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 Patron

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.

The Chesterton Schools Network

Chesterton Academy of the Rogue Valley is 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

  • Dr. Earl Parrish, President

    Earl Parrish, MD, MPS, MT, is a retired surgeon and has been a resident of the Rogue Valley since 1972. He is passionate about our Catholic faith and Catholic education at all levels. Since retiring he has completed a master’s degree in pastoral studies and in 2022 earned a Master of Theology. He and his wife, Rosemary are also active supporters of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Medford. Earl is excited to be a part of our Chesterton Academy that focuses on providing a liberal Catholic education. Our valley needs this joyful educational environment to mold the next generation of great Catholic men and women, both lay and religious.

  • Lisa Bock, Vice President

    Lisa Bock has been a home school teacher for the past 23 years. She has four wonderful children and an incredibly supportive husband, Chuck. A native of Southern Oregon, she graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Pharmacy. She started the Sacred Heart Home School Co-op and has taught high school Biology and Chemistry courses and currently is the Co-op’s Brain Bowl coach. Additionally, she works as a part-time pharmacist at Asante/Rogue Regional Medical Center. Lisa truly believes in authentic, joyful Catholic education and is dedicated to help create this opportunity for students in Southern Oregon

  • Mitchell Fessler, Secretary

    Mitch Fessler will be serving as Secretary and Founding Board Member for G.K. Chesterton of the Rogue Valley. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Western Oregon University and his M.A.T. from the University of Portland. Mitch previously served on the boards for Hope Pregnancy Clinic, the Oregon Association of Nurserymen Foundation, and most recently on the S.A.C. Committee for St. Francis Catholic School. Mitch is also a member of the Rogue River Knights of Columbus. His passion for Catholic education is witnessed by his numerous years teaching in Catholic schools throughout the Willamette Valley. He values instilling leadership, integrity, and work ethic into his students through a faith-filled foundation. Desiring to share his love of Catholic learning, Mitch is honored to serve our community with such a worthy mission. He and his wife Jamie Lee, have four children, all of whom will be in Catholic education this next school year. Their eldest, Breanna, is proud to be a part of the pioneer class of G.K. Chesterton of the Rogue Valley this coming fall.

  • Jon Bates, Executive Director/Headmaster

    Jon Bates and family relocated to southern Oregon after a career in the military. Culminating as a Chief Warrant Officer Five in the United States Army, Jon has served in diverse assignments at increasing levels of responsibility. He holds a BA in History and MBA in Project Management. Jon and his wife, Christine—also an Army veteran and native of Medford, homeschooled their four children in response to the unpredictable nature of the military assignments process. Jon currently works as a project manager for Kolbe Academy—an authentically Catholic, online classical school. With growing demand but limited options for an authentic Catholic secondary education in southern Oregon, Jon is excited to provide a joy-filled education & experience to families in the Rogue Valley.

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