Discover Chesterton

Our Model of Education

Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.

The Three Pillars

  • We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas; teaching students not merely what to think but how to think.

  • We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice, which we believe are the foundation of leadership.

  • Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and be happy with Him forever in the next.

 Our Patrons

G.K. Chesterton

The Chesterton Schools Network is named for the great English writer and Catholic convert, G.K. Chesterton (1874- 1936). Chesterton is our school’s patron because he exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude.

Chesterton was considered one of the world’s most outstanding men of letters in the early 20th century. An accomplished essayist, novelist, and poet, he wrote a hundred books on all different subjects. In 1922, he shocked the literary establishment by converting to Catholicism. He was later eulogized by Pope Pius XI as “a gifted defender of the faith,” and there is presently a popular movement to have him canonized. He not only represents the fullness of faith and reason, but also Catholic joy and common sense.

Mater Dei, Mother of God

The name Mater Dei, Mother of God, is one of the highest honors and titles for our Blessed Mother. In Greek, Theotokos means God-bearer, “Mother of the Lord” (Luke 1:43). In 431 AD, at the Council of Ephesus, this first official Marian Dogma was defined. This declared Mary as the Mother of God. From the first moment the thought of opening a Chesterton Academy was put on our hearts, we surrendered the idea to our Blessed Mother.

As we began a 54-day rosary novena, we implored the help and intercession of Our Lady for the success and name of the school. During the novena, she revealed the school should be named in her honor. Entrusting our school to her loving care, we pray she will lead and guide us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, her son. As so many saints have given maximum glory to God through Mary, our prayer is Chesterton of Mater Dei will do the same. With our mascot as her Knights, may we echo her Fiat saying, “Yes!” to God and His Divine Will in our lives.

The Chesterton Schools Network

We are part of the Chesterton Schools Network based in Minneapolis. An apostolate of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, the Chesterton Schools Network aims to inspire and encourage parent-led Catholic schools across the nation. The Network offers consulting services, templates for evaluating interest and operating a school, and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework.

Board of Directors

  • Kevin J. Smith, Chairman

    Kevin J. Smith is a retired Naval Officer with 25 years of service. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations from the Naval Post Graduate School. He has also completed the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program for submarine officers. Kevin retired from the Navy in 2018 and settled in Bend, OR with his family. Kevin has been married to his wife, Amy for 22 years. They have an eleven-year-old son, Kyden.

  • Natasha Rider, Vice-Chairman

    Natasha was born in South Africa and spent her early childhood in Ireland where she was immersed in Catholic faith and culture. She is now a devoted mother of six with a background in classical high school education. Currently homeschooling her children, Natasha is driven by a passion for classical education and moral values. She envisions establishing a classical Catholic school in our community, blending academic excellence with spiritual development.

  • Joseph J. Rider, Treasurer

    Joe, a proud father of six and a practicing Catholic, serves as a dedicated board member and treasurer at Chesterton Academy of Mater Dei. With a financial degree and experience as a successful business owner, he ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainability, supporting the education and growth of our school.

  • Colin P. Roach, Secretary

    Colin Roach and his wife, Lauren, have three young children and live in Bend. They are active parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi where their children attend school. Colin is passionate about Catholic primary and secondary education having attended small Catholic schools from preschool through senior year of high school in Eastern Washington and graduating in a class of 21 students. Continuing on to the University of Notre Dame, he has been educated in Catholic institutions his whole life.

  • Mary Claire Jones, Member-at-Large

    Mary Claire earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters Degree in Deaf Education from the University of Southern California. She taught in both private and public schools, as well as homeschooled her own six children between the ages of 3 and 15. Mary Claire values Chesterton Academy’s model of presenting the truth, goodness and beauty of classical education in the Catholic tradition. She is dedicated to exceptional academic development as well as the vital spiritual and moral formation of students.

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