Discover Chesterton
About Chesterton Academy
Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life — preparing our students to triumph over materialism and despair and to live life abundantly.
Our Model of Education
The Three Pillars
Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life and have it abundantly.
Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.
Intellect
We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas — teaching students not merely what to think but how to think.
Character
We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice, which we believe are the foundation of leadership.
Spirituality
Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and be happy with Him forever in the next.
Our Patron
G.K. Chesterton
Chesterton Academy is named for the great English writer and Catholic convert, G.K. Chesterton (1874–1936). Chesterton is a model for our school because he exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude.
Considered one of the world's most outstanding men of letters in the early 20th century, he was an accomplished essayist, novelist, and poet who wrote a hundred books on all different subjects. In 1922, he shocked the literary establishment by converting to Catholicism, and was later eulogized by Pope Pius XI as “a gifted defender of the faith.” The school has chosen him for its patron because he represents the fullness of faith and reason, as well as Catholic joy and common sense.
A National Movement
The Chesterton Schools Network
Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque is part of the Chesterton Schools Network based in Minneapolis. A collaborative venture of the American Chesterton Society and Chesterton Academy, the Chesterton Schools Network aims to inspire and encourage parent-led Catholic schools across the nation.
The Network offers consulting services; templates for evaluating interest and operating a school; and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework.
Meet Our Teachers
Our Faculty
Join Our Faculty
William Nourse
Headmaster
An ardent follower of the Catholic faith and a strong supporter of the Chesterton network school model, with a strong classical background and graduate studies in foreign languages. He has taught at the high school and collegiate level.
Tania Hake
Mathematics
Holds B.S.E. and M.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida and worked nearly nine years as an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. She has taught math for many years in Catholic homeschool co-ops.
Rebecca Duman
Drama
A strong proponent of classical education, she earned a B.F.A. in Theatre, a Master of Education, and an M.B.A. from UNM. She directs Albuquerque Catholic Schoolhouse, a classical homeschool co-op.
Andrea Madrid
History, Spanish & Latin
Graduated from the University of New Mexico with dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Spanish. Passionate about Ignatian prayer, she has taught in public high school and Catholic homeschool co-ops since 2010.
Jim Lyle
Philosophy
Earned a B.A. in Philosophy from UT Austin and an M.B.A. in Finance from UNM, and is pursuing a Masters in Philosophy at Holy Apostles College. He has taught high school theology and philosophy for three years.
Kylene Molley
Chemistry & Astronomy
Earned a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from UNM and worked at Sandia National Laboratories for 11 years. A strong supporter of incorporating the Catholic faith into all aspects of life.
Mia Hutten
History
An Albuquerque native who earned her degree in Theology from Benedictine College in 2024. She enjoys theology, writing, and watercolor; her favorite saint is St. Thomas More.
Paul Krause
Literature & Philosophy
A graduate of Yale and editor-in-chief of VoegelinView, an online journal of the humanities. He is the author of several books on literature and a frequent writer on the arts and humanities.
Dominic Gomez
Mathematics
Holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Eastern New Mexico University. He is deeply committed to nurturing a love for problem-solving and critical thinking among his students.
Amylee Udell
History
Received her B.A. from Christian Brothers University and joined the Canossian Lay Missionary program. She has taught many classes at Catholic homeschool co-ops and developed educational programming for adults.
Dr. Maria Benitez
Literature & Mathematics
Holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from New York University and a B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics from UNM. She is thrilled to be part of Chesterton Academy's Catholic classical education.
Steven Woodbury
Choir I, II & Advanced
Director of Liturgy & Music for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Rio Rancho and an accomplished organist. He received his degree in Music Education and Organ/Choral pedagogy from UNM.
John Melton
Theology
A retired aerospace and defense executive who completed a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Joseph's College of Maine in 2020. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in American History.
Leadership
Our Board
Board of Directors
- Matthew Brito
- Joseph Ryan
- Andrew Sanchez
- Karen Taylor
- Stephen Teeters
Board ByLaws
Our board is committed to upholding the mission and vision of Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque. Review the governing bylaws that guide the stewardship and direction of our school.
View Board ByLaws