Penny Carpenter attributes her musical abilities to her grandmother. “[She] was a pianist and played virtually everything by ear. She used to play old showtunes and hymns while our family sang along.” Carpenter began her musical journey at the age of six. Accompanying choirs in her youth, she discovered her calling as a music teacher, emphasizing... Read More »

Jody Folley stands tall as a pillar of Great Hearts, both literally and figuratively at 6’1”. “I truly enjoy the act of teaching because I love building relationships with my students and being part of their growth process,” said Jody Folley. “I have high expectations for my students, but I get away with it because they... Read More »

We are just past the halfway point of the school year and the faculty and staff at Great Hearts Arizona recently received some much-needed motivation to finish the remainder of the year strong as they, with our scholars, continue their pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty throughout the long hours and hectic schedules of the winter... Read More »

Dr. Atolagbe is the Executive Director of Great Hearts Christos, private Christian classical schools with two campuses in Gilbert and Phoenix. Atolagbe will be speaking at the 2024 National Symposium for Classical Education on March 20-22 at the Phoenix Convention Center, hosted by the Great Hearts Institute. “I will be exploring the topic of mercy,” said Atolagbe. “As... Read More »

Born and raised in Peru, Archway Cicero art teacher Laura Thurbon’s artistic journey began at the young age of 16 when she began painting murals in her home city. She studied for eight years at the National Fine Arts School in Lima, where she graduated with a degree in painting and fine arts education. At... Read More »