The Academy for Classical Teachers Opens Enrollment for Summer Courses

This summer, the Academy for Classical Teachers (ACT), a leisure learning program powered by the Great Hearts Professional Development department, invites lifelong learners and classical enthusiasts to engage with some of the greatest minds in history. With eight enriching courses offered online throughout June and July, ACT continues its mission of bringing classical texts and timeless ideas to life in a dynamic and accessible format.

Each course is centered on a classic literary work or figure, with participants completing readings and joining in thoughtful discussion through a series of live Zoom seminars. Each course takes place over a period of two to four weeks and includes four to six live Zoom sessions, where participants can engage in thoughtful, guided discussions with others in a supportive, seminar-style environment.

These courses are perfect for teachers looking to stay intellectually active over the summer, or for parents who want to better understand the classical curriculum their children are experiencing at a Great Hearts academy. Courses are open to the public, and in a special perk for Great Hearts employees, enrollment is completely free. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a classical homeschool parent, or simply a curious reader, ACT offers a space to explore, reflect, and grow.

Here’s the 2025 summer lineup (click here for full course descriptions):

An Introduction to Alexis de Tocqueville: Selections from his Works and Letters
Explore key ideas from Tocqueville’s Democracy in America and other writings, including personal letters, as we examine the insights of this 19th-century French statesman and observer of American democracy. No prior knowledge required.

Goethe as Poet and Scientist
Best known for Faust, Goethe was also a pioneering scientist. This course focuses on his Metamorphosis of Plants, exploring how his poetic imagination shaped a uniquely qualitative approach to scientific inquiry.

Unbinding Prometheus: Donald Cowan on Liberal Learning and the Spirit of Inquiry
Explore five key themes in Dr. Donald Cowan’s thought as he connects great literature to imagination, practical reasoning, and taste—offering timely insights for classical education in a modern, tech-driven world.

Tragedy and Comedy in Shakespeare Through the Lens of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This course explores the two plays centered on young love that take strikingly different turns. Through close reading and discussion, we’ll examine how Shakespeare uses similar themes to craft both tragedy and comedy.

Aristotle’s Politics: A Timeless Look at the Foundations of Civic Life and Virtue
In this course, we’ll explore Aristotle’s Politics, where he examines different political systems and their ideal structures. Through a close reading of the text, we’ll focus on his classification of regimes, their organization, and the laws and habits that best cultivate virtue in a community.

Introduction to the Beauty of Latin
This course introduces Latin through Hans Oerberg’s Lingua Latina per se illustrata, focusing on basic grammar, reading, and speaking. Participants will also engage in interactive activities to enhance comprehension. By the end, students will have the tools to continue learning Latin independently using Oerberg’s and Wheelock’s texts.

A Close Study of Jane Austen’s Emma and Persuasion: Exploring Wit, Wisdom, and the Social World of Austen’s Heroines
In celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, this course explores Emma and Persuasion, examining themes of love, marriage, personal growth, and the consequences of actions. We’ll delve into Austen’s writing style, humor, and insights into human relationships, comparing the two novels in the final session.

The Neverending Story as an Educational Journey
This course explores The Neverending Story as an allegory for the educational journey, focusing on the protagonist Bastien’s moral development. We’ll examine how his path to self-possession mirrors the classical education journey, offering educators new insights into guiding students through their own growth. This course is suitable for teachers of all levels.

Whether you’re reading Goethe for the first time or revisiting Shakespeare with fresh eyes, ACT courses offer engaging, in-depth learning in a supportive environment.

To learn more or to register, visit act.greatheartsamerica.org or contact the team directly at PD@greatheartsamerica.org. Which of these courses are you most excited about?

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

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