Chesterton Academy Of St. Mary’s Is Growing Quickly While Keeping Christ Central

CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — Southern Maryland’s newest high school, The Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s, opened its doors back in September with nine teachers and 24 students filling their Charlotte Hall location. The school is one of 34 that are part of the Chesterton Schools Network.

All Chesterton Academies feature a faithfully Catholic, integrated, classical curriculum promoting an environment where “encountering Christ is central.” The tuition is intentionally kept affordable as a hallmark of the model ($8,500 a year), and although Chesterton Academies provide excellent college preparation, the focus is on the well-rounded formation of a student’s intellect, character, and spirituality. Humanities, math and science, and the fine arts provide a balance to meet the diverse needs and interests of students while preparing them for college and for life.

“Once established in a community, these schools tend to grow very rapidly,” KC Schnitker, a founder and a parent explained. “In a very short time, students and their parents become very enthusiastic about Chesterton learning and they can’t help but share this gift of a school with others!”

The school’s unique and vibrant house system brings students, parents, and faculty together in strong community which encourages the development of virtue and charity. Many students feel that Chesterton is a second family, a home away from home. Sophomore Abby Cress said, “I love how our house system and small school size foster school-wide friendships.”

The Socratic method is another striking hallmark of Chesterton Academies. Teachers facilitate lively classroom discussions, which lead to deep learning, nurture a sense of wonder and a mastery of the rigorous and rich curriculum.

“Our school has been warmly received by parents – so much so that we have begun a search for larger quarters than what we have now,” said Board President Peter LaPorte. “We’re very happy that we are not dependent on donations for most of our operating expenses. Of course, as we grow, we’ll need to move to a larger facility and that will entail costs – particularly as most buildings we can afford don’t meet various State code requirements. For this reason, we continue to pray and encourage continued financial support by businesses and the community at large.”

Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s is hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, November 17, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for prospective students and parents. Headmaster Andrew Pudysz, teachers, students, board members, and school parents will help prospective students and parents learn what makes this school unique and why the Chesterton Academy of St Mary’s is growing so quickly.