Great Hearts Lake Charles K-3 Classical Academy to Open in August 2027, Expanding Tuition‑Free Classical Education in Southwest Louisiana

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Approves New Classical School

LAKE CHARLES, La., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Hearts Academies has been approved to open its newest tuition-free, classical school in Lake Charles by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. This will be the classical network's 54th academy in the U.S. and second school in Louisiana. The new school will open to serve grade levels K-3 and will expand a grade level each year.

While Great Hearts has classical schools in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, Great Hearts Co-Founder Dan Scoggin is excited to bring a private-quality classical education rooted in strong academics, character formation, and a love of learning to the Lake Charles community.

"As we've gotten to know many of the wonderful families in Lake Charles, it's clear that we share the same values, especially a commitment to character and community," Scoggin said. "We will work tirelessly to serve Lake Charles families by providing an exceptional, tuition-free education, one that families might otherwise expect to find only at an expensive private school."

Over the summer, Great Hearts announced its partnership with St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church. The new academy will reside on their expansive campus on 1500 Country Club Road, complete with a large education building, full gymnasium, and beautiful outdoor spaces where students will be invited to wonder, think carefully, speak clearly, and grow in virtue.

Great Hearts Lake Charles will be the second Great Hearts academy to open in Louisiana. Great Hearts Harveston opened its doors in Baton Rouge back in the fall of 2023, bringing the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty to the Pelican State for the very first time. Great Hearts looks forward to extending its mission now to the families in the Lake Charles community.

Interested families are encouraged to join the academy for a special information session designed to introduce the ideas at the heart of classical education, 3:30-4:30 pm Saturday, October 17, 2026, and 2:30-3:30 pm Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library: Central Branch.

During this conversation, prospective families will learn how Great Hearts approaches the classroom, why they place such a strong emphasis on great books, meaningful discussion, intellectual curiosity, character, and how a classical education helps students develop the habits of thoughtful, lifelong learners.

Space is limited. RSVP today to reserve your spot and discover what classical education can offer your family.

"This is a wonderful place, a place that cares about character, a place that cares about families, that cares about the things that matter," Scoggin said. "And we want to be part of that with our approach to education, with our approach to classical education that's built to serve the family."

Enrollment for Great Hearts Lake Charles will open on October 23 for the 2027-28 school year.

You can learn more about this exciting new academy in Lake Charles at lakecharles.greatheartsamerica.org.

About Great Hearts

Great Hearts is a nonprofit and the nation's largest provider of classical PK–12 education, serving more than 30,000 students across 52 brick‑and‑mortar academies in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, along with a national online academy. Great Hearts' classical curriculum emphasizes advanced academics, languages, arts, and character formation rooted in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Learn more at greatheartsamerica.org.

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SOURCE Great Hearts Academies