Chesterton Academy

of St. Margaret Clitherow

A classical high school in the Catholic tradition located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

What is Chesterton Academy?

The mission of Chesterton Schools 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.

High School with a Higher Purpose

Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is an independent classical high school in the Catholic tradition located in Knoxville, TN. Inspired by the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith, the Chesterton Academy seeks to form young men and women to be joyful saints. By introducing them to great thinkers such as Socrates, Thomas Aquinas and Dante, and by forming them in a distinctly Catholic culture, we lead students to choose for themselves the adventure of being a disciple of Christ.

Second Year Update

We are halfway through our second year in our newly renovated location in West Knoxville! Students and faculty are loving the new chapel setup, classrooms, and large outdoor space for athletics. We’re grateful for all who’ve made our new building possible!

Third Annual Pearl Gala

Join us on February 15th, 2025 to celebrate the great gift of our school at the Pearl Gala!

Food, Drink, Student Performances, Live/Silent Auction, and a wonderful evening guaranteed!

Bearden Banquet Hall | 5806 Kingston Pike | Knoxville, TN 37919

Upcoming Events

  • 1.11.25 | Fezziwig Formal

    An evening of Christmas joy and festive dance! Open to all students. Email zach@knoxchesterton.com for details.

  • 1.25.25 | Open House

    Learn more about life at Chesterton Academy. See Admissions for details.

  • 2.15.25 | Pearl Gala

    Our annual gala dedicated to celebrating the wonderful gift of our school. All are welcome to attend! See Gala for more details and registration.

  • 1.27 - 1.31 | Bosco Week

    A week dedicated to celebrating the evangelizing work of Catholic Education in honor of St. John Bosco.

Discover Chesterton

The Chesterton Schools Network

  • An Incarnational Environment

    From history and theology to math and science, the Incarnation is the central mystery we explore across the entire curriculum. It is our desire that each student would personally experience the Incarnation.

  • A Focus on Truth, Goodness, and Beauty

    Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.

  • A Joyful Learning Environment

    We create environments where students experience the joy of community and the discovery process, providing them with an opportunity to live out their spiritual life in an atmosphere of joy and fun.

  • Rediscovering the Lost Tools of Learning

    Our curriculum is centered on skills seemingly forgotten in our modern society: reading, writing, oral presentations, and the development of critical reasoning skills through logic and philosophy.

  • The Socratic Seminar

    The Socratic seminar is perhaps the oldest educational tool. Through this method, a teacher imparts knowledge through directed questions and guided dialogue, bringing ideas and knowledge to life.

  • The Wit and Wisdom of G.K. Chesterton

    Chesterton exemplified the Catholic faith through his wit, his clarity, his kindness, and his ability to love people with whom he disagreed, while sharing the faith in Christian charity.

Discover the Network