Our Story

Kelly Feiler and Ivana Greco were at a playground with their seven children ranging in ages from 10 years to 6 months old. As these two friends watched their children run and tumble about, they were discussing where they were thinking of sending their eldest sons to high school in the future. Kelly turned to Ivana and said, “I just wish there was a high school nearby that was authentically Catholic and affordable!” To which Ivana replied, “Have you heard of Chesterton Academies?” 

Later that night, during a rare moment of calm after all the boys were asleep, Kelly googled Chesterton Academy. She was immediately awed as she read about these high schools across the nation (and globe) where the students are prepared intellectually and  spiritually for life beyond graduation. “This is it!, she said to herself, “these schools are the answer!” Kelly and Ivana began a year of prayer and discernment. And then, in December 2024, they took the leap and submitted an application to the Chesterton Schools Network to open Chesterton Academy in New Haven – which, praise God, was accepted!

Founding a High School: At a Glance

OUR MISSION: Forming the next generation of joyful leaders and saints!

WHO WE ARE

  • A new coed classical high school in the Catholic tradition

  • Member of the Chesterton Schools Network (CSN), a growing group of more than 90 Chesterton Academies across the United States and internationally

  • CSN is an initiative of the Society of G.K. Chesterton, a Catholic lay apostolate canonically established by Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul & Minneapolis in 2018 

OUR PATRON & NAMESAKES

  • Blessed Michael McGivney: Connecticut native and parish priest in New Haven, who founded the Knights of Columbus 

  • G.K. Chesterton: English writer and Catholic convert who exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder and gratitude


WHAT WE OFFER TO SOUTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT

  • Strong Catholic identity, including daily Mass

  • Rigorous, classical curriculum taught through the lens of the Catholic faith in the Socratic method

  • Affordable tuition for families of average means (approximately $10,000 annually)

  • A supportive community for growing in virtue and holiness

  • A minimal technological environment that fosters face-to-face education


PATHWAY TO LAUNCH IN FALL 2026

  • Identify a school site in New Haven 

  • Raise at least $300,000 by June 2026 to cover first year operating costs

  • Recruit 15 students for the freshman class in late 2025/early 2026

  • Hire a headmaster and teachers in early 2026 

  • Launch in fall 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year.

  • Add one grade per year thereafter, for a full high school by Year 4