I.  Overview

Through the Chesterton Schools Network’s Three Pillars model, we form our students in intellect, character, and spirituality. The Pillar of character formation focuses on forming habits of virtue, in particular, the Cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance––the foundation of leadership. All four are necessary to prepare the students to lead their families, communities, and country to Christ. All of the Cardinal virtues find expression through relationships in community. To aid the building of meaningful relationships between the faculty and students at Chesterton, we draw on the House system. This is part of the 1,000-year-old tradition of Christian education, exemplified in the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge.

The Houses at Chesterton Academy provide real, tangible community within the larger school, giving students the opportunity to take ownership, fulfill the call to leadership, and to cultivate the ideal conditions for virtue. Within the Houses, students build meaningful relationships through service projects, competitions, celebrations, and prayer. Houses are led by Prefects, who are nominated by their peers. Because the Chesterton Schools Network uses the same House System across its schools, students can find other House members at CSN meet-ups such as Zoom meetings, the March for Life, annual conferences, and more. The Houses of Chesterton Academy are named for the four saints (two from the West, two from the East) who support the Chair of Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

SAINT AMBROSE (c. 338 – April 4, 397) was the bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the fourth century. He promoted the rights of the Church in relation to the imperial state and is counted as one of the four original Doctors of the Church. He was also the teacher of Saint Augustine.

SAINT ATHANASIUS (c. 293 – May 2, 373), also known as Saint Athanasius the Great, was a theologian who later became the patriarch of Alexandria, a leader of immense significance in the theological battles of the fourth century. He is best remembered for his role in the conflict with Arianism, although his influence covers a vast array of theological topics.

SAINT AUGUSTINE (November 13, 354 –August 28, 430), the bishop of Hippo, was both a philosopher and theologian, as well as an influential church leader in north Africa. He framed the concept of original sin and related teachings on divine grace, free will, and predestination, as well as the theory of the just war. His works remain among the most influential in Christian history.  

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (c. 347 – 407), archbishop of Constantinople, is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of the abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, his ascetic sensibilities, and his violent opposition to paganism. He is particularly honored in the Eastern Orthodox Church