Vanguard Gifted Academy Named ‘Influential Face of 2026’ as School Celebrates Legacy of Innovative Education

Vanguard Gifted Academy has been recognized as an "Influential Face of 2026" by Persona Tri-Cities magazine. The publication honored the Batavia-based independent school for its pioneering approach to personalized education, specifically tailored to meet the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners.

The recognition serves as a testament to the visionary foundation laid by retired founder Elizabeth Blaetz. Blaetz established Vanguard with a mission to dismantle the traditional "assembly line" model of education, where chronological age dictates student placement. Instead, she created a collaborative sanctuary where education fits the child.

“This honor belongs entirely to our community, our educators, and to Elizabeth’s founding vision,” said Amy Trujillo, Head of School at Vanguard Gifted Academy. “We are proud to carry her exact legacy forward. At Vanguard, we group children in multi-aged bands based on their readiness to learn. By blending knowledge across domains rather than isolating it, we allow our students to delve deeply into complex problem-solving and develop the cognitive flexibility required for an ever-changing future.”

As an institution deeply invested in the local area, Vanguard Gifted Academy is exceptionally proud to be featured in the 2026 issue alongside other extraordinary organizations that make a profound difference in the Tri-Cities community, including Support over Stigma and Valley Sheltered Workshop (VSW). Sharing this platform with such dedicated community advocates highlights the collaborative and supportive spirit of the Fox Valley.

Today, Vanguard continues to expand upon its foundational mission. The academy is currently hosting its multi-session Innovation Odyssey summer youth program and recently launched a free STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) community outreach initiative, providing weekly educational curriculum kits at no cost to local families.

The school is also actively pursuing a capital campaign to fund an outdoor STREAM Natural Hub and Creek Lab, further expanding the authentic, hands-on learning experiences available to its students.

To read Vanguard Gifted Academy's full feature in the 2026 issue of Persona Tri-Cities, visit ntmediagroup.com/vanguard-gifted-academy/. For more information on admissions, the school's unique educational model, or summer programming, visit vanguardgiftedacademy.org or call 224.213.0087.