HOUSE NAMES 

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. 

Overview 

We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and  despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord’s offer to have life and have it  abundantly. 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. 

On their first day at a Chesterton Academy, a student is sorted into one of four  Houses: Ambrose, Athanasius, Augustine, or Chrysostom. They have the opportunity to  earn  House points through merits and remain in this House for  their tenure at Chesterton. 

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 and House Captains.

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.