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.

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.

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.

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.