LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s is a classical high school in the Catholic tradition proposed to open in the fall of 2021, contingent upon community financial support. The Academy is a part of the Chesterton Schools Network which follows a successful, proven model of education with 28 schools in the U.S. and abroad, and 14 additional schools slated to open next fall.

“Our board has worked diligently through the Chesterton Schools Network’s list of objectives required to open an academy over the past 13 months.  We have reached the end of that list- that’s an exciting place to be,” said KC Schnitker, Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s board member.

The high school will offer an affordable option for parents who wish to send their children to a Catholic high school. The tuition is $8500 a year-which is close to our Catholic elementary schools in St. Mary’s County and half the average tuition for a private high school in the state of Maryland. 

Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s will provide a classical integrated liberal arts education including history, literature, philosophy, theology, the fine arts, and languages braided together utilizing the Socratic Method.

Angelina Prucha, Secretary of the Chesterton board said, “After many years of witnessing the benefits of a liberal arts education, based upon great works of literature and classical methodology, I am ecstatic about the community’s response to the Chesterton Academy model and joyfully anticipate welcoming our first students.”

One of the six Hallmarks of a Chesterton Academy is joy, and the academically exceptional classical high school is one where the spiritual excellence of students is a top priority. The Chesterton Academy will maintain a strong Catholic identity, which includes daily Mass, four annual spiritual retreats, and an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium required by all faculty.

“We are on a mission to ensure every graduating 8th grader will have a home to continue their Catholic education by establishing an affordable classical high school in the Catholic tradition,” Gavin Arvizo, President of the Chesterton Academy Board said.
 
The last phase of planning for the school is underway-which includes a large fundraising campaign. The Board of Directors for Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s is seeking 150 supporters who are willing to offer 150 Hail Mary’s (one full traditional rosary) and donate $150.00 a month. You can donate through PayPal by following the link https://www.chestertonstmarys.org/donate or by mailing a check to PO Box 310, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Chesterton Academy of Saint Mary’s is a non-profit corporation, the 501(c)(3) status is pending approval.

There will be an information session tonight, Tuesday, March 16 from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood MD. The “Chesterton Chat” will also be available on Zoom. If interested, you may register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZYpd… After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For more information about this new high school in the Catholic tradition in St. Mary’s County, please visit https://www.chestertonstmarys.org