The Purpose of High School

At Chesterton Academy of Orlando, we believe high school is about far more than getting into college. It is about becoming the kind of person who is ready for life—a wise, virtuous, great-souled person.

In a culture that often treats education as a pathway to credentials and careers, we take a broader view. High school should form the whole person—intellectually, morally, and spiritually—so that students can pursue truth, live with virtue, and recognize what is good and beautiful.

That is why our approach is rooted in the Catholic classical tradition. Rather than training students to pass tests or specialize early, we immerse them in a rich liberal arts education that cultivates clear thinking, articulate expression, and a lifelong love of learning.

In short, the goal of high school is not simply success, but formation: to raise young men and women of wisdom, character, and faith, prepared for both college and a meaningful life.

A Different Kind of College Preparation

At Chesterton Academy of Orlando, we take college preparation seriously—but we approach it differently.

Many schools focus on resume-building: AP courses, test prep, and extracurricular stacking. While these have their place, they are not what ultimately prepares students for college. Colleges are looking for students who can think, write, speak, and engage deeply with ideas.

That is exactly what a classical education forms.

Through daily engagement with great books, primary sources, and rich classroom discussion, our students learn to analyze complex texts, craft persuasive arguments, and communicate with clarity and confidence. They are not passive learners, but active participants—asking questions, making connections, and pursuing truth across disciplines.

The result is a graduate who enters college not only prepared, but ready to thrive: able to handle demanding coursework, contribute meaningfully in class, and stand out for intellectual maturity.

For any questions, please contact either:

Dr. Michael De Salvo
Academic Dean
mdesalvo@chestertonorlando.com

Victoria Gomez
Student Success Coordinator
vgomez@chestertonorlando.com

College Counseling

At Chesterton, college counseling is not a separate program—it is woven into the life of the school.

Our faculty are deeply invested in each student’s growth and are readily available to provide guidance throughout the college discernment and application process. This includes help with college selection, essays, applications, resumes, and letters of recommendation, all offered within the context of a school community that knows each student personally.

Students and families are also encouraged to work closely with the Academic Dean for individualized support, including one-on-one meetings to discuss goals, timelines, and next steps.

In addition, all juniors take a required “College Knowledge and CLT Prep” course, which provides structured guidance on the college search and application process while preparing students for standardized testing.

Above all, our approach to college counseling is rooted in discernment. We seek not simply to help students get into college, but to help them choose a path that aligns with their gifts, their goals, and their vocation.

Standardized Tests

Classical Learning Test

Chesterton Academy of Orlando primarily prepares students for the Classical Learning Test (CLT), a rapidly growing alternative to the SAT and ACT that is closely aligned with a classical education.

Unlike traditional standardized tests, the CLT assesses reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics through passages drawn largely from classic literature, philosophy, and historical texts. This makes it a natural fit for Chesterton students, whose daily coursework already cultivates the skills the CLT measures.

Thanks to Florida legislation passed in 2023, CLT scores are now accepted at all Florida public universities—including UCF, UF, FSU, and USF—as well as at many leading Catholic colleges and universities nationwide. CLT scores can also be used to qualify for Bright Futures scholarships and dual enrollment programs.

All Chesterton students take the CLT or CLT 10 once per year, at no additional cost. 

Freshmen and sophomores typically take the CLT 10 in the spring, juniors take the CLT in late spring alongside a required “College Knowledge and CLT Prep” course, and seniors take the CLT in the fall. Students may also choose to sit for additional CLT administrations at their own expense.

For more information or to schedule an additional exam, please contact the front office.

PSAT + SAT + ACT

In addition to the CLT, Chesterton Academy supports students who wish to take the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.

We host the ACT test on campus and provide guidance on registration and timelines for all major standardized tests.

Students also have access to a wide range of high-quality study prep resources—many of them free—and are encouraged to pursue additional preparation as needed.

In keeping with our mission, standardized tests are treated as useful tools—not ultimate goals. Our priority remains the formation of students who can read attentively, think clearly, and communicate effectively—skills that serve them well on any exam, and far beyond it.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarships

Chesterton Academy students are well-positioned to qualify for Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, one of the most significant financial aid opportunities available to Florida families.

Bright Futures awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, standardized test scores, and service hours. Thanks to recent legislation, students may now use Classical Learning Test (CLT) scores to qualify—making this program especially accessible to Chesterton students.

Note: requirements are set by the State of Florida and may change slightly from year to year.

Our rigorous curriculum, emphasis on strong writing and reasoning skills, and commitment to service all align naturally with Bright Futures requirements. As a result, many of our students are able to earn substantial tuition assistance for college while receiving a rich and formative high school education.

For families seeking both excellence and affordability, Bright Futures is an important part of the pathway—and one we are committed to helping our students pursue.

College Credit Opportunities

Franciscan Advantage Program

Through our partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville, students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 college credits for courses they are already taking at Chesterton.

This program does not alter the Chesterton curriculum. Instead, students may opt to take a Franciscan University midterm and final exam aligned with their coursework. Study guides and supplemental materials are provided, and students are supported by their teachers throughout the process.

For families seeking college credit within a faithfully Catholic and academically rigorous framework, the Franciscan Advantage Program offers a unique and valuable opportunity.

See below for more information on the program:

Partnership Scholarships

A growing number of colleges and universities recognize the strength of the Chesterton Academy model and actively seek to enroll our graduates.

As a result, many institutions now offer dedicated scholarships and special opportunities specifically for Chesterton students. These partnerships reflect the high regard colleges have for students formed in the classical tradition—students known for their intellectual maturity, strong writing and communication skills, and a clear sense of purpose.

For families, this means that a Chesterton education not only prepares students well for college, but can also open doors to meaningful financial and academic opportunities.