Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar (CASF) is delighted to announce its inaugural year opening this Fall 2025 in the heart of Charleston. This independent, classical Catholic high school will welcome its first students with orientation held August 6–8, 2025, followed by the first day of classes on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Location and Contact
Classes will be hosted in the Parish Hall of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, located at 120 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Families may reach the school by phone at 843-327-5413 or via email at info@stfinbar.org.
A Classical Catholic Vision
Founded under the Chesterton Schools Network, Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar offers a classical curriculum that integrates a broad liberal arts education with the cultivation of Intellect, Character and Spirituality — all firmly rooted in the Catholic faith. There is a strong emphasis on the cultivation of Christian Virtue and an appreciation of beauty through four years of study in literature, history, philosophy, theology, Latin, mathematics, science, sacred music, and the fine arts. Daily Mass, retreats, weekly Adoration, sacramental formation, and a sense of community feature centrally in student life.
Message from the Founders
“We believe Charleston’s children and community can benefit richly from a thoroughly classical and joyfully Catholic education,” explained Head of School Dr. Michele McCoy. Through Great Books study and virtue-formation, CASF seeks to raise young men and women to become saints, scholars, and joyful leaders. Michael MacKinnon, founder and chairman of the board, emphasizes this initiative as a parent-led mission to bring the Chesterton model of joyful learning to families in the Lowcountry.
Student Life & Activities
The school community is organized into a traditional house system, modeled after Oxford and Cambridge colleges, fostering leadership, camaraderie, and opportunity for service. Our sports offerings will begin through our physical education program and will offer fencing, archery and formal dance. Formal sports will take shape as students and parents express interest in forming competitive teams. Clubs will include the CASF Podcast, yearbook, French, Mandarin, debate, and service outreach.
Orientation & First Day Schedule
Student Orientation will be held August 6–8, 2025, allowing students to meet faculty, become acquainted with curriculum, and prepare for the school year. The first regular school day begins Monday, August 11, 2025, launching the academy’s full academic program.
Learn More
Prospective students who are currently in 8th or 9th grades along with their families are invited to attend admissions events such as Student Shadow Days and Open House information sessions that are scheduled throughout this fall for the 2026–27 school year.
Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar, inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, is steadfast in its commitment to provide a classical liberal arts education infused with Catholic faith and morals. Our dedication to this mission has been unyielding since our inception, and we welcome Catholic families in Charleston, SC, to join us in this educational journey. For more information on how we can be a part of your child's academic and spiritual formation, please visit www.stfinbar.org.
". . . But I really have always thought a parish with a school has a real, a certain energy and a joy that spreads right. And it makes the faith feel more alive for the parishioners themselves. It's like having an extra heart. You're getting more oxygen with that, right? So, for us, you know, the presence of the Chesterton Academy here at the Cathedral campus, and I really believe we'll just do that same thing, help energize the whole parish. There's a certain excitement, you know, for life, because there's something about that age group, especially, that just gives life. Now, I was thrilled, also, to learn that the students have to go to Mass every day, Not have to, they get to go to mass every day." — Very Rev. Gregory B Wilson, V.G., Diocese of Charleston