July 1, 2026

A new classical Catholic high school in Hampshire County plans to open in the fall of 2027

REGIONAL
Staff report

Board members of Chesterton Academy of Divine Mercy presented to the Catholic Business Association, June 10 in Northampton. (IObserve photo/Nick Morganelli)

SPRINGFIELD – A group of parents and educators have come together to form Chesterton Academy of Divine Mercy, with plans of launching a classical Catholic high school in the Diocese of Springfield in the fall of 2027. The Academy is currently seeking a location in Hampshire County. The Catholic Business Organization of Western MA recently held their June meeting in Northampton at Checkwriters, a payroll and human resources business, to highlight this new classical high school. The guest speakers were Jesse Mayhew, the founding president of the board of directors of Chesterton Academy of Divine Mercy and  Luke Hollwedel, who has been named principal.

“The Chesterton School Network was the perfect model for this kind of enterprise,” said Mayhew. He said the school has been in the works for a few years and explained the Chesterton model.

“One of the things that sets it apart is being grounded in the classics of the western tradition. You read Homer, the Odyssey, the Iliad, working your way through the philosophy and theology. A classical freshman high school curriculum is equivalent to what a college freshman liberal arts major would experience. A second quality is the Socratic Method,” he said.

Chesterton Academy has received permission from Bishop William D. Byrne to identify itself as a Catholic school and has been recognized as an Independent Catholic School within the Diocese of Springfield. The school will become a member of the Chesterton Schools Network, an international network of more than 70 classical Catholic high schools inspired by the life and writings of the famous British writer, Catholic convert, and apologist G.K. Chesterton.

Each school combines a rigorous, liberal arts curriculum with daily Mass, the study of the Great Books, the fine arts, the sciences, athletics, and a vibrant sacramental life. The classical model seeks to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a lifelong love of learning. This will be the second school of its kind in Massachusetts and the fourth in New England.

The board offered Luke Hollwedel the Headmaster position. Hollwedel has been involved with Catholic education, teaching at both St. Mary High School in Westfield and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. He has more than a decade of experience teaching and as a dean.

Francesca Dias, a homeschooling mother of three, is the treasurer. Dias, who said she had a reversion to the faith, has a master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University and has experience in both public and non-profit accounting.

“Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy is a new Catholic, classical high school in Western Massachusetts working to form a new generation of joyful leaders and saints through a rigorous liberal arts education rooted in the truths of the Catholic faith. Inspired by the model of the worldwide Chesterton Schools Network, the school integrates faith, reason, beauty, and virtue across every subject, emphasizing not only academic excellence, but also character formation, community life, and spiritual growth,” said Dias.

“Our mission is to partner with families to build a culture of life in Western Massachusetts by offering students an education centered on truth, goodness, and beauty – one that prepares them to serve Christ, their families, and their communities with wisdom and joy,” she said.

The committee also has the blessing of  Maria Wagner, the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Springfield.

“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm surrounding the development of Chesterton Academy and the commitment of the families who have worked to bring this vision forward. The opening of a new Catholic high school reflects that there continues to be a desire for faith-filled educational opportunities that support both academic excellence and spiritual formation,” said Wagner.

“While the needs and circumstances of individual schools vary from community to community, we remain committed to supporting a variety of Catholic educational models that help families choose the option that best meets their children’s needs. We are very grateful for the dedication of those investing in the future of Catholic education in our diocese,” she said.

Chesterton Academy of Divine Mercy will hold two information sessions: July 9 from 6-7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton and July 16 from 6-7 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Basilica in Chicopee.

To learn, more go to chestertondivinemercy.org