Chelsea Academy

Construction has begun. Since last week, workmen from Petrine have been busy in the east wing of the HLI building. The building plans, formulated with attention to the beautiful as well as the functional, call for six spacious classrooms, a school office, and a faculty room. It is exciting to see what was once just an idea take tangible form. Please visit the Chelsea website, where we will soon have pictures of the build-out.

Though this facility will be important in the life of the school, it is of course the faculty and students who will make up the heart of Chelsea Academy. We continue to receive applications from intelligent, experienced, faithful teachers who wish to be part of this venture, and I look forward to being able to announce Chelsea’s faculty soon.

At the same time, inquiries and student applications show that there is growing interest in the school among families in the immediate area and far beyond. I met recently with a family that will move to Front Royal from Oregon and send their son to Chelsea Academy in the fall. Already this week I have added eight prospective students to our list. This steady activity convinces me that our enrollment goals are comfortably within reach.

It is no surprise that the school’s appeal is its mission to provide a Catholic education in the best of the liberal arts tradition. I will never forget attending the inaugural mass for Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter’s three years ago and hearing him proclaim in his homily that “The Church is alive.” As part of the life of the Church, Chelsea Academy goes forward with confidence, drawing on a tradition that stretches back through millennia. I am grateful to be able to contribute to the Catholic formation of youth that a revitalized Church so urgently needs, and I thank you for joining me with your support and prayers.

As a final note, I should add that our fundraiser committee has put together a list of wonderful auction items for our Renaissance in Rappahannock, including a day spent with Father Hathaway hiking up Old Rag Mountain – "Hike-Away with Hathaway"! A complete list of items will soon be posted on our website. May 17th is fast approaching, and tickets to the event are selling fast. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend. Send in your response card today.

Sincerely,

Jonathan D. Brand
Headmaster
Chelsea Academy

Email: jbrand@chelseaacademy.org
Telephone: 540.635.0622