Great Hearts Online

Parents' experiences with Great Hearts Online have ranged from glowing endorsements to frank criticisms. Below is an analysis of common pros and cons mentioned in real-world parent reviews, encompassing both the Teacher-Led and Flex program models where differences arise. All quotes are from actual parents of Great Hearts Online students, with citations to the source of the review.

The Good: What Parents Appreciate

Many families praise the quality of education. Parents often note that the academics are challenging yet rewarding. They set the bar high. Academics are top notch, one parent reported, emphasizing that their children were learning so much more than before. Several reviews highlighted that students are reading richer literature, expanding their vocabulary, and advancing in math. One parent observed that their child has flourished this year and done really amazing things in school that I don't think he would have accomplished in the local public school, thanks to Great Hearts Online's curriculum.

Parents frequently commend the teachers for being passionate and accessible. In the live program, teachers are described as engaging and attentive. For example, a third-grade parent said the teacher really does a great job of making it feel like a traditional classroom online, creating opportunities for discussion and social interaction even in a virtual setting. Small group sessions (like reading circles) and timely teacher feedback help students stay on track. Another parent noted that teachers are responsive and available for support whenever their child needed help.

Despite being an online school, Great Hearts Online strives to build community among students, and many parents value this. There are virtual clubs (for interests like chess, art, literature, etc.), and regular virtual assemblies or class meetings. In addition, the school organizes in-person meetups, field trips and events. One parent shared that there is a strong culture of community building for scholars and their families in and out of the classroom at GHO.

Especially for those in the Flex model (or even the live model's half-day class schedule), parents often praise the flexibility Great Hearts Online affords. The ability to do school from home means less time commuting and more time for family or hobbies. I've saved a fortune on gas, uniforms, and shoes, one parent of a middle-schooler quipped, highlighting a practical perk of virtual schooling. Families appreciate being able to travel or schedule appointments without missing school, since they can often adjust when work is done.

A number of parents specifically sought out Great Hearts Online for its classical education approach and are delighted with what they've found. Reviews describe GHO as an excellent classical school with a distinctive emphasis on character and virtue. Parents who were already familiar with Great Hearts' philosophy (some had children in Great Hearts brick-and-mortar academies previously) mention that the online school has stayed true to those principles.

The Challenges: What Parents Caution

The most common criticism from parents is that the program can be very rigorous and workload-intensive, sometimes to a fault. Several parents felt that the quantity of assignments, especially in the Flex model, was excessive. In the first quarter – 9 weeks – our daughter had 116 assignments in ELA ALONE, WAY more than what a 3rd grader [has] at brick-and-mortar school, one parent reported, expressing that the volume of work was overwhelming.

Along with the heavy workload, a few parents felt the program was too inflexible or "old-school" in its expectations. One frustrated parent remarked that Great Hearts Online is an irrelevant 1800s education in their view, criticizing what they saw as an overly rigid curriculum and approach. This parent gave examples like grades being docked for trivial formatting issues – their child received a low score on a spelling practice assignment because she wrote the words on the left instead of the right side of the page.

Some of the harshest feedback centered on communication lapses or lack of support when problems arose. A few parents felt that when their child was struggling, the school staff were unresponsive. There has been zero communication with teachers. I only once received a reply when I CCed the academic dean, one parent complained, describing their experience with the Teacher-Led program.

A recurring theme is that Great Hearts Online works wonderfully for some families and poorly for others, depending largely on fit and circumstances. Parents who had to juggle full-time jobs or who expected a more hands-off online school found it very challenging. One review recommended GHO only for 1st grade and younger if the parent is working full-time, implying that older grades required too much parental oversight to be feasible alongside a job.

Who Thrives with Great Hearts Online?

Based on parent feedback, Great Hearts Online seems best suited for:

• Families seeking a rigorous, classical education with strong emphasis on literature and critical thinking
• Students who are academically motivated and can handle challenging work
• Households where at least one parent has significant time to support learning (especially for younger students)
• Children who thrive in structured environments with clear expectations
• Families looking for a virtual school with a strong sense of community and shared values

Families might want to consider alternatives if:

• Parents have limited time for academic support due to work commitments
• A student needs more flexible pacing or personalized learning approaches
• The child struggles with heavy reading/writing loads or prefers hands-on, project-based learning
• The family desires a more progressive or modern educational approach
• In-person socialization is a top priority (though GHO does offer virtual and occasional in-person options)

The Bottom Line

Great Hearts Online's Teacher-Led and Flex models have proven to be an excellent classical education solution for many families, delivering rigorous academics, virtuous character education, and a supportive community in a convenient at-home format. Parents who value a challenging curriculum and are able to be involved generally report very positive outcomes – their children are thriving, learning voraciously, and often happier than in prior schools.

However, the program is demanding. It asks a lot of its students and their parents in terms of time, effort, and adaptability. Some families have encountered burnout or frustration with the workload and communication. Prospective parents should consider their child's learning style and their own capacity to assist.

The Teacher-Led Live Instruction model offers more support and structure (ideal for those who want a virtual classroom experience), whereas the Flex model offers freedom but requires even more parent-provided structure. When there is a good fit, Great Hearts Online can be wonderful, but if not, the experience can sour quickly.