Top 5 Reasons to Apply to Great Hearts Harveston

Great Hearts Harveston has opened its doors to welcome K-7 students and families in the Baton Rouge community. This is the first Great Hearts academy to open in Louisiana and scholars are already reaping the benefits of the classical education made available for all. While school is in session and well underway, you still have a limited time to register for the current 2023-24 academic year. Applications for the current school year of the new tuition-free, public charter school will only be accepted through September 22, 2023.

If you are still on the fence, here are the top five reasons you should apply today!

1. The Great Hearts Mission & Curriculum

We believe that every child deserves the best education, and we deliver an excellent classical education to all. Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Our success stems from striving for human excellence—otherwise known as virtue, in all that we do.

“Our classical approach is rooted in real and meaningful content that traces its sources through the peaks and pitfalls of the Western tradition,” said Head of School Sam Heisman. “We are not romantics but are philosophical realists who believe that the world is knowable, and that strong character comes from humane rigor and good habits of mind and body.  Students learn about historical events, literary characters, stories, poetry, scientific facts, and mathematical proofs. They read whole literary and philosophical works in great depth, and they learn to approach books with a sense of wonder and depth of inquiry.”

2. Experienced Teachers

“The opportunity for learning begins with our carefully selected teachers, who were chosen for their content expertise and intellectual and moral awareness,” said Heisman. “Great Hearts teachers strive to educate scholars to desire what is Good, True, and Beautiful, and encourage the community to participate in and bring such ideals into reality.”

Many of our teachers are experts in their fields and have come from the industry that they now teach. We have featured some of our renowned faculty below:

Mrs. Geraci, Science: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/cj-geraci-from-hunting-insects-to-eating-crawfish/

Mr. Coles, Music: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/stuart-coles-teaches-music-and-all-that-jazz-at-great-hearts-harveston/

Ms. Carelus, Dean of Students: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/ms-carelus-is-ready-to-let-the-good-times-roll-in-baton-rouge/

3. Class sizes

Our class sizes are intentionally kept small, allowing for individual attention, both academic and personal, increased participation, and better communication between our teachers and students.

This also allows for a close-knit community within our campus that is key to form greathearted, well-educated, and well-cultivated human beings. With fewer students per class, individuals can connect more closely with their peers and become more confident and comfortable when it comes to sharing their ideas and perspectives. These connections lead to lasting friendships.

4. New State-of-the-Art Building 

The 76,697 square foot academy has 39 classrooms, three special education rooms with three breakout rooms each, two art rooms, a music room, science lab, study halls, and a theatre where many classics will be performed on stage.

The building’s design has a distinct charm that makes one think it has always been there. “Now, seeing all the brickwork and the breathtaking arched windows, this is such a beautiful campus, and feels like an extension of the community,” said Paula Bugg, the Great Hearts Harveston Project Manager.

5. Collegiate-size Gymnasium

Sports and athletics are an important part of Southern culture, which is apparent at this campus, home of the largest gym in the Great Hearts network to date.

And these are just the top five! There is so much more that makes Great Hearts Harveston so special. Remember, the school is only accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year through September 22nd, 2023. Be sure to submit your application today at https://greatheartsla.schoolmint.com/signup.

Mr. Heisman and the rest of the Harveston faculty would like to invite you to tour Great Hearts Harveston to see how this amazing educational experience is available for every student. During your tour, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the curriculum in action and receive an overview of the application process. You’ll also learn about enrichment programs, athletics, and more. Sign up at https://harveston.greatheartsamerica.org/tour/.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.