Frequently Asked Questions

  • CASB intends to operate as an independent private school and will pursue the designation as a Catholic school from the Diocese of Columbus. We are working with the Diocese regarding the steps required to achieve this designation, and we are keeping the Diocese updated on our progress toward the opening of the school.

  • To ensure the effectiveness of the Socratic seminar method of teaching, Chesterton Academies limit classroom size to 20 students or fewer.

  • The Chesterton Academy model calls for each school day to include daily Mass. There are also regular opportunities for confession, adoration, retreats, and spiritual formation. Faith is woven through every subject in the curriculum, and there are regular visits from priests and religious.

  • Yes. All students are required to participate in all aspects of the life of the school including daily Mass and theology classes.

  • Each faculty and staff member takes an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium at the beginning of every academic year, which is a commitment to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, an integral part of the hiring process will be finding candidates who are joyfully living out their Catholic faith and are inspiring examples to the students.

  • While we do not have an exact location at this time, existing Chesterton Academies have leased space from churches and community centers, as well as commercial space. A major consideration will be easy access to daily Mass.

  • A unique partnership was formed in 2022 between Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Chesterton Schools Network, which allows junior and senior Chesterton Academy students to earn college credit through Franciscan University. Students can enroll concurrently in partnership courses and earn transferable college credit from Franciscan University after passing college-level exams. Read more on Franciscan University’s website.

  • There are currently 56 Network schools operating in the U.S. and Canada, with a sister school in Italy. When CASB opens its doors in 2024, it will be one of nearly 70 schools in the Network.

  • Chesterton Academy students come from a range of educational backgrounds, including homeschooling, public schools, pariochial K-8 schools, charter schools, and online schools. The best preparation you can give your children is to encourage them to read great books.

  • With “Cultura Vitae” or “Culture of Life” as the Chesterton motto, we recognize that each student is uniquely and wonderfully made by our Creator. Through the admissions process, including an interview, we will get to know your child and family, and any learning accommodations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

  • Our school will open with a provisional accreditation from the Chesterton Schools Network, which will perform regular audits on our school. As the school follows the policies, procedures, and curriculum provided, it will become fully accredited after all audits are complete.

  • The Chesterton Schools Network provides guidance on acquiring high-quality teachers aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Many educators seek out this classical model, and we have seen individuals interested in teaching at CASB from around the country.

  • Yes. The tradition of school uniforms goes back to Medieval times when caps and gowns were required at universities. All students, regardless of background, would dress alike, and all would show an outward sign of their dedication to the task of learning together within the community. From the very beginning, uniforms have been in support of three goals: modesty, professionalism, and community or school spirit. Our uniform policy aims at the same three goals.