The Chelsea Difference: Cultivating Transformative Lives
At Chelsea Academy, our vision extends beyond mere instruction; we aim for a profound transformation of each student. We are dedicated to shaping young men and women within the authentic Catholic Liberal Arts tradition, fostering not just intellectual prowess but the growth of their entire being. Our graduates emerge as eloquent critical thinkers, articulating ideas with clarity and conviction, yet profoundly humble in their relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deeper understanding of reality.
Beyond the classroom, Chelsea cultivates enduring friendships, rooted in charity and mutual respect, which profoundly complement intellectual and spiritual development. With courage and conviction, our students become trailblazers who embrace adventure, ready to conquer the natural world and carry out acts of selfless service, fearlessly exploring beyond the comfortable confines of the secularized world. They stand unwavering for God’s Truth, even in the face of ridicule. Ultimately, Chelsea graduates are distinctive, tenacious Catholic leaders with real fortitude, overcoming adversity and embodying unwavering integrity. Steadfast in their faith and authentically committed to lives dedicated to God, they are empowered to make a tangible impact on their families, communities, and a world yearning for true meaning and purpose, embracing and spreading His Truth through virtuous action.
Chelsea Academy is named in honor of the sixteenth-century statesman, scholar, and martyr, Thomas More, whose home by the Thames just outside London was a vibrant center of learning. A man of profound virtue, More sought to instill "piety towards God, charity towards all, and Christian humility" in his children, providing a classical education to all in his household. The great humanist Erasmus famously described More's home as "Plato’s Academy on Christian footing." Canonized in 1935, St. Thomas More's life and writings continue to inspire Chelsea Academy's education.
Motto: Domine ut videam :
The powerful words from the Gospel of St. Luke, “Domine ut videam” (“Lord, that I may see”), are both a prayer and a reminder of education's core purpose: to truly see reality. This involves recognizing, distinguishing, and understanding. As C.S. Lewis noted, "In coming to understand anything we are rejecting the facts as they are for us in favor of the facts as they are." We learn to see. The blind man’s prayer also reminds us that full sight comes from looking to God, where faith in the unseen leads to the gift of true vision. With Domine ut videam as its motto, Chelsea Academy aims to help students see both the earthly and the eternal.
The Cornerstones of a Chelsea Education:
Academics- The Pursuit of Enduring Truth: Chelsea students embark on a lifelong journey of genuine academic exploration, delving into the intricate beauty of God's creation. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for learning, they hone their minds to become eloquent and convincing critical thinkers. They are adept at
articulating their beliefs, always striving for true progress and a deeper, more humble understanding of reality.
Friendship- Bonds Forged in Charity: We believe in the power of enduring, deep, and meaningful friendships that profoundly complement intellectual and spiritual growth. Our students learn to grasp the inherent dignity of every soul, contributing selflessly to their communities and building relationships rooted in genuine charity and mutual respect that truly last.
Adventure: Courageous Exploration: Chelsea inspires students to be trailblazers, ready to conquer the natural world and carry out acts of selfless service. They courageously explore beyond the norm and the comfortable realms of the secularized world, embracing the unknown, new experiences, and challenging opportunities. Fundamentally resolute in their faith and principles, they are always willing to stand for God’s Truth, even in the face of ridicule and “cancel culture.”
Faith- The Living Heart of Our Community: At Chelsea Academy, the Catholic faith isn't merely taught, it's the very air we breathe and the wellspring of our educational mission. We are profoundly rooted in the liberal arts tradition, dedicated to cultivating intellectual vitality and a deep love for Truth, a pursuit inseparable from our conviction that Catholicism is true. Our students incessantly lead by example, inspiring others to embrace the good and acting with unwavering integrity in every walk of life. They stand as resolute, honest, diligent, and courageous virtuous warriors who embody humility and accountability, empowered to impact and shape a world yearning for true meaning and purpose.
A Story of Faith, Learning and Growth:
Chelsea Academy's journey began in 2006, sparked by Mr. Steve Lee and Father Edward Hathaway's shared vision for an independent high school offering a liberal arts and Catholic education. With community interest confirmed, a dedicated board was swiftly formed, leading to the hiring of founding headmaster Mr. Jonathan Brand in 2007. After meticulous preparation and a successful inaugural Gala, Chelsea Academy proudly opened its doors in fall 2008 to thirty-seven students, immediately establishing a rigorous academic program and vibrant extracurricular life, including beloved traditions like the all-school hike and weekly Mass.
Expansion and Enduring Excellence:
Over the next three years, Chelsea expanded to include grades ten through twelve, celebrating its first senior class in 2012. Enrollment grew to ninety students, and programs across academics, athletics, and arts deepened significantly. By 2016, Chelsea served nearly 180 students, continuing its commitment to comprehensive student development. Following Mr. Brand's departure in 2018, Bernardine Clark and Felix Hernandez capably led the school, ensuring Chelsea graduates continued to achieve admission to fine colleges and universities.
The Shenandoah Valley's K-12 Catholic School: A Flourishing Future:
Now in its second decade, Chelsea Academy is charting an exciting course for sustainable growth. A landmark moment came in December 2020: Bishop Michael Burbidge granted us canonical status, a unique distinction as the only K-12 Catholic school in the Arlington Diocese. The arrival of Headmaster John M. DeJak in 2021 sparked ambitious expansion, including K-3 growth, curriculum enhancement, and strengthened fine arts. Crucially, 2022 saw the acquisition of our new, permanent campus, providing vital athletic fields, a gymnasium, and the beautiful St. Thomas More Chapel, a dedicated space for the Blessed Sacrament and enhanced community life. Today, Chelsea thrives with a dedicated team, ready to fulfill our mission for generations.
As the new headmaster, Dr. Diarmuid T. Wheeler approaches Chelsea Academy's future with bold hope and clear purpose, our vision remains committed to a fully integrated Catholic curriculum that shapes the intellect, stirs the imagination, and forms the whole person. We continue to celebrate our teachers, who live the faith joyfully and teach with love. We’re not just educating students, we're igniting futures, inspiring leaders, and shaping souls for a life of truth, purpose, and lasting joy.