An independent private high school, rooted in the Catholic faith is coming to Visalia.
Chesterton Academy of the Holy Hearts board members are working closely with the Central Valley community and business members to secure a suitable location for the initial school site. According to the school’s website, a “classical high school in the Catholic tradition” is expected to open in Visalia this fall.
After polling target families, the board identified Visalia as the logical home for the school due to the fact that it is central and commutable for many surrounding communities, according to founding board member Jeff Hohne.
“Our students come from a variety of middle schools; public, private Christian/Catholic, and homeschool,” Hohne said. “The school population is made up of students from Visalia, Hanford and Lemoore. It is expect that the initial student body will be approximately 15 to 20 students.”
Classes are offered for ninth, 10th and 11th graders.
Chesterton Academy in Visalia is a part of a larger national movement. Chesterton Schools Network started in Minneapolis in 2008, with a single school and has grown to over 70 schools across the country.
“We know from our conversations with prospective parents and students that education matters and families are willing to sacrifice for it,” Hohne said. “It’s a privilege to be part of bringing this to the Central Valley and we are so grateful for all the supporters who have already contributed to our mission of raising up a new generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition and truths of the Catholic faith.”
In December, the Chesterton Schools Network was awarded the coveted Yass Prize, the nation’s top award for education innovation.
Prize founder Janine Yass, in a press release on the Yass Prize website, emphasized the strength of Chesterton’s parent-powered model and its impact on students and families. “Across the country, we continue to meet extraordinary educators creating opportunities that families desperately need,” Yass said. “Chesterton’s work reminds us why we do this, to champion entrepreneurs who bring joy, purpose, and excellence back to education.”
Chesterton Academy tuition is $7,500 a year, with a $100 registration fee. There are limited scholarships available and fundraising for additional costs will be done throughout the school year.
Chesterton Academy is currently accepting applications for fall 2026 enrollment in grades ninth-11th. To learn, visit their website and complete the online application: Admissions & Tuition: How to Enroll — Chesterton Academy of the Holy Hearts.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: New private high school Chesterton Academy of the Holy Hearts coming to Visalia
Reporting by Meade Trueworthy, Special to Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
