Admissions
Admissions & Application Process
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Step 1: Inquire
Please fill out our inquiry form below.
A member of our admissions team will contact you to answer your questions and provide more info.
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Step 2: Visit
We host open houses and shadow days for prospective parents and students. Ask all your questions, meet faculty, and connect with other parents. Contact us to RSVP for an open house or to schedule a personal tour.
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Step 3: Apply
Applications are open for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Apply online today!
Whom We Seek
Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope seeks students who are eager to pursue truth, goodness, beauty, and virtue through a classical liberal arts curriculum rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
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Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope has a holistic admissions process. What do we look for in an applicant? We look for applicants who are open to seeing the goodness, beauty, and truth in creation, who seek to lead a virtuous life in service to God. We look for applicants who are willing to give their all to being Saints, and to helping and encouraging their classmates and others to become Saints.
Academic ability, though important, is secondary to character in this process: students of diverse talents and gifts will be accepted. The process is competitive, and not everyone who applies will be accepted. Components of the application include: statements by applicants and their parents, character and academic recommendations, report cards, a writing sample, and scores from our admissions placement test.
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Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope admits students of any race, color, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
The Cost of a Chesterton Education
Chesterton Academy is committed to offering an exceptional high school education that is accessible and affordable for families. To support this mission, we offer scholarships and financial aid, which provides additional tuition assistance to qualifying families.
Since tuition does not fully cover the cost of a Chesterton education, we require families to actively support the school community by volunteering and participating in fundraising efforts.
Together, we ensure that Chesterton remains a vibrant and thriving place of learning for all.
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Tuition for the 2027-2028 academic year is $8,950 per student.
Families have the option to pay in one payment, two payments, quarterly, or a ten-month plan.
Families are required to pay for student uniforms, choir attire, and participation in co-curricular (athletics, math team, etc.) activities.
Full list of tuition & fees:
Application $30
Tuition: $8,950
Book & Supply Fee: $600
Uniform: $200-$300
FACTS Tuition Management Fee: $25 / $55
Because tuition does not cover the full cost of an education at Chesterton, families are expected to aid in fundraising efforts throughout the school year.
If you have questions, please contact us.
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Financial aid is available for families in need. You can learn more about our financial aid offerings and apply here.
St. Katharine Drexel Scholarship
St. Katharine Drexel, gave of her time and talent and sought others to do the same to advance Christ’s Church and the mission of saving souls throughout the United States.
The St. Katharine Drexel Scholarship gives students the opportunity to write letters to friends and family to raise money to cover a portion of their tuition by seeking out donors that share the mission and vision of the school and wish to see students grow in wisdom and in their love of Christ and his Church.
If you have questions, please contact us.
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The Parent Commitment is a tradition at Chesterton Academy that fosters a vital partnership between parents and the school. Since the school opened, we have asked every family to fill a table with prospective families and donors at the gala and have each student sell raffle tickets. The gala is our major fundraising event and helps us to mind the gap (education costs versus tuition collected). This partnership is essential to our mission of providing an exceptional education rooted in faith, in reason, and in virtue formation, while focusing on truth, goodness, and beauty.
Tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of delivering the outstanding curriculum, teaching, and formation that define the Chesterton experience. To help bridge this gap, the Parent Fundraising Commitment is $500 in raffle ticket sales per student. This generosity directly benefits your student.
We encourage families to give generously, as they are able, through the Gala, the All Saints’ Day of Giving, joining our monthly giving society, and other opportunities throughout the year.
Note: We cannot credit gifts of goods and services to your commitment.
We ask current parents to be primarily responsible for annual operating expenses, since their children are the primary beneficiaries of all the school's programs. We make an effort to keep tuition affordable for as many families as we can. To the extent possible, generous parental support beyond tuition allows the school to cover normal educational operating expenses.
We know our community's means vary widely; we hope you will prayerfully consider how to support Chesterton beyond tuition and fundraising commitment.
