New Catholic School Planned in Central Connecticut Sparks Excitement

A new chapter in Catholic education is about to unfold in Connecticut. The Chesterton Academy of St. Francis of Assisi plans to open in New Britain in the fall of 2026.

This long-anticipated school marks the city’s return to Catholic secondary education after years without such an option. Parish families and Rev. Michael T. Casey have led the effort, shaping a vision for a rigorous, faith-centered curriculum through the Chesterton Schools Network.

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The school’s tuition stays modest compared to other area Catholic schools. With its classical learning focus, the academy wants to welcome students from all over the region.

Bringing Catholic Education Back to New Britain

New Britain has a rich history of Catholic schooling. In recent years, though, that presence faded as schools closed and resources shifted elsewhere.

The launch of the Chesterton Academy of St. Francis of Assisi feels like a real revival for the city. Local families from St. Francis of Assisi Parish teamed up with the Archdiocese of Hartford to make it happen.

The school will open with grades nine and ten. As more students enroll, they’ll add grades eleven and twelve.

A Vision Rooted in Tradition

As a member of the Chesterton Schools Network, the academy will embrace a classical, Catholic curriculum that emphasizes the humanities, Latin, and daily Mass. The approach values thoughtful discussion and deep engagement with subjects, aiming for both intellectual and spiritual growth.

Unlike many private schools, Chesterton Academy won’t offer organized sports. Instead, they’re putting their energy into scholarly excellence and faith formation.

Affordable Tuition for Families

Tuition will be set between $9,000 and $10,000 per year. That’s about half the cost of other Catholic secondary schools in cities like Hartford, Middletown, and Waterbury.

This affordability, along with available financial aid, makes the academy an accessible choice for families from Manchester, Bristol, West Hartford, and beyond.

Open to Students of All Faiths

The academy’s daily life will be infused with Catholic practice—prayer, sacraments, the whole routine. Still, the doors are open to students from all religious backgrounds.

This openness shows the parish’s commitment to serving the wider community. It’s about fostering respect among young people from different faith traditions.

Part of a Broader Educational Renewal

The opening of Chesterton Academy in New Britain happens alongside another big development—the planned launch of the Catholic Academy of Hartford in 2026.

Both efforts point to a period of renewal and growth across the Archdiocese. Parish engagement has picked up, attendance is up, and there have been more baptisms since local parish consolidations in 2022.

Leadership and Enrollment Goals

Organizers want to hire a headmaster by January 1 to lead the academy into its first year. The school hopes to enroll up to 150 students eventually, drawing from Southington, Meriden, Newington, and other nearby towns.

The academy’s smaller size should make personalized instruction possible. It’ll help create a close-knit academic environment, too.

What a “Classical” Education Means

At Chesterton Academy, a classical education means a structured study of the humanities, philosophy, literature, theology, and Latin. Catholic values will show up in every subject.

This model prepares students for college, sure, but also for thoughtful civic engagement and a life guided by purpose and moral clarity.

Key Benefits Parents Can Expect

Families considering the school can look forward to:

An academically rigorous curriculum rooted in tradition
Daily opportunities for spiritual formation, including Mass
Tuition rates significantly lower than other area Catholic schools
A welcoming environment for students of all faiths
A focus on discussion, critical thinking, and cultural literacy
Personalized attention due to small class sizes
Strong community involvement from parish families
Long-term growth opportunities as the school adds upper grades

Looking Ahead

Chesterton Academy of St. Francis of Assisi isn’t just another school. With its mix of tradition and fresh ideas, it aims to build a real community rooted in faith, learning, and character.

New Britain’s getting ready for something different. Families all over Connecticut—from Hartford to Torrington—might find this a pretty appealing new choice for high school.

Come fall of 2026, things could shift in a big way for Catholic education here. More parents are looking for schools that challenge students academically but don’t leave faith behind.

Here is the source article for this story: Catholic education expands: New school planned in central CT. ‘People are very excited’

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