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.

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.

Ever wonder what happens to sports for students in the classical Catholic education setting?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, coach Patrick Lausi joins host Laura Camacho to reveal what’s coming in terms of sports as Chesterton Academy of St. Finn Bar prepares to open its doors. Athletics are key to reimagining education through the Chesterton lens of joy and truth.

Together they cover:

🧩 Why school sports are so important for the bodies and the minds of our young students

🤺 How fencing is often underestimated and yet this sport teaches not only physical fitness but emotional resilience and strategy.

🔑 What Coach Patrick Lausi brings to the new school in terms of professional fencing experience, passion, and training

Press play now to step inside the vision, values, and vibrant plans shaping this inaugural school year at Chesterton Academy St. Finbar.

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.

Ever wonder what sets a classical Catholic education apart—especially when it’s built from the ground up with joy, wisdom, and purpose?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Headmistress Dr. Michelle McCoy joins host Laura Camacho to reveal what’s happening as Chesterton Academy of St. Finn Bar prepares to open its doors. From faculty selection to curriculum highlights and summer prep, get an exciting first look at how this school is reimagining education through the Chesterton lens of joy and truth.

Together they cover:

🎯 The subjects, structure, and guiding philosophy of the incoming freshman year

🧲 How the faculty was handpicked for their passion, experience, and ability to spark dialogue

🔑 About summer reading, integrated learning, and the power of original texts in forming young minds

Press play now to step inside the vision, values, and vibrant plans shaping this inaugural school year at Chesterton Academy St. Finn Bar.

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.

A revolutionary educational model is transforming young minds and it's about to open in beautiful downtown Charleston, SC.

As a conscientious Catholic parent or grandparent, you understand the critical need for an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters character, faith, and joy in the next generation. The Chesterton Academy of St. Fin Bar, opening its doors in August 2025, offers a proven classical Catholic model that addresses the modern crisis in education by cultivating well-rounded, principled individuals ready to lead with purpose.

In this summer 2025 update with Mr. Michael MacKinnon you'll learn:

🌟 A Visionary Leadership Blueprint: How the momentum behind the opening Chesterton Academy St. Finbar's has accelerated

🔥 Faculty Updates: Head of School Dr. Michele McCoy has hired top-tier faculty ready to teach these new students from a classical, Catholic point of view

💡 How You Can Help: Hear from a board chair who turned a bold vision into reality, set to open this August

Play this episode now to gain exclusive insights from Michael McKinnon and fuel your leadership journey with the transformative power of classical education!

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.

How can a small, faith-centered high school transform not only its students but an entire parish and community?

Discover the revolutionary impact of Catholic education on the Feast of St. Albert the Great in an interview with Father Wilson parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in downtown Charleston.

This 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.

In this short episode Father Wilson shares:

✨ Learn how integrating faith and reason nurtures deeper thinking and fosters the intellectual development of young leaders.

🙌 Hear how the contagious energy of students inspires entire communities, sparking spiritual renewal across generations.

📖 Gain insights into the Chesterton model of education, blending tradition with innovation to produce academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on how a unique approach to education can create a ripple effect of transformation. Tune in now to uncover what could change the future for students, families, and communities alike!

At Finbar Chesterton Academy of Charleston, 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.