SUN PRAIRIE — A new high school is bringing classical Catholic education to the community of Sun Prairie.
Chesterton Academy- Queen of Martyrs — named after the Catholic writer and apologist G.K. Chesterton and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs — is set to open in the fall of 2024.
It promises to provide a unique and enriching educational experience for students.
Reviving classical Catholic schools
The Chesterton Schools Network is part of a broader movement to revive classical Catholic schools, which are gaining popularity for their mission to restore truth, goodness, and beauty to a world that is starving for it.
With more than 50 locations around the globe, this network is growing rapidly.
The Diocese of Madison is no exception, as several classical education options have emerged in response to the national rediscovery of classical education.
Although there were multiple Catholic high schools in the diocese when it was founded, nearly all had closed by the mid-1990s, leaving only Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart in Madison to serve a metro area of approximately 500,000.
In 2003, St. Ambrose Academy opened, adding a second option; however, each school’s location in Madison has proven to be an obstacle for families who live outside the Madison metropolitan area.
The opening of Chesterton Academy-Queen of Martyrs will provide a much needed opportunity for those who are looking for a high school educational experience that combines academic rigor and spiritual growth.
“I have always been interested in a classical education, so when I discovered the upcoming opening of Chesterton Academy-Queen of Martyrs in Sun Prairie, I was thrilled. This will be the first Catholic high school option in the area,” said Cortney Sauter, a mother of four from DeForest.
“I love the idea of having my children in a school that will help them achieve the full potential of their God-given abilities.”
Chesterton Academy- Queen of Martyrs offers more than just a rigorous academic curriculum.
The academy also provides a Catholic education that is faithful to the teachings of the Church.
Students will receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and will be encouraged to develop a strong spiritual life through the sacraments, daily prayer, and attending Mass.
These academies are known for their commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, and they have produced graduates who are well-prepared for college and for life.
As a result, Chesterton Academy-Queen of Martyrs offers a proven educational model that has been successful in communities across the country.
“As a Catholic parent, I’m so happy to see the growth of Chesterton Academies across the country and to be part of the movement,” said Kristin Dvorsky, mother of three and president of Chesterton Academy-Queen of Martyrs.
“I’ve seen first-hand how the academies are forming young people who are knowledgeable, articulate, and confident in their faith; and I believe that this is exactly what our society needs.”
Find out more
Would you like to know more? Chesterton Academy- Queen of Martyrs is organizing a parent information session on Tuesday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in Sun Prairie.
The event will feature Dr. Eric DeMeuse, the headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee, who will provide parents and the community with an authentic perspective of the daily life at a Chesterton Academy.
The school is also looking for volunteers and donors to help make its inaugural year a success.
To register for the event or to get involved, visit ChestertonQofM.com