U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Great Hearts Harveston

Great Hearts had the honor of hosting U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Louisiana Superintendent Cade Brumley at Great Hearts Harveston in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This visit was part of Secretary McMahon’s Returning Education to the States tour. The fifty-state tour, aimed to empower families and hear from students, teachers, and leaders on best practices in their own communities, kicked off in Louisiana, thanks to the state’s remarkable improved education ranking from 49^th to 32^nd nationally.

“Great Hearts Harveston was one of only two schools in the entire state selected for this honor,” shared Head of School Drew Thomas. “Secretary McMahon and Dr. Brumley were joined by several distinguished visitors, including U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, Assistants Superintendents Germain Gilson and Barry Carter, along with a significant security detail.”

“It was an honor to host Secretary McMahon and Superintendent Brumley for a tour of our Harveston academy in Baton Rouge,” shared Jay Heiler, Great Hearts Chief Executive Officer, who also traveled to Baton Rouge for the monumental visit. “Both exemplify public service with principled dedication to excellence. Their leadership in support of classical liberal arts education and what it offers for children, families, faculty and communities is deeply appreciated.”

The Secretary and Superintendent observed a 3rd-grade Spalding lesson by Ms. Daigle and a 4th-grade Singapore Math lesson by Mrs. Boria. “Both of whom did an outstanding job, along with their students. Our guests were very impressed with our classical approach, the students’ demeanor and decorum, and of course our beautiful campus.”

During the visit, Secretary McMahon said she is a really big believer in classical education. “I’ve seen the results of it when it is instituted in schools.”

Thomas credited the hard work and dedication of the faculty and student body for this national recognition. “It’s an incredible moment for our school—and a reminder that Great Hearts Harveston is leading the way in education.”

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