Caroline Plaisance is Inspiring Young Artists at Great Hearts Harveston

For Caroline Plaisance, an art teacher at Great Hearts Harveston, art has always been a natural and joyful part of life. Growing up in Baton Rouge, she developed a deep love for creativity from an early age, which led her to pursue a career in teaching young scholars the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty that can be found in the art studio.

Plaisance attended Louisiana State University where she earned degrees in Art Education and Elementary Education. Outside of art and education, she said she explored her athletic side as a competitive swimmer.

Before joining Great Hearts Harveston, Plaisance taught Pre-K and later served as an art teacher at a public charter school in Baton Rouge. While this is her first time teaching in a classical education setting, she has always woven art into every aspect of her teaching career.

“I have loved art since I was a young child. It came naturally to me. And I always loved working with children, and it came naturally to me as well,” explained Plaisance. “In college I studied to be a teacher, yet missed my art.” Initially considering a path in art therapy, she quickly realized that teaching art was the perfect fit, combining her love for both children and creativity. “I have found so much joy in teaching all my students over the years. I guess it feels like something I was created to do,” she shared.

Plaisance first learned about Great Hearts Harveston through a conversation over coffee with Sam Heisman years ago. The school’s values deeply resonated with her as both an educator and as a parent. She is a mother of three daughters: Eva (14), Haven (12), and Jolene (9).

She was particularly impressed with the academy’s emphasis on building relationships with students as a foundation for meaningful learning. She also appreciates the intentionality behind Great Hearts’ approach, especially in implementing the core values of Love and Logic in the classroom.

For Caroline, the most rewarding part of teaching art is witnessing students create works they are proud of and helping them develop an awareness of the artistic world around them. She finds joy in guiding them toward artistic expression and confidence in their creative abilities.

As she continues to grow with Great Hearts Harveston, Plaisance is eager to continue inspiring young artists, giving space for creativity, and sharing her love for art with her students.

Great Hearts Harveston is a growing K-9 (K-12 by 2028) academy and the first Great Hearts academy to serve families in Louisiana. As a tuition-free, public charter school, they are honored to offer a classical education that nurtures young minds from kindergarten through high school, preparing them for both collegiate success and a life rich in virtue. Learn more about Great Hearts Harveston at https://harveston.greatheartsamerica.org.

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting:https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.