Great Hearts Lake Charles Will Open to Grades K-3 in August of 2027 

Great Hearts Academies is grateful for the opportunity to bring classical education to more families in Southwest Louisiana with the planned opening of Great Hearts Lake Charles. Rooted in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, Great Hearts Lake Charles will seek to cultivate both the minds and hearts of its students while partnering closely with families in their education. The tuition-free classical academy is scheduled to welcome its first students in grades K–3 for the 2027–28 school year. 

“As we’ve gotten to know many of the wonderful families in Lake Charles, it’s clear that we share the same values, especially a commitment to character, community, and forming the next generation to be great-hearted men and women,” explained Great Hearts Co-Founder Dan Scoggin. “We will work tirelessly to serve Lake Charles families by providing an exceptional, tuition-free education, one that families might otherwise expect to find only at an expensive private school.” 

Over the summer, Great Hearts announced a partnership with St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church. The new academy will reside on their expansive campus on 1500 Country Club Road, complete with a large education building, full gymnasium, and beautiful outdoor spaces where students will be invited to wonder, think carefully, speak clearly, and grow in virtue.  

Great Hearts Lake Charles will be the second Great Hearts academy to open in Louisiana. Great Hearts Harveston opened its doors in Baton Rouge back in the fall of 2023, bringing a private caliber education without the cost of tuition to the Pelican State for the very first time. Great Hearts looks forward to extending its mission, now to the families in the Lake Charles community.  

You are invited to join the academy on for a special information session designed to introduce families to the ideas at the heart of classical education on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library: Central Branch. 

During this conversation, you’ll get a closer look at what classical education means at Great Hearts and how it comes to life in the classroom. We’ll explore the role of great books, thoughtful discussion, intellectual curiosity, and character formation, and how these experiences help students develop the habits of mind and heart that prepare them for a lifetime of learning. 

Space may be limited. RSVP today to reserve your spot and discover what classical education can offer your family. 

“This is a wonderful place, a place that cares about character, a place that cares about families, that cares about the things that matter,” said Scoggin. “And we want to be part of that with our approach to education, with our approach to classical education that’s built to serve the family.” 

You can learn more about this exciting new academy in Lake Charles at https://lakecharles.greatheartsamerica.org or join the interest list at https://lakecharles.greatheartsamerica.org/interest-list/    

Enrollment for Great Hearts Lake Charles will open on October 23rd for the 2027-28 school year. 

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/.