CASFA is a classical Catholic high school. Accordingly, we will have grades 9 through 12. In our first year (Fall 2026), we will have a ninth grade class and, depending on enrollment, we may also have a tenth grade class. We will then add a grade each year until we have grades 9 through 12. We are currently accepting applications for 9th and 10th grade only.

Yes. CASFA is a Catholic high school operating as a parish school within the Archdiocese of Hartford. We begin every school day with Daily Mass, and the Catholic faith informs and shapes every aspect of the school’s life and curriculum. All of our teachers and staff are practicing Catholics and take an annual Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium.

A student does not need to be Catholic in order to attend. However, it is important for families to understand that the fullness of the Catholic faith will be joyfully modeled and taught in all things, across all subjects, and to all students. In addition, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is central to the life of the Academy. Daily attendance is required and is considered an integral part of the curriculum and the complete formation of the student.

A classical education draws from the time-tested liberal arts tradition that has shaped Western civilization for centuries. Seeking to go beyond the passive reception of information, our classical curriculum invites students to be challenged and refined by engaging directly with the great works themselves. The Chesterton Academy reading list includes literature such as the Iliad and Odyssey, the Divine Comedy, and Shakespeare; the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle; great historical figures such as Herodotus and Thucydides; and theological works including those of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Sacred Scripture. Speech and writing are incorporated into every class, including the science courses.

The four-year core curriculum takes students from the ancient world (freshman year) all the way up to the modern world (senior year). Under the careful tutelage of our faculty, students will read and digest these great works together by way of the Socratic Method (guided conversation around the table). This approach trains students not only to acquire information, but to think clearly, reason well, and communicate persuasively. In a classical education, all subjects, together with music, drama, and the visual arts, are integrated and ordered toward the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, forming young men and women into mature adults prepared not only for college and vocation, but a life well lived.

Yes, absolutely. STEM subjects are an essential component of our curriculum. Chesterton Academy’s science curriculum uses classical and college preparatory texts that take students through earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematics instruction takes students through Euclidean and analytical geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, and calculus.

Yes. The fine arts are an important part of a classical education at CASFA. Students study music history and participate in chorus throughout all four years, while also taking studio and art history each year to develop both creative skill and an appreciation for our cultural and artistic heritage. In addition, students collaborate to stage full-length drama productions during their sophomore, junior, and senior years - an experience that fosters creativity, confidence, and friendship.

Chesterton Academy students come from a broad range of educational backgrounds, including parochial K-8 schools, public schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and online schools. The best thing you can do to help prepare your children is to encourage them to read great books.

From the Chesterton Schools Network: There will be "minimal homework for most subjects (we want families to have dinner and spend time together). Instead of 'read 30 pages at home and then come to a lecture about that,' the students read texts aloud in class and then discuss it. Math, Latin, and literature receive pride of place for homework.”

Yes. However, athletic opportunities will build up only gradually. As a small school in its early stages, we will take our cues regarding sports from the specific interests of our students and their parents. Interested students will also have the option to participate in certain sports with teams at other archdiocesan high schools. After school clubs may provide additional opportunities for athletics.

Our school has been granted a provisional accreditation from the Chesterton Schools Network. The Chesterton Schools Network is an officially recognized accrediting agency through the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and 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.

CASFA is part of the Chesterton Schools Network (CSN), which aims to inspire and encourage parent-led classical Catholic schools across the nation. There are many benefits to being a member school of CSN, including its beautiful curriculum, consulting services, templates for developing and operating a school, and partnerships with fine Catholic colleges. The curriculum combines a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of Christian virtue and an appreciation of beauty.There are currently more than 80 Chesterton Academies in and outside the United States, with many more in formation.

G.K. Chesterton is considered one of the world’s most outstanding men of letters of the early 20th century. An accomplished essayist, novelist, and poet, he wrote roughly one 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.

Yes. Our school building is at 30 Pendleton Road in New Britain, and is fully equipped with classrooms, bathrooms, offices, a dining area, and a large gym and auditorium. The building was formerly occupied by St. Francis of Assisi Middle School and is currently being updated for the opening of the school and the beginning of the academic year. Stanley Quarter Park is located right across the street, and can be utilized for athletics and other community activities.

The school day at CASFA runs from 7:50 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Students begin each morning with a brief assembly at 7:50, followed by Daily Mass at 8:00 a.m. Class periods follow a schedule comparable to other local high schools. At times, certain subjects (such as literature seminars or science courses with laboratory work) may meet for extended or double periods in order to allow for deeper study. Students should plan to bring their own lunches each day.

Although we recognize the undeniable role of technology in education and our world, we intend to be a “low screen” environment, with heavy emphasis on written materials and classroom discussion. Smart phones and other personal electronic devices will not be allowed and must be stowed during the school day.

Yes. CASFA students wear a traditional school uniform purchased through our approved vendor. The uniform reflects the values of modesty, professionalism, and community that are central to our school culture. Students are expected to arrive in complete uniform each day and maintain a neat, polished appearance.

Both young men and young women wear a navy blazer with the school crest and a white oxford shirt. Gentlemen wear gray dress slacks with a tie and black dress shoes, while ladies wear a modest knee-length skirt with navy socks or tights and black dress flats. Hair, jewelry, and accessories should be simple and professional. A complete description of the uniform and grooming guidelines can be found in the Family Handbook.

Prospective students may complete the initial application form through our website (www.chestertonsfa.org/admissions). There is no application fee. In addition to the form, applicants will be asked to submit (a) a copy of their most recent report card; (b) a teacher recommendation letter; and (c) a 400-500 word essay on a topic of their choice. The final step in the admissions process is a conversational interview with the Headmaster (parents are invited to join).

CASFA’S annual tuition is currently set at $9000 per year. 

We expect to be able to offer some level of financial aid in the future, but at this early stage we do not have set annual scholarships. Our aspiration is that no family will be unable to give their child an education at CASFA due to limited ability to pay.

Chesterton Academy students can earn up to 36 college credits (equivalent to more than one full year of college) through the Franciscan Advantage Program at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Students earn credit by taking Chesterton Academy theology and philosophy courses that are aligned with Franciscan University’s curriculum and successfully completing college-level examinations. Graduates are also eligible to receive scholarships from partner schools: $8,000 at Ave Maria University, $16,000 at Christendom College, and $15,000 per year at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. Students may also participate in summer programs, leadership experiences, and special campus visits at these Catholic colleges.

No, transportation is not provided at this time. We encourage families to connect and organize carpools, helping build community while making the school commute easier for everyone.

Please reach out to office@chestertonsfa.org with any additional questions.