Great Hearts Arizona Class of 2026 Celebrates Record Achievement in Merit Scholarships and Academics
On July 28, 2026, Great Hearts Arizona proudly announced a record-setting achievement by its Class of 2026, which secured an impressive $53.8 million in merit scholarships. This accomplishment not only highlights the academic excellence within the network but also showcases the dedication and hard work of students across twelve different academies in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including cities such as Anthem, Buckeye, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.
The graduating cohort comprises 562 seniors who have excelled academically, achieving an average weighted GPA of 4.14. Additionally, the students posted an average SAT score of 1260, which is remarkably 232 points above the national average. The ACT results mirrored this success, with the class earning an average score of 23.7, surpassing the national mean by 4.3 points.
One of the standout figures from this achievement is that a remarkable 94% of the seniors have made immediate plans to attend college following graduation. Among them, an impressive 78% received merit-based scholarships, providing testimony to the strong academic and character formation nurtured through the Great Hearts education model. Furthermore, 57% of the graduates have expressed a desire to pursue degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, demonstrating a robust interest in these critical areas of study.
The academic accolades do not stop there; the Class of 2026 also boasts six National Merit finalists, 19 National Merit commended students, and 90 National Scholars. These recognitions are part of the network's enduring tradition of producing students who reach national academic standards and make significant contributions in various fields.
Dan Scoggin, co-founder of Great Hearts, shared his thoughts on this remarkable achievement, stating, "Our students continue to demonstrate that a Great Hearts education prepares them not only for college, but for a life of purpose, leadership, and intellectual curiosity." He emphasized how the scholarship opportunities earned by the students reflect their years of hard work, strong character, and the unwavering support of their dedicated teachers, who foster a culture of excellence and believe in their potential.
Great Hearts Arizona operates as a network of public, tuition-free academies focused on the principles of classical education, character formation, and maintaining high academic standards. With thousands of students enrolled throughout the state, Great Hearts has consistently ranked as one of Arizona's highest-performing public school systems.
About Great Hearts: Established as a nonprofit organization, Great Hearts has become the largest provider of classical PK–12 education in the nation, catering to over 30,000 students across 52 physical academies in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, as well as offering a national online academy. Their curriculum emphasizes advanced academic studies, language acquisition, arts education, and character development deeply rooted in the ethical foundations of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. To learn more about their educational philosophy and approach, visit greatheartsamerica.org.