Preparing for Learning at Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale

The 2025-26 school year begins in just a few days, but teachers across the network have been hard at work transforming empty rooms into spaces designed for learning. This is especially true for the teachers at Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale, who are setting up their classrooms in a new location this year. The behind-the-scenes preparation sets the tone for a year filled with intellectual, moral, and spiritual development at this private academy.

When their students return for the new school year, they will be coming back to a brand-new home, located at 53rd Avenue and Indian School Road. This new home is in the heart of the Open Sky Learning Centersbuilding and will occupy the ground floor. The educational hub also houses two other educational institutions.

There are still a few remaining seats available for this year, and it’s not too late to apply. Learn more about the application process at: https://christosmaryvale.greatheartsamerica.org/overview/

From carefully arranging desks to encourage collaboration, to thoughtfully placing virtues on the walls, each detail is chosen with purpose. Teachers spend hours creating an inviting atmosphere where students feel inspired from the moment they step through the door. Supplies are organized, book collections are sorted, and lessons are thoughtfully mapped out. All in anticipation of those eager-to-learn scholars on day one.

For first-year teacher Kira Freid, who will be teaching second grade at the academy, the new experience of setting up her classroom is inspiring. “We’re still kind of surrounded by boxes, but it’s really exciting to open all the boxes and just see all the wonderful things that our students are going to get to read and experience,” she said. “We’re setting up a lot of markers and craft stuff, a lot of blocks for counting and tables. We’re wiping them all down, getting all the germs away so we’re ready for our new students.”

A great deal of thought goes into how the classrooms will function and what activities will be prioritized. “I mostly want the students to be focused on each other and spending time with each other and getting to know each other as humans,” shared Freid. “So, setting them up so that they can all talk with each other and work as groups, and we get to all learn together. That’s my main philosophy for this year.”

Returning third grade teacher, Sergio Alcantar understands the importance of a well-organized classroom for his students. “The students know where things are, and they don’t have to second guess themselves. So, it’s a lot less brain work for just general tasks. So, then we could just get to learning and we don’t have to worry about anything else,” he explained, adding, “It’s a lot of work on my end, but it’s for the better.”

Theresa Jones is coming to the academy as the new fourth/fifth grade teacher, with years of experience teaching at a public district school, where she was used to squeezing seating for over 35 students into one classroom. That’s a far cry from the smaller class sizes at Great Hearts Christian Academies, where she will have less than a dozen in her classroom.

“The room isn’t what does it for me. It’s like its God’s spirit here. And so, I pray that, you know, He be present because no matter what, if they don’t feel the presence of God, like I believe if they don’t feel the presence of God or the comfort of his presence being with us, then it doesn’t matter what the room looks like,” shared Jones. “My goal is to be faithful in prayer so that they feel that because I feel like once they do then they have that peace to learn and even make mistakes along the way because they know that they’re safe either way.”

As the first day of school for Great Hearts Christian Academies – Maryvale approaches, these classrooms stand ready. With every piece of artwork hung brings the excitement of a new school year. With every book put in place brings the hope of a new beginning in a new space. And with every chair straightened brings the promise of great things that are about to happen.

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/.