Discover Chesterton
Mission
Under the patronage of G.K. Chesterton and in partnership with families and the Church, the mission of Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family is to foster a Culture of Life by forming a new generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition and grounded in the truths of the Catholic faith.
Our Model of Education
Discover Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family, a joyfully Catholic, classical high school dedicated to forming a new generation of joyful leaders and saints. Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, our motto, Cultura Vitae—the culture of life—reflects our mission to prepare students to overcome the materialism and despair of modern culture, embracing the abundant life Christ offers. Our classical curriculum provides a broad liberal arts education, grounded in the cultivation of Christian virtues and a deep appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty.
The Three Pillars
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We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas; teaching students not merely what to think but how to think.
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Chesterton Academy helps students grow in virtue by integrating faith into daily learning, fostering a strong moral foundation rooted in Catholic teachings. Through a Christ-centered education, students are encouraged to practice the Cardinal virtues prudence, justice, fortitude as well as humility, patience, kindness, diligence, chastity, gratitude, generosity both in and out of the classroom. Daily prayer, sacraments, and service opportunities reinforce these values, guiding students to develop a compassionate heart, a strong sense of justice, and a commitment to fostering a culture of life. This holistic approach cultivates not just academic excellence but virtue, shaping students to become thoughtful, virtuous leaders in their communities.
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Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and be happy with Him forever in the next.
Our Patrons
G.K. Chesterton
The Chesterton Schools Network is named for the great English writer and Catholic convert, G.K. Chesterton (1874- 1936). Chesterton is our school’s patron because he exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude.
Chesterton was considered one of the world’s most outstanding men of letters in the early 20th century. An accomplished essayist, novelist, and poet, he wrote a hundred books on all different subjects. In 1922, he shocked the literary establishment by converting to Catholicism. He was later eulogized by Pope Pius XI as “a gifted defender of the faith,” and there is presently a popular movement to have him canonized. He not only represents the fullness of faith and reason, but also Catholic joy and common sense.
The Holy Family
We chose the Holy Family as the patron for our school because in today's world, the family faces numerous challenges and is often under attack. The Holy Family, consisting of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, serves as an exemplary model of unity and love. By looking to the Holy Family, we find guidance and inspiration to nurture strong family bonds, uphold traditional values, and navigate through the complexities of modern life. Their unwavering commitment to one another make them the perfect role models for our school community as we strive to promote the sanctity and importance of family in society. In times of turmoil and uncertainty, who better to turn to for guidance and strength than the Holy Family?
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The Chesterton Schools Network
We are part of the Chesterton Schools Network based in Minneapolis. An apostolate of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, the Chesterton Schools Network aims to inspire and encourage parent-led Catholic schools across the nation. The Network offers consulting services, templates for evaluating interest and operating a school, and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework.
Board of Directors
Mr. Brenie Bowles – Chairman
Mr. James Taglia - Treasurer
Mrs. Nancy Cook - Secretary
Mr. Kevin Comer
Mrs. Sarah Elk
Mr. John Severance
Mrs. Madonna Muscarello
Mr. Cooper White
Advisory Board
Peter Breen
An attorney by training, Peter left a lucrative private law practice in Chicago in 2004 to enter full-time public service. A founder of not-for-profit Project Gabriel for women in difficult and untimely pregnancies and Vice President and Senior Counsel of the Thomas More Society. Peter has served as an elected Trustee and stepping in as Lombard’s Acting Village President where he also served as Chairperson of the Lombard Economic & Community Development Committee. He is sought out by local and national television, radio, and print media as an expert legal analyst. Peter was elected to serve as State Representative of the 48th District on November 4, 2014. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of Lombard’s Father Boecker council of the Knights of Columbus and is an Eagle Scout. Peter and his wife, Margie and their two boys attend Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lombard where they have been parishioners for many years. Peter and Margie were the recipients of the Fleur-de-Lis award.
Sheila Liaugminas
Sheila is an Emmy Award winning journalist with extensive experience in both secular and religious journalism. She has reported for Time magazine for more than twenty years and has been published in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago business, the National Catholic Register and the National Review Online. Sheila is married with two sons: one is a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago and the other a graduate student and writer, studying abroad. She resides in Chicago, Illinois.
