Meet Drew Thomas, the New Head of School at Great Hearts Harveston

There is a new Head of School at Great Hearts Harveston in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he’s ready to lead with a deep love for classical education and a commitment to his school community. Drew Thomas steps into the role with a vision for the future and a strong belief in the power of community, virtue, and academic excellence. With experience as a founding member of the Lower School leadership team, Thomas is no stranger to the heart of the Harveston campus. And now, he’s ready to help it grow even stronger.

Great Hearts Harveston is a growing public charter school in Baton Rouge’s Harveston neighborhood and the first Great Hearts academy to break ground in Louisiana. With a focus on classical education, the school aims to educate scholars through a well-rounded curriculum that includes literature, history, fine arts, language, and math.

Thomas brings a strong background in classical education “My passion for the classical tradition began during my academic journey in college and graduate school,” he shared. Now, as Head of School, he’s eager to help cultivate a thriving school culture where both students and faculty flourish. “At Great Hearts, we have outstanding faculty and staff. My role is to maintain focus and create the structures that enable them—and ultimately our students—to excel.”

After serving as the first dean of students for the lower school, Thomas is no stranger to the academy. “It provided insights into cultivating virtue from the classroom perspective and underscored the importance of relationships in education,” he said. “This role reinforced the value of servant leadership, emphasizing support for those working alongside you. I aim to continue this legacy in my new position.”

Looking ahead, Thomas is excited to deepen the academy’s commitment to classical education. “I envision GHH evolving to embody a deeper classical culture among students, faculty, parents, and the community,” he explained. That means classical virtues that show up not just in the curriculum but in everything from conversations to dress. “The groundwork is laid. Now, it’s time to elevate our efforts to the next level.”

He also sees Great Hearts Harveston as a trailblazer in the Pelican State. “Our work is reshaping the educational landscape in South Louisiana,” he says. “And I’m eager for more to discover what we offer, especially as we expand to a full K–12 institution.” That expansion continues this year, as the academy welcomes its first ninth-grade class, marking the transition to including high school, with a new grade level to be added each year.

When he’s not at school, Thomas is a dedicated husband and father of five. He and his family love being active in their local parish, cooking together, enjoying deep conversations, and hosting friends on their patio. He also makes time for workouts and is a loyal supporter of Nashville SC. That’s right, soccer fans, there’s a NSC fan on campus. “Nashville! Nashville! Nashville’s Blue and Gold!”

With Drew Thomas leading the way, Great Hearts Harveston is well-poised for a year filled with purpose, community, and a continued commitment to cultivating hearts and minds. “Our mission is significant, impacting children and families for generations.”

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.