Real Voices: Bouchra Bouanani on Founding Grand Canyon Private Academy 

When families describe Grand Canyon Private Academy (GCPA), one theme rises to the top; belonging. It’s a place where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow into who they are meant to be. At the heart of that culture is founder Dr. Bouchra Bouanani, an engineer-turned-educator whose journey from STEM to school leadership reshaped how online education can look and feel. 

What inspired you to start Grand Canyon Private Academy, and what personal experiences led you to pursue this path? 

Bouchra Bouanani: My journey began in electrical engineering, but motherhood changed my trajectory. When my oldest was in first grade and still couldn’t read despite being in a private school, I knew I had to step in. I wanted to understand what wasn’t working and be part of the solution, not just for my own children, but for others too. Overnight, I pivoted from engineering to education. 

I applied to teach at my children’s school and instantly fell in love with the classroom. Teaching computer science and math brought together both sides of who I am, the analytical and the creative. I believe if you’re going to do something, do it well, so I pursued a master’s in education, earned multiple teaching certifications in math and French, and poured myself into learning how students think and learn best. 

More importantly, as both a mother and an educator, I wanted to create a school that fosters curiosity, inquiry, and strong thinkers. The kind of environment I wished existed for my own children. I’ve always believed that true learning begins not with the answer, but with the courage to ask the right questions. 

When you envisioned GCPA, what gap in education were you hoping to fill? 

BB: Most traditional school models still follow a familiar pattern—lecture, practice, drill, and application, with maybe a few project-based experiences sprinkled in. But learning shouldn’t be limited to that sequence. At GCPA, our entire philosophy is built on something deeper: fostering curiosity and helping students realize that we learn best by asking questions. 

We wanted to build a community where students don’t just absorb information; they explore ideas, connect dots, and challenge assumptions. Every lesson, every project, every discussion is designed to invite wonder, creativity, and critical thinking. Our goal is to help students fall in love with learning itself and to recognize that curiosity is not a distraction; it’s the engine of understanding. 

How are students and families successful at GCPA? 

BB: Success looks different for every family, and that’s exactly how it should be. For some, it’s earning strong grades; for others, it’s completing high school, pursuing college, joining the military, or launching a business. Our job is to help students define their own version of excellence. 

We teach them to ask questions like, “What do I value? What excites me? Where do I see myself?” Even our youngest learners are encouraged to dream and reflect on their path. That kind of curiosity builds confidence. It turns learning into ownership, and that’s when real growth happens.  

You mentioned your own daughter went to GCPA, what was her experience like? 

BB: She wanted to graduate early, and she did. But what mattered most to me was that GCPA didn’t just say “yes.” The team talked her through the pros and cons, helped her make an informed decision, and respected her autonomy. That’s what empowerment looks like. 

All four of my children graduated from Stride schools, and my youngest went through GCPA, and I saw firsthand how the flexibility, structure, and support shaped all of them. As a parent, I experienced what our families experience: a school that partners with you. When I started hearing other parents saying, “I’ve never seen my child this excited about learning,” I knew we were doing something right. 

What is your favorite part about GCPA?  

 
BB: It’s the sense of community. Even in a virtual setting, our students collaborate, create, and build friendships that last. We’ve found the right balance between screen time, hands-on 

experiences, and meaningful connections. My daughter still keeps in touch with her GCPA friends years later; that says everything. 

GCPA is not just a school; it’s a place where students are encouraged to dream big and to see learning as a launchpad to what’s next. 

Finally, what would you say to families considering online education at GCPA? 

 
BB: The landscape of education has evolved. Families no longer have to choose between quality and flexibility, they can have both. At GCPA, every student is known by name, story, and goal. Teachers don’t just deliver lessons; they build relationships that inspire trust and growth. They don’t only focus on great teaching, but mainly on the quality of “Learning” and “Growth”. 

As both a parent and an educator, I was searching for a learning environment that would help my children discover who they are and what they’re capable of. I found that here, and I want every family who joins us to feel the same way. 

To learn more about Grand Canyon Private Academy’s mission visit gcpa.k12.com