The 2026 National Symposium theme is “Classical Education and the American Experiment: the Declaration of Independence at 250.” Shortly before his death in 1826, Thomas Jefferson explained that the Declaration’s purpose was “not to find out new principles… but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject… It was intended to be an expression of the American mind.” We hope to approach the semiquincentennial in the same spirit at our 2026 National Symposium. Our goal is to pursue together an understanding of the American mind, by examining how classical learning across the curriculum – from science and math to the fine arts, languages, history, philosophy, and literature – shapes the American experiment in republican government and prepares citizens and leaders for the future.
Topics of discussion include the great books and ideas that inspire us, curriculum and pedagogy, school leadership, operations, and more. Speakers are drawn from the classical education world: expert K-12 teachers, scholars of classical, historical and philosophical studies, math and science, school leaders, public intellectuals, policy experts, authors, and artists.
These distinguished leaders delivered powerful addresses on the vital role of classical education in the modern world. Through their reflections on Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and the cultivation of wisdom, they reignited our collective commitment to the Great Conversation—inviting us to reflect deeply on how classical education can meet the moral and intellectual challenges of our time.
The Leadership Track at the 2025 Great Hearts National Symposium focused on empowering K-12 school leaders with the philosophical foundations and practical strategies needed to guide classical schools toward excellence. Designed for heads of school, administrators, and those aspiring to leadership roles, the sessions delved into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a classical education institution.
Scholarly talks at the 2025 Symposium offered attendees a chance to dive into the rich intellectual tradition of classical education. Academics, researchers, and thought leaders presented in-depth studies on classical texts, educational philosophies, and the implications of liberal arts education in today’s schools. Each presentation illuminated the enduring relevance of classical ideas, encouraging educators to continue the rigorous pursuit of knowledge and truth in their own classrooms.
At the 2025 Symposium, our panel discussions brought together a diverse group of experts from classical K-12 education, policy, and philosophy. These conversations explored a range of pressing topics—from the role of virtue in leadership to the future of classical education in a rapidly changing society. Each panel engaged attendees with thought-provoking insights and fostered lively, respectful debates, demonstrating how the classical tradition of dialectic can inspire collaboration and wisdom.
The workshops were designed to equip K-12 school leaders and educators with practical tools and strategies to enhance their teaching, leadership, and community-building efforts. Hands-on sessions allowed participants to explore new ways to integrate classical texts, foster meaningful dialogue, and cultivate virtue in students. These workshops provided immediate takeaways that educators could bring back to their schools, renewing their commitment to the holistic formation of young minds.
This track of workshops tackled the complexities of serving students with special needs who learn differently. “This is about ensuring that we welcome every student into our classrooms and invite them into the rich, transformative experience of a classical education,” said Thomas Doebler.