FAQs

Q: Why Chesterton Academy?

A: Chesterton Schools Network (CSN) currently has 63 schools operating as part of the Network, with 29 additional schools slated to open between 2025 and 2027. There is a noticeable change in the atmosphere and culture when walking into a Chesterton Academy school. Students are faithful, respectful, mature, intelligent and most of all, joyful. We founders wanted a similar experience for the community we would be serving. By choosing Chesterton Academy, we are able to maintain our autonomy as an independent school and concurrently have the support of an entire network of schools. We do not receive any financial support from CSN, and we are not overseen by the network for our day-to-day school functions. However, CSN offers consultants, monthly cohort meetings with other Chesterton schools around the country, and provides an exceptional guided and integrated curriculum for staff. CSN also provides annual training for our administrators, school board and teachers.

Q: Is Chesterton Academy a Catholic school?

A: Yes. Bishop Michael Barber has given his blessing to call Chesterton Academy of St. Serra a “Catholic School.” The Catholic faith is interwoven into every subject within the school day. That endeavor is what makes our school unique. Religion at Chesterton Academy is not merely one academic subject among many. The Catholic faith is interwoven into every subject within the school day. In addition, mass is a part of each day. Frequent opportunities for adoration, confession, and observances such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet and rosary will be offered throughout the week. Service projects and opportunities will also be an integral part of life on and off campus. Our goal is to form young people who live with integrity, seek truth, and serve others in the model of Christ. 

Q: Can non-Catholic students attend?

A: Yes. The curriculum is infused with Catholic thought, and all students are expected to participate in school events, Mass and retreats.

Q: Where will the school be located?

A: The location, strategically situated in the San Ramon-Orinda corridor, is in the final stages of confirmation and offers significant accessibility via BART and 680 / 24 freeway connections. We also plan on offering carpooling and van services.

Q: What kinds of sports and extracurriculars will be available for my child?

A: In addition to our offerings in the fine arts, we encourage athletics and other club activities as a way of fostering a fullness of life. Initially, extracurriculars will be student and parent-driven. As a new school, we look forward to fostering programs based on the interests of enrolled students and their feasibility. As we grow in student population, our extracurricular activities will expand. 

Q: Will tuition be affordable?

A: We believe every Catholic family should have the choice to send their children to a Catholic school that prepares them for college and for life. The tuition rate will be significantly less than the actual cost to educate each child. Because of this, families are asked to aid in fundraising and recruiting efforts throughout the school year.

Q: Do students wear uniforms?

A: Yes. All students, regardless of background, will dress alike as an outward sign of their dedication to the shared task of learning together. Our uniform policy supports three goals: modesty, professionalism and building a spirit of community.

Q: What is your position on technology?

A: Chesterton Academy takes a minimalist approach to technology. Today’s children are immersed in technology, and studies have proven children do not learn as well from a computer screen. Furthermore, what is considered “modern technology” is ever-changing. We prefer that students focus on learning the timeless skill of verbal discourse. Students will still use technology as needed for research and writing; however, there will not be a proliferation of unnecessary technology.

Q: Why do you teach Latin?

A: Latin is one of the traditions lost in the name of “progressive” education. However, studies have shown that students who learn Latin outperform their non-Latin peers in everything from English grammar to science class. Latin’s advantages are considered necessary to the fundamental understanding of English, the history and writings of Western Civilization, and the understanding of Romance languages. Over 50 percent of English vocabulary comes from Latin. Training in Latin not only gives the student a better understanding of the roots of English vocabulary, it also lays the foundation for learning other Latin-based languages. This is why Latin is offered all four years; students also have the option to add additional foreign languages Junior and Senior year.

Q: Is Classical education only for advanced learners?

A: No. Classical education leverages the natural abilities of every student using techniques that are proper to that child’s stage of development. At the high school level, our students will be entering the rhetoric stage of development, where they will be learning to think critically, defend an argument respectfully, and ask the question, “What is my purpose?” God made every child for a unique purpose with the precise talents needed for their vocation. We aim to help students discover how to tap into those God-given abilities and use them for the glory of God.

Q: Will this school help my child get into a good college?

A: If that’s the path God has for them, then yes, Chesterton Academy can build a great foundation to help them get accepted into a good college. Classical school graduates typically 1other students on standardized tests. Chesterton Academy has also partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville to allow junior and senior students the opportunity to receive 36 dual college credits if they choose. These credits are transferable to most other universities and can save almost a year’s worth of tuition for a fraction of the price.

Q: Who oversees the school?

A: Chesterton Academy is ultimately a parent-led school. We agree with Catholic teaching that parents should be the primary educators of their children, whether directly or indirectly. If that responsibility is shared with teachers, the teachers always act in loco parentis, meaning “in the place of the parent,” rather than supplanting them (or, worse, acting in opposition). Following this philosophy, the school is governed by a board of directors. The board oversees a headmaster or headmistress who runs the day-to-day operations of the school and who in turn oversees a team of teachers and staff. Each faculty member takes an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and will undergo our safe environment requirements and Virtus Safe Environment training. Parents are invited to bring important matters to the board and are encouraged to be actively involved in the day-to-day life of the school.

Q: When does the school open?

A: Fall 2026.

Q: What academic programs does Serra offer?

A: Please see our curriculum page. 

Q: How can we learn more or schedule a visit?

A: Fill out the Interest Survey to keep in touch and be notified of our events. We will soon be hosting on campus visits, open houses, info sessions, and other events. Check back our admission and events page for details on application and upcoming events. Email us with any questions info@castserra.com.