Are high school students truly connecting with what they read—or just checking off assignments?

In this episode, Mr. Tony Licari shares how his unique background—from teaching nuclear power in the Navy to leading English and Science at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar—shapes a powerful, structured approach to literature that helps even struggling readers engage deeply with the classics. He also explores how ancient science and myth tie into modern-day wonder and critical thinking.

What if the key to shaping virtuous, well-rounded young minds isn’t STEM—but beauty? In this conversation, Mrs. Emily French Kenny, our art teacher at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar, shares how integrating art and art history into a student’s curriculum helps develop not just skill, but character. In a world overwhelmed by utilitarianism and ugliness, could rediscovering beauty be the answer?

What if music education could do more than teach your child how to sing—what if it could unlock beauty, discipline, and deeper human connection? In today’s episode, Dr. Valentino Piran, Music Director at Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar, shares how a foundation in classical and sacred music shapes not just students’ talent, but their souls, minds, and character—especially in a culture that’s starved for beauty.

In this episode, meet Ms. Rachel Willoughby, a dynamic educator bringing years of experience in faith formation and high school instruction to Chesterton Academy. She shares how subjects like Latin and Euclidean geometry go far beyond textbooks to shape students into thoughtful, confident, and articulate individuals.

Ever wonder what happens to sports for students in the classical Catholic education setting?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, coach Patrick Lausi joins host Laura Camacho to reveal what’s coming in terms of sports as Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar prepares to open its doors. Athletics are key to reimagining education through the Chesterton lens of joy and truth.

Ever wonder what sets a classical Catholic education apart—especially when it’s built from the ground up with joy, wisdom, and purpose?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Headmistress Dr. Michelle McCoy joins host Laura Camacho to reveal what’s happening as Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar prepares to open its doors. From faculty selection to curriculum highlights and summer prep, get an exciting first look at how this school is reimagining education through the Chesterton lens of joy and truth.

It’s happening! With a mere six weeks from welcoming our first students to Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar, our very own Laura Camacho and Michael MacKinnon sat down to kick off Season 2 of the St. Finbar podcast to discuss all the current goings on - from hiring our founding faculty and preparing our space, to attending the Chesterton Schools Network annual summit and continuing to accept new students through September 1st! Listen now!