Catholic News Agency Talks About Chesterton Academies
The Chesterton Schools Network was the recent topic in an article by the Catholic News Agency. Can ‘Catholic joy’ save society? This growing network of Catholic schools says ‘yes’ explores how the Chesterton Academies may be the solution to the increasing number of fallen away Catholics. The article states that a large number of Catholics leave the faith in adulthood which Dale Ahlquist attributes to a “crisis” in education. Ahlquist believes that the growing network of Chesterton Academies is the answer:
Ahlquist said he would advise any parent considering a Chesterton Academy education for their children that “there’s absolutely nothing more important than the souls of their children.”
“The high school experience is really one of the most pivotal times in their lives. If they’re not well formed at that stage, they’re not going to do well in college or wherever they go on to because they won’t have a grounding in faith and reason,” he said.
The article covers topics such what is a Chesterton Academy, subjects taught at Chesterton, and what it’s like to attend Chesterton. The article even addresses those that may be concerned that an education at a Chesterton Academy is not a well-rounded one:
Lest one thinks that the Chesterton academies are merely liberal arts schools with no bearing on the real world, Ahlquist said that math and science play a central role in the students’ educations.
“Math is all about solving problems,” he said, noting that in many public schools “students are not learning even the basic skills of math and reading.”
“These students come out of Chesterton Academy knowing how to solve problems, and most of life is solving problems. But we try to put the faith at the center of their lives, and they come out with a deep and productive faith.”
CNA interviewed parents of current students of Chesterton Academy and this is what they had to say:
Peter Eudy, another parent whose son, Hunter, is a freshman at the Annapolis academy, told CNA that to him there are three things that characterize the school: “Engaged and supportive parents,” a learning environment “surrounded by God’s love,” and “happier teenagers.”
To read the full article, click here.
