Chesterton Academy

Classical Academics

An Integrated, Classical Curriculum

Students at Chesterton Academy enjoy a cohesive, content-rich education. Each year builds on the previous, so that by the end of senior year, our students are articulate, clear-thinking, well-rounded, and joyful individuals.

The Three Programs

A Cohesive, Content-Rich Education

A broad exposure to many different disciplines helps students expand their interests and uncover hidden talents.

I

Humanities

History, literature, philosophy, theology, and languages are braided together in our integrated, classical curriculum.

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II

Math & Science

Math and science are intimately connected; the logic of math is seen in philosophy and God's handiwork is seen in the sciences.

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III

Fine Arts

Equal emphasis is given to the arts, so that every student learns to draw and paint, sing in the choir, act on the stage, give speeches, and engage in debate.

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Program One

The Humanities Program

History, literature, philosophy, theology, and languages are braided together in our integrated, classical curriculum.

  • ●Grade 9: Ancient World
  • ●Grade 10: Early Medieval Period
  • ●Grade 11: High Middle Ages to the Renaissance
  • ●Grade 12: Modern World

Literature

Our study of literature is tied to the study of history and the rest of the humanities. Students begin with the classical epics of Homer, move through early English classics such as The Canterbury Tales, and toward the modern period read Dante, Shakespeare, Dickens, Dostoevsky, Chesterton, and American literature. Reading and writing go hand in hand, and each student masters the art of the essay.

History

The history classes form the backbone of our curriculum. The four-year sequence covers ancient history through the Greek and Roman civilizations, early Church history, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. In senior year, students study the modern era. Each course provides a colorful backdrop for literature, art, and science classes.

Philosophy

Philosophy, “the love of wisdom,” exercises the brain while it elevates the soul. We study the development of philosophy from its classical roots in Plato and Aristotle, its dramatic encounter with the early Church, its christening by St. Thomas Aquinas, and its deterioration in the modern era.

Theology

Theology, “the study of God,” is the context by which all other texts are studied. The principal texts are the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We also read selections from the Church Fathers, Documents of the Church Councils, and Papal Encyclicals.

Foreign Language

The study of a foreign language is required of all students for three years. All students take two years of Latin and then choose Latin III, Spanish, or Italian. We place students in the correct level from the start, regardless of grade.

Program Two

The Math & Science Program

Mathematics is the art of measuring; science is the study of what can be measured. Math teaches logic and balance, while science is the study of God's creation — approached with a sense of wonder, from the heavens to the substances of which all things are made.

Math Sequence

  • Foundations Track

    Euclidean/Analytical Geometry → Algebra I → Algebra II/Trig → Pre-Calculus or Statistics

  • Traditional Track

    Euclidean/Analytical Geometry → Algebra II/Trig → Pre-Calculus → Calculus or Statistics

  • C-STEM Track

    Euclidean/Analytical Geometry → Pre-Calculus → Calculus (AP Calc AB) → Calculus (AP Calc BC)

Science Sequence

We begin by looking up at the heavens (Astronomy), then study the world God created (Geology), the creatures within it (Biology), the substances of which all things are made (Chemistry), and finally the nature of matter and energy (Physics).

  • ●Grade 9: Astronomy and Earth Sciences
  • ●Grade 10: Biology
  • ●Grade 11: Chemistry
  • ●Grade 12: Physics

Program Three

The Fine Arts Program

Equal emphasis is given to the arts, so that every student learns to draw and paint, sing in the choir, act on the stage, give speeches, and engage in debate.

Music

Music appeals to the ear and the mind, the emotions and the intellect. Students study music theory, performance, ear training, note reading, and analysis. Music history corresponds to the historical period in which students are immersed. They perform in grade-level and all-school choirs at concerts, Masses, and The Chesterton Gala.

Art

A complete education develops the creative nature and provides students with the tools, technique, and analytical skills to express and judge a work of art. The mechanical skills and aesthetic aptitude are put into the context of eternal Truth. Art is mandatory at Chesterton Academy all four years.

  • ●Grade 9: Ancient Art History | Drawing and Calligraphy
  • ●Grade 10: Late Roman and Early European Art History | Pastels and Colors
  • ●Grade 11: Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Art History | Oils
  • ●Grade 12: Classical, Romantic, and Modern Art History | Oils

Drama

The dramatic arts are particularly powerful in our present culture. To bring words to life on stage, the actor must learn to see the work as a whole and understand the author's vision and time — becoming a good literary critic, philosopher, and historian. Drama ties together what students learn in the classroom.

  • ●Grade 10: Comedy
  • ●Grade 11: Drama
  • ●Grade 12: Shakespeare

Recognition

Accreditation

Catholic Liberal Education

Catholic Liberal Education

For further information in regards to a classical Catholic education, explore the Catholic Liberal Education website.

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NAPCIS Accreditation

NAPCIS Accreditation

The Chesterton Schools Network is accredited by The National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS).

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