Great Hearts Institute Launches “On Classical Education” on Substack

Classical education is a conversation across centuries. At its heart lies the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty through dialogue, reflection, and the study of the great works that have shaped human thought. To continue and deepen that conversation, Dr. Carol McNamara, the director of the Great Hearts Institute, is proud to announce the launch of On Classical Education, a new quarterly publication dedicated to exploring the enduring questions of the tradition.

The collection of articles is hosted on Substack, a digital publishing platform that makes it simple for readers to subscribe and receive issues directly in their inbox. This provides a hub where classical educators, parents, and thinkers can engage with the material at their own pace and return to it as a lasting resource. Subscriptions are free, and new issues will be delivered to readers each quarter.

Each issue will feature original essays, reflections on teaching, policy perspectives, and book reviews that invite readers into deeper engagement with the classical tradition.

In the inaugural issue, readers will encounter:

• Christopher Scalia explores The Truth, Beauty, Wisdom—and Danger—of Fiction, reminding us of the indispensable role of literature in the formation of both youth and adults.
• Henry Olsen examines the power of studying the greatest leaders in Imitating the (Democratic) Prince, showing how examples from history can shape the ambitions of future democratic statesmen.
• Jeannette DeCelles-Zwerneman reflects on The Wonder of Seminars and offers practical wisdom for leading great discussions.
• Amy Richards writes on the tension between compliance and mission in classical schools, urging us not to lose sight of the true ends of education for students with learning differences.
• Erik Twist considers what it means to cultivate and sustain excellent school leadership.
• Erin Valdez addresses the policy challenges and opportunities facing classical education in an era of expanding school choice.

Each issue will also include book reviews and a dialogue or set of responses to our featured texts. In this edition, Jessica Hooten Wilson reviews The Good Teacher (Chris Perrin and Carrie Eben, Classical Academic Press), accompanied by essays from Michael Austin and Corinne Jacobson reflecting on what makes a teacher truly great.

“This is just the beginning of the conversation,” added McNamara. “We invite you to read, reflect, and join us.”

With On Classical Education on Substack, the Great Hearts Institute seeks to give voice to a movement rooted in timeless ideas, but alive in today’s classrooms and communities.

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