Chelsea Academy

“Renaissance in Rappahannock” was a tremendous success. Over one hundred and thirty people attended the event. A dedicated group of volunteers provided the behind-the-scenes work that made it possible. More than a few people enlivened the occasion with their musical, theatrical, and other talents. Several generous supporters supplied our material needs for the evening. And donors contributed $29,000.00 to Chelsea Academy – a sum that will be rounded up to $30,000.00 before being matched by a donor. With $60,000 raised, our goals and expectations were surpassed. Though I am not able to name everyone who participated in and contributed to Renaissance in Rappahannock, I do extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your great generosity.

It is not too late to apply for admission to Chelsea Academy. We continue to strive toward meeting our goal of admitting and enrolling forty students for the coming academic year. Of the nearly thirty applications so far, seventeen students have now been accepted, while the others are being reviewed. Places are open in grades six through nine. At the same time, with resources still available for families seeking tuition assistance, financial aid applications continue to be accepted.

For those of you looking for a succinct yet profound statement on education and the Church, I highly recommend Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to Catholic Educators, which he delivered at Catholic University during his visit to the United States in early April. One particularly expressive phrase from this address is “intellectual charity,” that “aspect of charity [that] calls the educator to recognize that the profound responsibility to lead the young to truth is nothing less than an act of love.” He continues, “Once their passion for the fullness and unity of truth has been awakened, young people will surely relish the discovery that the question of what they can know opens up the vast adventure of what they ought to do.” At Chelsea Academy, we look forward to realizing this ideal to which Pope Benedict calls all Catholic educators and which is reflected in our motto Domine, ut videam, -- Lord, that I may see.

Sincerely,

Jonathan D. Brand
Headmaster

P.S. For those of you who were unable to participate in the Renaissance festivity, you still have the opportunity to make a contribution. On the school website you will find a list of items for which we continue to seek donors. No gift is too small. All gifts are tax-deductible.