Families who do not sell the $500 worth of raffle tickets will have the remaining balance added to their tuition account on May 15.
Thank you for supporting Chesterton Academy’s mission!
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Parents are required to commit to one of two fundraising event committees: Spring 2027 Gala and one other fundraising event. The success of these events is dependent on the hard work of our parent volunteers!
Visit Chesterton Academy
Attend An Open House
Discover our robust classical curriculum, athletics, vibrant arts programs, and commitment to the Culture of Life. Join us for a brief information session and experience firsthand what makes our school unique—tour our campus, sit in on classes, and engage with our dedicated faculty, staff, and enthusiastic students. Bring your family and see how we foster a community of learning, growth, and excellence.
Prospective students and their families are warmly invited to join us at school events, concerts, sports, and plays.
Open Houses are every Thursday at 11am and by appointment.
Shadow a Chesterton Saint
Experience Saints life firsthand with a Shadow Day on our campus! Prospective students are paired with one of our outstanding Saints ambassadors who share similar interests, offering a personalized opportunity to attend classes, tour the campus, and get a true Saints experience.
Current families may schedule a shadow day during the month of September. New families must attend the October or November open house before scheduling a shadow day. The Shadow experience is a required step in the application process.
High School Placement Test
All incoming 9th grade applicants are required to take a placement test as part of the application process. This primarily serves as a tool for course placement and the student’s ability to thrive in a Chesterton Curriculum.
Applicants must submit an application prior to scheduling the placement test.
Testing is available on December 12th, 2026 (9 - 11 AM). Make-ups will be given as needed after this date. Please email admissions@chestertonri.org
Parents may enjoy coffee and Q&A with our Headmaster while students complete the test. School tours will also be available.
Timeline
October 1, 2026 - 2027/28 Online Application goes live and is open for applications
Families submit the online application via the Chesterton Academy Application Portal along with a $45 fee. Chesterton handles requests for school transcripts and recommendations.
October 1 to December 31, 2026 -Shadow Days and Tours
Prospective students can schedule daily Shadow Day visits to experience a day at Chesterton. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour on a Thursday from 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM to tour the campus and ask questions of our headmaster and leadership team.
October 23, 2026 - Open House
Families visit the school campus. Starts at 6:00 PM
November 1, 2026 - Financial Aid Window Opens
Financial aid applications can be submitted through FACTS Tuition Management starting on this date.
December 10, 2026 - Priority Online Application Filing Deadline
Submitting by this date guarantees priority consideration.
December 12, 2026 - Placement Exam at Chesterton Academy
Schedule a seat in advance.
December 16, 2026 - Make-up placement Exam at Chesterton Academy
Schedule a seat in advance.
December 31, 2026 - Priority Financial Aid Filing
Completing the financial aid application by this date ensures that an aid package offer is included directly with an acceptance letter.
January 31, 2027 - Decision letters and financial aid award
Decision letters and financial aid award notifications are sent out to families
February 28, 2027 - Enrollment Deadline
Accepted students must return their enrollment paperwork and deposit to secure a spot for the 2027-2028 school year
Make-Up Placement Exam Date: As needed
Early Action Program
Have a 5th, 6th, or 7th grader interested in Chesterton? Secure their spot in advance.
FAQs
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On November 21st, 2022, the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas J. Tobin issued a decree recognizing the Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope as a Catholic School. The full text of this decree can be found here.
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Yes! On November 21st, 2022, the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas J. Tobin issued a decree recognizing the Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope as a Catholic School. The full text of this decree can be found here.
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We are conveniently centrally located in RI just off Rt 95 near T.F. Greene Airport, located at 610 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
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Chesterton Academy students utilize carpooling, regional busing, and RIPTA bus (we have stop right outside the school). We have a transportation guide with more details and are happy to discuss these options with you.
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Our aim is to serve students full-time five days a week. However, in particular cases, approved by the administration, Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of HOpe can accommodate a particular family situation or academic request. These approvals are on a year-by-year basis and cannot be guaranteed for four years.
