Discover Chesterton.

Our Model of Education

Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.

The Three Pillars

  • 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.

  • We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice, which we believe are the foundation of leadership.

  • 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.

St. Finbar, Patron of Cork

St. Finbar, also known as Bairre or Barrocus, was born around the year 550 in Connaught, Ireland. Seeking a solitary life, Saint Finbar became a hermit on a small island at Lough Eiroe and later at Gougane Barra. During this time, he also founded a school at Eirce, Ireland, where he imparted knowledge and spiritual guidance to his disciples. One of his notable achievements was the founding of a monastery on the river Lee, which eventually developed into the city of Cork, Ireland. Saint Finbar served as the first bishop of Cork, further establishing and nurturing the faith in the region. Saint Finbar's dedication to spiritual enlightenment, his founding of significant institutions, and his extraordinary life of holiness have earned him a place among the revered saints of the Catholic Church.

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

  • Michael Grumbine, Founding Member

    • Parishioner at St. John the Baptist Cathedral (Charleston)

    • Father of eight classically educated children

    • Executive leader and consultant for tech and innovation startups, with a focus in medical-adjacent industries

    • Thomas Aquinas College - BA
      Durham University (UK) - MA

    • Founding teacher of classical grade school & high school, St. Monica Academy (Pasadena, CA)

  • Michael MacKinnon, Founding Member

    • Parishioner at Stella Maris Catholic Church (Sullivan’s Island)

    • Father of two homeschooled children

    • Senior Vice President - Sales, Catholic & Non-Profit at Ministry Brands (ParishSOFT), supporting Catholic Diocese and Parishes with software solutions

    • University of Southern California - MBA

    • Charter Member - Legatus Networks Charleston - Premier Catholic Business Executive Organization

  • Michele McCoy, Head of School & Ex-Officio Member

    • Parishioner at Stella Maris Catholic Church (Sullivan’s Island)

    • Inaugural Head of Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar

    • Mother of four children whom she homeschooled in a Classical Catholic method

    • University of South Carolina - BA Classical Studies

    • University of Denver - JD

    • Loyola University - MRTh Religion and Theology

    • Lawyer and professor of moral philosophy, aviation law and Homeland Security law at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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