Academics
Classical Education
Our Academic Approach
Classical education teaches students how to learn and how to think, rather than just regurgitating information, training for a job, or excelling on standardized tests. It balances a focus on math and science with strong emphases on liberal arts, including literature, philosophy, Latin, and the fine arts (e.g., drama, choir, painting.) It shapes the whole person—mind, body, and soul.
Students at Chesterton Academy enjoy a broad exposure to many different disciplines, helping to expand their interests and uncover hidden talents.
Each year builds on the previous, so that by the end of senior year, our students are articulate, clear-thinking, well-rounded, and, very importantly, joyful individuals.
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Chesterton Academy classes are taught using the Great Books. Our students learn from the greatest minds in the history of civilization, including Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Dante, Shakespeare, and, of course, G.K. Chesterton.
Students don't just read about those figures. They read their actual writings, out loud in class, and allow these pivotal figures to shape their minds and hearts.
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Most classes are taught in the "Socratic style," hearkening back to how Socrates taught his pupils in ancient Greece: through conversation. Desks are arranged in a square around the room, so the students all face one other, and the teacher leads a discussion about a book or concept rather than lecturing from a podium.
Each student is encouraged to formulate and share their opinions and defend them in dialogue, and books are read together out loud so as to appreciate the text's genius and beauty. This style keeps students active and engaged in the learning process, and also develops a confidence in expressing and defending their own thoughts.
Students learn logic and the art of respectful dialogue with humility and charity, which our future generations will need more than ever.
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Chesterton Academy takes a minimalist approach to technology. We would rather our students focus on books, writing, and discussion, rather than on screens.
This aligns with a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which concluded from several studies on youth and screen time that the more children are exposed to screens, the more problems they have with "inattention, obesity, noncompliance, aggression, negative mood, creative play, and academic progress."
We're convinced our children need fewer screens, not more. Although some of our classrooms at Chesterton Academy do use projectors, and students use technology as needed for research and writing, you will not find a proliferation of iPads, phones, computer games, or unnecessary technology.
One side benefit of rejecting fancy bells-and-whistles technology in our classrooms is that we're able to operate the school at a much lower cost and keep tuition low for families.
Proven Results
Students at other Chesterton Academy high schools have fared very well on entrance exams, been accepted to top universities, and received many scholarships. Colleges and business leaders are seeking those who have received a classical education because of their solid understanding and important character traits, as well as their ability to think, reason, problem-solve, and communicate well.
Our Goal
Our ultimate goal is to help students recognize the true, imitate the good, and adore the beautiful. In doing so, they will fall in love with the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty—God himself.
And that's what a saint is: someone who loves God.
We aim to produce saints.