Great Hearts Roosevelt Hosts Buckeye Community For Fall Carnival

Great Hearts Roosevelt brought seasonal cheer and community spirit to the Buckeye area during its special Fall Carnival, an evening event that was designed to welcome both current and over 250 prospective families to the campus. With Open Enrollment season running from October 20^th to December 31^st, 2025, the academy used the celebration as an opportunity to build awareness, share its mission, and showcase the joy-filled culture that defines its community.

The carnival featured an impressive lineup of attractions for every age. Families enjoyed a five-station sports inflatable, an electrical bull, a carousel inflatable, and a classic strength test game. One of the main highlights was a train ride looping around the football field, giving children a chance to take in the sights of campus from a new perspective.

Music and live performances added to the festive atmosphere. “We have a DJ and a couple of performances by our students,” noted Alexia Ames from the Great Hearts Arizona marketing team.

Food options were another major draw. Local, family-owned vendors from Maryvale and Buckeye served up carnival favorites. Families also stopped by for cold treats at the popular slushie booth, run by 1^st grade teacher, Mrs. Young.

While the evening was filled with fun, the heart behind the carnival was community building and connection. Upper School Headmaster Tony Cruz emphasized how important it is to welcome new families who are looking for a school where their children can thrive. “We’re just trying to build community with not only our families, but new families,” shared Cruz. “We’re trying to get all the new families moving into Buckeye and in our neighborhoods to come on our campus and say, ‘Hey, we want you to come visit. We want you to be a part of our family. We want you to belong to our school.’”

The volunteers at the event were mostly teachers, offering families an authentic opportunity to meet the educators behind the classrooms. “It’s just an opportunity for them to get to talk to kids and families about what they teach, what they’re doing, and why they’re here,” said Cruz.

In addition to games and food, the night served as a window into the core values of Great Hearts Roosevelt. “Families are looking for a model of education, a mode of education that really challenges their kids intellectually, and then also pushes them to be better people. And that’s what we do. So, I’m really excited about that.”

The Fall Carnival succeeded not only as a festive celebration, but as a welcoming invitation into a school community dedicated to excellence, virtue, and belonging. If you missed the event or would like a more in-depth view of the school in action, sign up for a tour today at https://roosevelt.greatheartsamerica.org/tour/.

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/.