Frequently Asked Questions
Ten reasons why families are selecting Chesterton Academy for high school today.
Can a non-Catholic student attend a Chesterton Academy? Any student is welcome to apply and experience the Chesterton difference. But be warned, most students become Catholic! As John Henry Newman observed: "to be deep in history is to cease to be protestant." At a Chesterton Academy we will go deep into history for four years.
What makes Stella Maris Chesterton Academy different from other private high schools? Stella Maris Chesterton Academy is really not like any other school that you have seen. It may appear similar, but when you compare small class size, socratic discussion, affordability (half of what the other private schools are charging for tuition) integrated arts, faith and science, the house system, you will find that you are talking about an entirely different experience and a place where students don't just prepare for a career but for life.
How much homework may a student expect each day? The homework load is designed to be two hours or less per day. We want our students to have a life, especially a life within their families, so the curriculum and schedule are designed so that they can get work done in class and during the school day.
What is the student transfer process? We welcome students to apply at any time. We are only accepting freshman and sophomores our first year and only a small number of these. Once the school has upper grades, we will consider anyone who applies for admission. Students at other Chesterton Academies have benefited from just one year of attendance in their senior year.
Does the Bishop of the Diocese of Orange support the opening of Stella Maris Chesterton Academy? Bishop Vann has given his blessing to the operning of Stella Maris Chesterton Academy as an independent Catholic high school in the diocese.
Do you offer scholarships and/or financial aid? We are committed to offering tuition assistance for as many families as possible. We do require that our families participate in fundraising efforts, which most families around the network actually come to enjoy as they see the fruit of a Chesterton Academy education.