Our Model of Education
The Three Pillars
Chesterton Academy of Mandan is a joyfully Catholic, classical high school dedicated to forming a new generation of joyful leaders and saints. Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, our motto Cultura Vitae—the culture of life—reflects our mission to prepare students to overcome the materialism and despair of modern culture, embracing the abundant life Christ offers. Our classical curriculum combines a broad liberal arts education, grounded in the cultivation of Christian virtues and a deep appreciation for truth, goodness, and beauty.
Through our Three Pillars Model, we form our students in: Intellect, In Virtue, and Spirituality.
I. Intellect
We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas, teaching students not merely what to think but how to think.
Humanities
History, literature, philosophy, languages, and the study of God's plan for humanity are all braided together in an integrated curriculum utilizing the Socratic Method.
Math & Science
Math and science are intimately connected; the logic of math is seen in philosophy and God’s handiwork is seen in the sciences.
Fine Arts
Equal emphasis is given to the arts, so that every student learns to draw and paint, sing in the choir, act on the stage, give speeches, and engage in debate.
II. In Virtue
We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice, which we believe are the foundation of leadership.
House System
Chesterton Academy’s House system is drawn from the 1,000 year-old tradition of Christian education exemplified in the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge. The Houses 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.
Each House is led by a student prefect and overseen by faculty advisors and parent liaisons.
The four Houses include: Ambrose, Athanasius, Augustine, and Chrysostom.
Student Life
In line with our motto, Cultura Vitae (Culture of Life), sponsored activities prompt students to accept our Lord’s offer to have life and have it abundantly.
We encourage athletics and extracurricular activities as a way of fostering this fullness of life, while maintaining a healthy balance with academics and important family time.
III. Spirituality
Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love him, and to serve him in this world and be happy with him forever in the next.
Spiritual Life
Catholicism is central to our mission. All classes point to the Incarnation as the central event in human history, so students won't just learn about their faith in one class, but across the disciplines. Students read and discuss the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and key papal documents.
We begin each day with the Liturgy of the Hours and each class with prayer. We also offer regular retreats, annual pilgrimages, wholesome activities themed around the liturgical year, and sacred art and crucifixes adorning the classrooms.
Faithful Faculty
We work to find talented and dynamic faculty dedicated to the vision and mission of our school.
Our Board of Directors, the faculty, and all staff members take the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium at the beginning of each academic year.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, faculty at Chesterton Academy also participate in the House System.
Pilgrimages
We provide opportunities for students to go on pilgrimages. In addition to the March for Life and local pilgrimages, Chesterton Academy students travel to Rome and Assisi (Italy) as upperclassmen, meeting with other Chesterton Academy students from around the world.
They encounter relics from the saints, sing for the Holy Father, and see in real life the wonders of the ancient churches in the Eternal City.