Principal's Page

ALISSA GUEVARA, PRINCIPAL

My family moved to Yuma in the 90s when my father, a U.S. Navy Corpsman, was stationed here. When he retired from the Navy, our family decided to continue to make Yuma our home! I attended Crane Schools and Cibola High School. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, master’s degree in Bilingual/Multicultural Education, and a K-12 Principal’s Certificate, all from Northern Arizona University. I student taught in Crane and have been part of the Crane family ever since, teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade before coming to Gowan. At Gowan, I taught 5th grade for two years, served as Professional Development Coach for six years, Assistant Principal for three years, and I am now excited to step into the role of Principal of this amazing school I have been a part of for so long!

WHAT I BELIEVE

Building strong relationships and establishing open lines of communication are essential components of our school’s continued success. At the heart of every thriving school community is a foundation built on trust, respect, and collaboration. That begins with getting to know all stakeholders—students, staff, parents, and community members—not just as participants, but as valuable contributors to the culture and direction of our school.

Open communication allows us to celebrate our successes, address challenges with transparency, and grow together as a team. It’s not just about exchanging information—it’s about building understanding and a shared sense of purpose. I welcome and encourage dialogue at all levels, whether it’s a new idea, a concern, or simply a suggestion for improvement. I truly believe that every voice matters. While we are proud of what we’ve accomplished, I am committed to the belief that continuous improvement is key. As good as we are, there is always room to grow—and we grow best when we grow together.

ABOUT GOWAN SCIENCE ACADEMY

At Gowan Science Academy we believe learning happens through exploration, collaboration, and application. We use a cross-curricular approach focusing on science and engineering. We develop critical thinking skills by discussing, evaluating, and solving real-world problems in a kind, trusting, and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to develop innovative learners who become agents of change in our community and society.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2024- Top Performing School in Yuma County, Rated “A”

2024- A+ School of Excellence

2021-22 - Rated an A School by Arizona Department of Education

2021 - 2024 - Apple Distinguished School

2022 - A for Arizona Innovation Grant Award Recipient

2020 - Fiesta Bowl Charities Grant Recipient

2017-20 - Apple Distinguished School

2018 - June S. Pallack Award - Administrator of the Year - Yuma Chamber of Commerce

2017-18 - APS STEM Focus School of the Future

2017 - Rated an "A" - Excellent school by the Arizona Board of Education