Great Hearts Arizona Class of 2026: By the Numbers

The recent graduating class at our Great Hearts academies in Arizona have once again surpassed their peers across the nation in meaningful measures. The Class of 2026 was made up of 562 graduates who demonstrated what is possible when high academic expectations, character formation, and a rich co-curricular life come together through a classical education.

This year’s outcomes reflect our commitment to bring Truth, Goodness, and Beauty to students while preparing them to attend the very best colleges and universities with a staggering combined total of $53,813,709 in merit-based scholarships and 78% of the graduating class received some form of aid. These awards really show how much hard work and dedication these students have put in during their years at Great Hearts.

While these numbers are impressive, our core purpose is cultivating the minds and hearts of our students, and their high achievements are a merely a byproduct of that effort. The real reward is in watching the incredible lives they lead and the people they touch along the way.

In addition, 90 of our Great Hearts Arizona graduates were National Scholars, 19 were National Merit Commended, and six were named National Merit Finalists. Their standardized test performance remained far above national norms, with an average SAT score of 1260, which is 232 points higher than the national average, and an average ACT score of 23.7, exceeding the national average by 4.3 points.

“Scoring in the top 1% in the state of Arizona is a very realistic goal for many juniors across the Great Hearts network,” said Great Hearts Director of College Counseling, Roslyn Fletcher. “We expose our high school students to the PSAT early by administering the official PSAT to all 10th grade students across the network. This exposure along with encouraging students to utilize test prep generally results in several Semifinalists and Finalists each year. National Merit Finalists typically have the opportunity to pursue merit scholarships that cover full tuition and sometimes even more at many institutions across the country.” Read more about our 2026 National Merit Finalists at https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/great-hearts-celebrates-national-merit-finalists/.

94% of the graduating class will immediately attend colleges and universities as freshmen this fall with 57% pursuing STEM degrees. Their years at Great Hearts have developed in them intellectual curiosity, a love for Truth, and a commitment to moral character. Our graduates not only excel academically, but they lead with integrity, serve their communities, and thrive in athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.

Learn more about the results of the Great Hearts Class of 2026 at https://arizona.greatheartsamerica.org/academics/outcomes-and-results/.

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/.