Info Night • February 4th, 2024 LEARN MORE
A Joyfully Catholic Classical
High School
Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation
Nashville, TN
The Latest from CAI
New Location: St. Philip Catholic Church in Downtown Franklin
Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation is excited to announce that beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, classes will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church.
Headmaster Musings • May 2, 2026
From Dr. Thurow: I am delighted to announce that our little school has just this morning passed a truly significant milestone. We are now officially
Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation Earns Accreditation
Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation has officially received accreditation through the Chesterton Schools Network, now recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation. After
Mission Statement
Under the patronage of G.K. Chesterton and in partnership with families and the Church, the mission of Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation is to foster a Culture of Life by forming a new generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition and grounded in the truths of the Catholic faith.
About Chesterton Schools
In 2007, Tom Bengtson and Dale Ahlquist co-founded the first Chesterton Academy high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each had young families and were seeking an alternative to the existing high school options available to them. The two men had a simple mission: to offer a classical, integrated high school education that was faithful to the Catholic Church and affordable for families of average means. Looking to G.K. Chesterton as the model for a complete thinker and modern defender of the faith, they named the school Chesterton Academy. Inspired by Pope Saint John Paul II, they took as their motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life.
As of 2026, there are nearly 70 high schools operating as part of the Chesterton Schools Network worldwide.
Interest Survey
About the School
CATHOLIC IDENTITY
CLASSICAL CURRICULUM
FAITHFUL FACULTY
HOUSE SYSTEM
FINE ARTS
STUDENT LIFE
A Quick Look
Rooted in Faith
Daily Mass to start each school day
Curriculum inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s approach to faith and reason
Catholic theology integrated into each subject
Leadership & Faculty
- Part of the Chesterton Schools Network founded by Dale Ahlquist and Tom Bengston of Minneapolis
- Run by a board of dedicated parents, educators, and community leaders
- Hiring excellent classical teachers from both a local and nationwide search who take the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church
Our Location
Beginning August 2026, we will be located at St. Philip Catholic Church in downtown Franklin.
St Philip Catholic Church
113 2nd Ave S
Franklin, TN 37064