Gorman began her first year as principal at Peak for the 2024-25 school year after serving as the dean of grades K-4, and previously as dean of upper elementary and exceptional children. She began her time with NHA schools at Forsyth Academy in 2013 and has been at Peak as a teacher, dean, and now, principal, since the school opened in 2017.
She is excited to guide Peak scholars on the firm foundation of nine Moral Focus virtues taught at all National Heritage Academies schools. Of those, self-control is very important, as she knows that children who are in control of themselves can accomplish amazing things.
“Self-control is a huge one for scholars, especially in the day and age we're in. It goes well beyond just keeping your hands to yourself, it's also learning how to manage your emotions.”
Gorman, as you would expect from a principal, believes strongly in the power of academics. Having students in class, learning, growing, and achieving is one of the reasons Peak has been so successful since it opened in 2017. “I think my number one wish is for students to know and truly feel their value within the building. At the end of the day, I want them to feel like they matter.
Much of Gorman’s focus when working with students and teachers goes into understanding behaviors and making sure that restorative practices are in place for kids. How challenges are handled matter to children, and when they see an issue dealt with then put away and not held against them later, they develop trust and see more value in that relationship.
Gorman loves working with kids. Loves seeing the light bulb come on when they understand. She loves their excitement and their ability to find something positive about situations. It’s what drives her work at Peak.
Quick facts:
- Gorman’s love of the beach is absolute. “If NHA ever builds a school on a beach, I’ll be the first to apply.”
- She’s an avid reader and regularly finds herself consuming over 50 books per year. “It’s just my little escape to someone else’s world for a little bit.”
- Gorman grew up a country girl and sometimes finds herself daydreaming about afternoons riding in combines and on four-wheelers. She was late to school one day because she had to chase her horse down the road after it got out.
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About Peak Charter Academy
Peak Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Apex, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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