St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy Opens in Findlay
This fall marked a new chapter for Catholic education in the Diocese of Toledo as St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy in Findlay welcomed its inaugural class.
Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the new high school follows the Chesterton Schools Network model, combining a classical liberal arts curriculum with a strong emphasis on faith, virtue and the formation of the whole person. Through discussion-based learning, an integrated curriculum, daily prayer and a vibrant House system, the academy seeks to form students who are prepared not only for college and careers, but for lives of discipleship and service.
At the beginning of this first school year, Headmaster David Henley shared more about the mission behind the academy, what makes the Chesterton model distinctive and his hopes for the students and families helping to build this new Catholic school community.
St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy is opening at an exciting time for Catholic education in the Diocese of Toledo. What inspired you to become part of this mission, and what excites you most about leading the school's first students?
Chesterton Academies look “to form the next generation of joyful leaders and saints.” This mission relates closely to the mission statement utilized by our elementary school: “We are a Catholic community where we shape saints and scholars.”
Through history, we see such varied examples of what it means to be a leader, saint and scholar. I am excited to help students better understand where God is calling them in their lives. God has given each student unique gifts and talents that will help them become the unique saint that they are called to be by choosing heroic virtue in their everyday life. Our faculty is ready to partner with students and families in this goal.
For families who may be unfamiliar with the Chesterton model, what makes a classical Catholic education unique, and how will students experience that difference every day?
The Chesterton model brings with it many wonderful aspects. It integrates the classical ideas of discussion-based learning, an integrated curriculum, and tried-and-true methods and materials with an authentic Catholic education.
Students are consistently engaged in the lesson to help deepen and challenge their understanding. We do not simply want students hearing and memorizing facts and numbers; rather, we want them to be able to hear new information, process it and articulate it to others. We seek to teach students how to think rather than what to think.
An integrated curriculum connects the content taught between classes and domains. This allows our faculty to be united and collaborative in teaching the concepts and materials. The journey begins as freshmen with a study of the ancient world and progresses to the modern world as seniors.
We utilize tried-and-true teaching methods and curriculum. We seek to continually grow and improve, but avoid unnecessary and constant change that
hinders the educational process for students and the ability of our faculty to educate. Another area of emphasis is the utilization of physical materials and writing to help aid the learning process. While technology is available as a tool, we are careful not to overutilize it.
Chesterton Academies take all of these ideas and add an additional focus: our Catholic faith. Each class integrates our faith. As we take this educational journey, it is in light of our Catholic faith and how it has informed the world as we now see it. As students start to explore the ancient world, they explore the Old Testament, moving to the New Testament, and then explore the rich traditions of our Catholic faith.
Combining the ability to think rather than being told what to think with our faith, we hope to see faithful graduates who have wrestled with their faith and discovered the beauty that it holds as they leave our building as joyful leaders in the modern world.
Chesterton Academies are known for forming both the mind and the heart. How do you hope students will grow academically, spiritually and personally during their four years at the academy?
We hope that we are able to foster virtuous and joyous students. Through living out virtue, we quickly see that our academics, spirituality and personal growth are intertwined.
A virtuous student will strive in academics and grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them. A virtuous student will strive to deepen their spiritual understanding and relationship with Our Lord. A virtuous student will grow as a person, developing meaningful and lasting relationships with those around them as they strive for a shared desire to live out the universal call to holiness. Each aspect informs and builds upon the other.
The school emphasizes discussion-based learning, small class sizes and the House System. How do these elements create a different kind of high school experience?
Discussion-based learning aims to ensure that students not only possess factual knowledge and personal understanding, but also foster wisdom. Wisdom allows us not only to understand, but to take it a step further and integrate it into our daily life. Discussion helps reinforce learning while providing the opportunity for students to actively engage with and apply what they have learned. It is not about teaching them what to think; it is about teaching them how to think.
The House System is a well-established structure that provides students with a chance to grow in a smaller community group. Students are split into four Houses. It provides natural opportunities for mentorship as students from different grade levels are brought together. It also develops a healthy sense of camaraderie and competition as the Houses compete with each other in various competitions and events.
Our students were split into their Houses on the first day of school. They sit with their House daily for Lauds and participate weekly in House activities. Even in our first year with just freshmen, the students are already stepping into leadership roles. The Houses are helping to plan their weekly activities as well as helping to lead other events, such as our Food & Fellowship events that look to build community with prospective students.
As this first year continues, students, faculty and families have the exciting opportunity to help shape the traditions of our Houses.
What would you say to a family considering St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy for their student? Why should they consider this school?
We are here on this earth to know, love and serve God so that we may spend eternity with Him. For families looking for a partner in this journey, that is what we strive to do.
We are seeking “to form the next generation of joyful leaders and saints.” Each of us is uniquely called to holiness as we seek to understand the gifts and talents we have been given. At St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy, we partner with families and students in growing toward holiness with a rich educational and formative experience that is steeped in the beauty, truth and goodness of our Catholic faith.
As you begin this inaugural year, what is your prayer or hope for the first class of students?
In the Gospel of Luke, Peter has been fishing unsuccessfully. Peter, an experienced fisherman, is told by Christ to duc in altum — “put out into the deep.” Peter did not understand this command, but practiced obedience, resulting in incredible results.
Similarly, students in our inaugural class may be answering a call that they don’t fully understand. They are embarking not only on the high school experience, which alone can be stressful, but are helping to shape a brand-new high school.
The prayer of our faculty is that these students may feel peace as they traverse this unknown adventure and trust Our Lord with the outcome as He calls them t
o “put out into the deep.”
How should interested families proceed?
Interested families are able to learn more about us on our website or by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Our admission process for the 2027-28 academic year starts on October 1, and additional information is posted on our website. We have numerous upcoming events for both students and parents.
Learn More
Visit findlaychesterton.org or email chesterton@findlaystmichael.org.
Families can also follow St. Michael the Archangel Chesterton Academy on Facebook and @findlaychesterton on Instagram.
Posted September 28, 2026 at 6:47 pm