The Great Conversations at National Symposium

February 25th kicks off the 2026 Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education in Tempe, Ariz. Over the last several months we have highlighted the keynote speakers, Doug Lemov, Chris Perrin, and Jeffrey Rosen, along with previewing a number of the workshops and talks offered throughout the Symposium, including Scholarly Talks, K-12 Curriculum workshops, Leadership Talks, and Panel Discussions. But perhaps the most important aspect of the Symposium happens in between these sessions.

Many attendees commented that these “in-between” moments became, unexpectedly, some of the most memorable parts of the three-day gathering, when ideas first raised in sessions continued afterward in conversations between symposiasts that grew deeper, more personal, and more lasting.

Junius Johnson, Executive Director of Junius Johnson Academics and returning speaker, explained how the Symposium has been a place of fruitful connection for him. “When you gather so many leaders into one place and stimulate them with rich and varied conversations, there is a sort of natural overflow of creativity that makes it easy to see new possibilities,” he shared.

“At the Symposium I first connected with Classical Academic Press over their Humanitas series, for which I have authored multiple volumes, and connected with an arts organization in Colorado, which ultimately led to a weekend conference on theology and the arts,” added Johnson. “And yet nothing felt forced, or artificial: we were just really engaged people energized by a renewed vision of what we could accomplish together.”

This year’s theme is “Classical Education and the American Experiment: the Declaration of Independence at 250.” Join us on February 25-26, 2026, at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Together, we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and reflect on the American experiment that continues to shape our pursuit of truth and human flourishing. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead within the vibrant community of classical educators. REGISTER TODAY!

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