Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions from prospective and current families.
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"The one thing that is never taught by any chance in the atmosphere of public schools is this: that there is a whole truth of things, and that in knowing it and speaking it we are happy."
— G.K. Chesterton
About CASM
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Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was a British journalist, whose writings and influence are so monumental as to be difficult to sum up. However, a good place to start is with a short essay from one of the founders of the Chesterton Network of schools.
He was a convert to Catholicism who shared and defended the Catholic faith with clarity, wit, and a sense of wonder.
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Yes, we are a fully approved private high school in the state of Washington and can confer diplomas like any other high school. Additionally, we are provisionally accredited through the Chesterton Schools Network. The full accreditation process takes about 3-4 years, and we are actively working towards this goal.
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We belong to a growing (inter)national network of schools called the Chesterton Schools Network. We use the same curriculum as all of the other network schools and are able to collaborate on many aspects of a classical high school, both academic and operational. This movement of the laity and clergy has been so successful that the Network was awarded the prestigious Yass prize in December 2025. This award, sometimes said to be the “Pulitzer Prize in education innovation” recognizes and celebrates “the next generation of education changemakers.” Chesterton Schools Network Wins 2025 $1 Million Yass Prize - The Chesterton Schools Network
The Network is so-named as our patron maintained warm, respectful friendships with his intellectual opponents. Many people view G. K. Chesterton as a model for understanding and proclaiming the faith in our modern, oftentimes divisive world.
Academics
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A classical education focuses on educating the whole person, through formation of the intellectual virtues (knowledge, understanding, and wisdom) and moral virtues. In the Catholic context, this means that our teachers are intentionally oriented towards forming saints.
The curriculum of a classical education is holistic and integrated. All students participate in studies of math, science, humanities and the arts (drama, music, visual art), thus receiving a truly well-rounded education. These courses interact with one another, and each subject plays an important, intentional role in the moral and intellectual formation of the student.
A classical education is grounded in the tradition of Western intellectual thought. In addition to rigorous studies of the history, philosophy, and theology of this tradition, we read the classics and discuss them using the Socratic method. Graduates of a classical education are able to think critically and express their thoughts clearly, regardless of which career path or higher education they chose to pursue.
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The classical model believes that young people ought to be stretched in many different directions before specializing their skills and education later in life. This allows students to go on a journey of discovery, trying their hands at many things they may not have chosen for themselves. For many incoming students, studying Latin is a daunting prospect. However, we often see students who were initially hesitant to participate in classes like drama, art or Latin realizing that they love these subjects and can’t get enough of them!
Latin has practical applications in many other fields. It fosters in students a more solid understanding of English vocabulary, grammatical structure, and scientific and legal terminology. Additionally, studying Latin makes learning many other foreign languages, such as Spanish, much easier. Latin requires and teaches attention to detail, accuracy, patience, precision, and thorough, honest work. It is thus not surprising that students who study Latin also do better in other subjects. (info from: Top 10 Reasons for Studying Latin | Memoria Press )
Students of classical education spend a considerable amount of time studying texts and ideas that were originally composed in Latin. The study of this language allows students to connect with the things they learn in a deeper, more meaningful way. Imagine studying Julius Caesar in history class and then reading his autobiographical writings in the original language a few months later!
Also, Latin is fun!
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All Chesterton students have math class five times a week for four years, and they also have science class four times a week for four years. You may access a full listing on our curriculum page.
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The Chesterton School Network is in close partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville and their “High School Advantage” program. CASM Students earn college and high school credit by taking courses which are aligned with Franciscan University’s curriculum and successfully completing college-level examinations
Current Students & Parents
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Yes. Financial aid is available for families who qualify. Please see our Tuition & Aid page for full details on the aid application process and available assistance.
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Yes, and we do have students with different needs. Individual Education Plan (IEP) accommodations are taken seriously and handled on a case-by-case basis. Because of our small class sizes, every student receives individualized attention. Additionally, taking classes with students of varying abilities prepares students for life and the workplace and offers unique teachable moments and educational experiences.
Similarly, for those who wish to earn AP-style credits the Chesterton Network offers the Franciscan Advantage Program through which motivated high school juniors and seniors can receive up to 36 credits of college credit at an affordable rate. e.g., Do I need to be Catholic to attend? How competitive is admissions? What is the daily schedule? Rolling vs. early admission?
Still Have Questions
We're happy to help. Reach out directly and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.