the Florida Association of Science Teachers. In a testament to her impact, FLAG renamed its highest honor for creative instruction the Amy Trujillo Award for Excellence in Creative Teaching in 2024.

To ensure a successful and smooth handover, a thoughtful transition plan is in place. Mrs. Trujillo is working alongside Mrs. Blaetz this summer to prepare for the leadership transition. This collaboration began earlier in the year, when Mrs. Trujillo attended the Board of Trustees' annual retreat to help prepare for the new academic year.

The Board of Trustees also formally extends its profound gratitude to the founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Blaetz. Her vision and tireless dedication were instrumental in creating Vanguard Gifted Academy and establishing its reputation for excellence in gifted education.

About Vanguard Gifted Academy: Vanguard Gifted Academy is an independent school in Batavia, Illinois, guided by a mission to lead gifted children toward a life of discovery, empowerment, and innovation. The school’s vision is to personalize education by creating authentic learning experiences. Its core philosophy is to understand gifted children, meet them where they are, and then challenge them to reach beyond their current abilities. Vanguard is a perfect fit for students who thrive when delving deeply into their passions, working at their own pace, and solving complex problems through project-based learning.