Chesterton Academy St. Finbar

Season 2 E 08: Teaching Social Dance Classes Makes Students More Polite, Confident, and Less Awkward

What if your PE class could teach you how to be more confident, more polite, and less awkward — all while having a blast? In this episode of the Chesteron Academy St. Finbar podcast, Ms. Kaiser joins us to share how she’s bringing swing, line, and English country dancing to the PE curriculum at Chesterton Academy. It’s not just exercise — it’s a full-body lesson in grace, manners, and real social connection. In today's short episode you’ll learn: 💃 Why learning traditional partner dance builds student confidence and respectful interaction 🎶 The music and styles behind the program (hint: lots of swing jazz and fiddles!) 🕺 How even the most nervous or inexperienced students can thrive with Ms. Kaiser's approach Tune in to hear how Chesterton is turning PE into a celebration of tradition, fun, and social grace — starting on day one of the school year. To learn more visit www.stfinbar.org. Schools network, we are dedicated to offering a classical high school experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Our Catholic school fosters a joyful and rigorous learning environment where students are nurtured to become leaders and saints, inspired by a higher purpose. Embracing the richness of the humanities, math, science, and fine arts, we emphasize the beauty of a well-rounded education. Through our Socratic teaching method, we cultivate an incarnational environment that champions truth, goodness, and beauty. Our unique House System and commitment to faith and spirituality, combined with our robust athletics program, create a holistic educational experience that prepares students not just for college, but for life. At Chesterton Academy St. Finbar, learning is not just an academic pursuit; it is a journey toward becoming well-rounded individuals who appreciate the profound interconnection of all disciplines.

Season 2 E 07: Why Skipping the Classics Is Failing Our Students (And How Chesterton Academy Fixes That)

Are high school students truly connecting with what they read—or just checking off assignments? In this episode, Mr. Tony Licari shares how his unique background—from teaching nuclear power in the Navy to leading English and Science at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar—shapes a powerful, structured approach to literature that helps even struggling readers engage deeply with the classics. He also explores how ancient science and myth tie into modern-day wonder and critical thinking. In this short episode you'll learn: 🚀 How classical texts like The Odyssey and The Iliad can be demystified for every student 😳 The surprising & fascinating connections between physics, star-gazing, and literature 🔥 How structure-based teaching builds confidence in students—especially those intimidated by reading Press play to discover how Mr. La plans to awaken both logic and wonder in the classroom this year through an integrated approach to literature and science. Learn more about Chesterton Academy St. Finbar [https://www.stfinbar.org/]. At Chesterton Academy St. Finbar, part of the esteemed Chesterton Schools network, we are dedicated to offering a Classical High School experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Our Catholic institution fosters a joyful and rigorous learning environment where students are nurtured to become leaders and saints, inspired by a higher purpose. Embracing the richness of the humanities, math, science, and fine arts, we emphasize the beauty of a well-rounded education. Through our Socratic teaching method, we cultivate an incarnational environment that champions truth, goodness, and beauty. Our unique House System and commitment to faith and spirituality, combined with our robust athletics program, create a holistic educational experience that prepares students not just for college, but for life. At Chesterton Academy St. Finbar, learning is not just an academic pursuit; it is a journey toward becoming well-rounded individuals who appreciate the profound interconnection of all disciplines.

Season 2 E 06: Why the Modern Education System Is Ugly—And How Chesterton Academy Is Fighting Back

What if the key to shaping virtuous, well-rounded young minds isn’t STEM—but beauty? Welcome to the Chesterton Academy St. Finbar's podcast where we seek to inspire and inform you about all the things related to the wonders of Classical Education through the lens of the Catholic Faith. I am your host, Laura Camacho. In this conversation, Mrs. Emily French Kenny, our art teacher at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar, shares how integrating art and art history into a student’s curriculum helps develop not just skill, but character. In a world overwhelmed by utilitarianism and ugliness, could rediscovering beauty be the answer? In this episode you'll learn: ✏️ Discover why learning to draw—even imperfectly—builds courage, discipline, and virtue 🎨 Understand how classical art education can shape moral character AND critical thinking 🔥 Why beauty matters, and how students connect history, culture, and faith through art Hit play now to explore how a vibrant, beauty-centered music program is forming students for life—one note at a time. Each episode dives deep into a fascinating and timely topic: the role of faith-based education in shaping future leaders with emotional resilience, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to community. This is about more than just schools—it's about a movement toward renewal and hope in a challenging world. For more information visit www.stfinbar.org [https://www.stfinbar.org/].

Season 2 E 05: How Music Theory, Choir, and Sacred Beauty Shape Minds at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar

What if music education could do more than teach your child how to sing—what if it could unlock beauty, discipline, and deeper human connection? In today’s episode, Dr. Valentino Piran, Music Director at Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar, shares how a foundation in classical and sacred music shapes not just students’ talent, but their souls, minds, and character—especially in a culture that’s starved for beauty. In this episode you'll learn: 🎶 Why music and math go hand in hand—and how one enhances the other 🎯 How sacred chant can transform not just a choir, but a student’s confidence and sense of identity 🌎 How Dr. Piran’s journey from Italy to America opened his heart to diverse musical forms and how he’s bringing that gift to the next generation. Hit play now to explore how a vibrant, beauty-centered music program is forming students for life—one note at a time. Each episode dives deep into a fascinating and timely topic: the role of faith-based education in shaping future leaders with emotional resilience, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to community. This is about more than just schools—it's about a movement toward renewal and hope in a challenging world. For more information visit www.stfinbar.org [https://www.stfinbar.org/].

Season 2 E 04 Geometry, Latin and Theology to Build Better, Smarter Thinkers

Is your high-schooler ready to thrive in a classical classroom where Latin, logic, and scripture aren’t just subjects—but tools for life? In this episode, meet Ms. Rachel Willoughby, a dynamic educator bringing years of experience in faith formation and high school instruction to Chesterton Academy. She shares how subjects like Latin and Euclidean geometry go far beyond textbooks to shape students into thoughtful, confident, and articulate individuals. We cover: 🔑 How classical education builds logical thinkers and confident communicators. ✅ Why Latin and Geometry are powerful tools for developing both language and reasoning skills. 🛠️ What families can do now to prepare for a smoother academic transition this school year. Start listening now to hear how Ms. Willoughby plans to unlock your student’s full potential through faith, logic, and language. Each episode dives deep into a fascinating and timely topic: the role of faith-based education in shaping future leaders with emotional resilience, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to community. This is about more than just schools—it's about a movement toward renewal and hope in a challenging world. For more information visit www.stfinbar.org [https://www.stfinbar.org/].