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Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope has an established relationship with Franciscan University through their Advantage Program, where Chesterton students can earn college credit for certain classes for up to 30 college credits. Read more on the Franciscan Advantage program. https://franciscan.edu/advantage/
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 school year. CLICK HERE for more information!
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Tuition is $8,950 for the 2027/28 year. Scholarships and financial aid are available for families. Never assume aid is unavailable to your family — we encourage everyone to apply!
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We do not offer this for the 2027/28 school year.
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Yes! See our Uniforms page for more information.
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Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope teaches curriculum from the Great Books of Western Civilization, centered around the seven liberal arts using a Classical, Catholic approach to classroom instruction. Examples include the works of Homer and Virgil, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, select curriculum from Memoria and Classical Academic Press, and the Geometric proofs of Euclid.
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As a school, we permit the limited and intentional use of technology in instruction. Students may be asked to use the internet at home for research purposes in a limited capacity, however during the school day students take notes with paper and pencil and participate in Socratic discussions about material presented in class. No computers or other devices are distributed to students as part of our curriculum. Tests are administered on paper or orally. Cell phone use is not permitted during the school day. The aim of our use of technology is to serve the mission and vision of the school in seeking to cultivate Godly, wise, and good men and women. This low-tech approach seeks to put incarnational instruction and practices first.
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Like any school environment, homework load fluctuates with the academic calendar. However, at Chesterton Academy we strive to find a balance that allows a student to have time to enjoy family life at home after the school day ends. We recognize the importance of quality time at home with family in the development of the whole person.
Homework serves three main purposes: (1) to study for an upcoming test or quiz or to prepare a written essay; (2) to practice a skill, such as Latin conjugations or math problems; and (3) to read material relevant to class topics in order to prepare for class discussions.
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During a special ceremony during the first week of school, new students are placed in a house and are welcomed by their new housemates. Siblings are assigned to the same house. Once a house has been chosen for a student, he or she will remain in that house.
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We acknowledge the good of play, which includes organized and intramural sports. Sports can serve the good of human flourishing and formation, but should not be placed above the academic endeavors of the student. Sports offerings are based upon student interest. They have included cross country, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. We continue to work on which competitive sports will be available in 2027-28.. We are working on several other individual sports programs for the first few years. Team sports will grow along with the school within a rightly ordered educational plan for students.
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Chesterton Academy welcomes transfer students each year who come from public, private, homeschool, and online high school environments. We work closely with each transfer student to ensure his or her success as they transition to Chesterton. We welcome all inquiries and visitors. Please call to schedule a meeting.
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Yes, all are welcome! We admit students of any race, creed, or national origin.
We do require daily Mass attendance for all students as well as four years of Catholic theology, and the curriculum is infused with Catholic thought, tradition, and formation throughout the classes.
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We welcome students of various learning backgrounds and encourage open and honest conversations between parents and admissions staff about the particular needs of their students. We are not equipped to serve those with formal IEPs and/or significant disabilities. Extra time on a quiz or a quiet space to work on a test are the limits of our ability to accommodate student learning needs at this time. However, we encourage all families to reach out and discuss their particular concerns, needs, and situations with the administration.
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We are not equipped to work with students with severe behavioral issues. Every student is expected to adhere to the code of conduct laid out in the Student-Parent Handbook. Students who cannot or will not live up to our Code of Conduct will lose the privilege of attending Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope at the discretion of the administration.
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Yes. We are registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the state of Rhode Island
CLICK HERE to make your secure donation online today!
If you give through a DAF, please email info@chestertonRI.org.
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Students bring a bagged lunch.
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Yes, we are located at the train stop at Greene Airport and the RIPTA bus stop is directly in front of the school on Jefferson Blvd. just 200 yards from our front door. See complete busing options under the transportation options.
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Chesterton students are required to read two books over the summer each year.
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All new students are required to attend (in uniform) an orientation session for their grade on campus during the first week of school in August. We have an annual picnic for incoming freshman and their families in June.