#USA #Phoenix #Class of 2026 #Great Hearts Arizona #merit scholarships

Great Hearts Arizona Class of 2026: A Year of Unprecedented Success

Great Hearts Arizona has announced remarkable achievements from its Class of 2026, marking one of the most successful academic years in its history. The students collectively earned an impressive $53.8 million in merit-based scholarships and posted exceptional results in various academic assessments, establishing a new benchmark for future classes.

Outstanding Academic Performance

In total, 562 seniors graduated from twelve prestigious Great Hearts academies located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. This class boasts a weighted GPA of 4.14, alongside an average SAT score of 1260, which surpasses the national average by 232 points. Furthermore, the average ACT score for these students was 23.7, exceeding the national average by 4.3 points.

This impressive performance underscores the class's dedication and hard work, facilitated by the supportive educational framework offered by Great Hearts. The rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge students and foster academic excellence, particularly in key areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

College Attendance and Merit Scholarships

A significant 94% of the graduating class is set to attend college immediately following graduation, indicating a strong college readiness. Moreover, 78% of these students received merit-based scholarships, with 57% intending to pursue degrees in STEM-related fields. This results in a favorable projection for the future workforce, emphasizing the institution's commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary in today's job market.

The graduating cohort also includes impressive accolades, with six National Merit Finalists and 19 Commended Students, in addition to 90 National Scholars. These recognitions further reflect the high standards and achievements associated with Great Hearts Arizona's educational network.

Endorsement of Classical Education

Dan Scoggin, co-founder of Great Hearts, credits this success to the institution's classical liberal arts education model, which focuses on comprehensive knowledge development and character building. Scoggin stated, "Our students continue to demonstrate that a Great Hearts education prepares them not only for college but also for a life of purpose, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. The merit scholarships they earned are a testament to years of hard work, strong character, and the support from dedicated teachers who believe in their potential. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026.”

Great Hearts Arizona operates tuition-free public academies, emphasizing character formation and high academic standards. The network serves thousands of students across the state, maintaining one of Arizona's top-performing public school systems.

About Great Hearts

Established as a non-profit organization, Great Hearts is the largest provider of classical education in the U.S., catering to over 30,000 students from preschool through 12th grade at 52 campuses across Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana, along with an online academy accessible nationwide. The classical curriculum emphasizes advanced academic studies, foreign languages, arts, and character training rooted in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. More information can be found on their website at greatheartsamerica.org.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on their next chapter, the commitment to academic excellence and holistic education remains a cornerstone of Great Hearts Arizona. Their achievements herald a promising future for the students and the communities they will serve.