Lionheart Classical Academy is in Peterborough and has a student body that consists of more than 300 students from kindergarten through seventh grade. It has been offering tuition-free, classical education since 2022.

The school’s mission is to train the minds and inspire the hearts of our students through a classical liberal arts and sciences education that supports academic achievement, virtuous living and responsible citizenship.

The vision is to be a nationally regarded K-to-12 classical school and serve as a local, regional and national leader for the growth and promotion of a content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum for its students. Lionheart utilizes Hillsdale College’s K-to-12 curriculum to help achieve this vision.

The school’s third year has featured exciting developments. The pioneer class of 2028 began the school’s first year with seventh-grade classes. Two new administrators have started working at the school. I began in June, and Executive Director Mike Harner came aboard on Nov. 1. Harner comes to LCA after serving for nearly two decades as chief staff officer and assistant to the president at Hillsdale College.

A new playground for the elementary students has also been installed and features prominently as visitors pull onto Sharon Road.

Every month at Lionheart, the students, staff and community focus on a particular virtue. During November, the Lionheart community has decided to conduct a food drive for the Peterborough Food Pantry to exhibit the virtue of gratitude. Two organizations, Spring Village at Summerhill and the Dublin Insurance group, have agreed to place a monetary donation for every item donated from the school. The grand total after the first week was 429 items collected. In addition to the food drive, Lionheart students also signed a banner in recognition of Veterans Day, which will be donated to a local veterans association. The entire community has gone above and beyond to help foster gratitude during this month of Thanksgiving!

There are a variety of exciting developments at the school, and plenty of items to look forward to as the school adds a grade level every year. Lionheart continues its success due to its board of trustees, staff, faculty, students and parent community being committed to the school’s vision and mission. As long as this holds true, the school will continue to train the minds and inspire the hearts of students in the Monadnock region for generations to come.

For information about Lionheart Classical Academy, go to lionheartclassical.org. 

Kenneth Dobbs is principal of Lionheart Classical Academy in Peterborough.