Welcome!
Principal - Mrs. Cathy Di Vincenzo
June, 2026
Welcome Anza Families!
The 2026–27 school year is just around the corner, and I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the families who will be joining the Anza community. Many of you know that this will be my 6th year serving as Principal of Anza Elementary School.
For those who are new to Anza and may not know me, I was born and raised in the Anza neighborhood and have spent most of my life in this community. My husband and I started our family just down the street from Anza, where we lived for more than 12 years. I was also an Anza parent for four years while my own children attended school here. Returning to the place where my educational journey began has truly been a full-circle experience, and it is a privilege to serve and lead this incredible neighborhood school.
Anza has always been a special place where strong partnerships between home and school are valued, and where staff members are dedicated to supporting the development of the whole child. Working alongside our talented staff, supportive families, and engaged community, I am committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential.
I bring more than 25 years of experience in education to this role. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. I began my career in Torrance Unified School District in 1998 as a first- and second-grade teacher at Towers Elementary School. After seven years in the classroom, I took time away from education to raise my own children. In 2008, I returned to teaching at Riviera Elementary School, where I taught first and fourth grade.
In 2014, I became a District Induction Coach and later served as the Induction Program Coordinator, supporting and mentoring new elementary teachers throughout Torrance Unified. In 2017, I was honored to become the Assistant Principal at Arnold Elementary School. Then, in July 2021, I became the proud Principal of Anza Elementary School.
On a personal note, I am a wife and mother of two wonderful children. My daughter graduated from UC Davis last year and is currently working in the medical field before pursuing graduate school. My son recently completed his second year at Arizona State University, where he is majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Both of my children attended Torrance Unified schools throughout their educational journey, and the strong foundation they received in our district played a significant role in their success. Their education prepared them not only academically, but also to become engaged, responsible, and compassionate global citizens.
One of the most important aspects of my role at Anza is building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. You will often find me in classrooms, hallways, and on the playground getting to know our students and connecting with families. My passion has always been and will continue to be supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
As principal, I am committed to working closely with our teachers to ensure that every student receives high-quality instruction and engaging learning experiences that challenge and inspire them. Together, as a team of educators, families, and community members, we can create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
I look forward to partnering with you and your family in the coming school year!
Please check out Anza’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AnzaElementaryTorranceCA and our website: https://www.tusd.org/schools/anza
It is my goal to keep you informed through our weekly newsletters, e-blasts, emails, texts, Anza website calendar, school website, and Facebook page. I look forward to our work together and to a fantastic school year!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Cathy Di Vincenzo
Proud Principal, Anza Elementary
At Anza Elementary, it is our mission to educate the whole child and to provide a balanced instructional program that is driven by student needs and abilities. The staff is committed to creating an optimal environment that addresses the academic, emotional, social, and physical needs of each child. We will strive to empower our student to develop positive characteristics that will encourage them to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society.
At Anza Elementary School we believe that:
- Education is the partnership of all -- parents, students, staff, and community
- Everyone's participation and ideas are important and valued
- High expectations are supported by a positive, organized learning environment
- Curriculum focuses on active learning and developing thinking skills
- Individual differences are respected and encouraged
- Education prepares students for their futures
- Communication between home, the school, and the community are open and responsive
- School is a place where people problem-solve together
- Learning is a joyful experience
