GRACE’s 2024-27 strategic plan has been established. It outlines our goals and priorities for ongoing work within our key focus areas of Faith, Academics, Vitality, and Experience. We strive to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future while building academic excellence and life skills and growing in our Catholic faith!
Category: General
St. John Paul Classical School Video
Classical education always seeks what is good, true, and beautiful, recognizing that God is truly at the center of everything. St. John Paul II Classical School recognizes that as humans, we are part of the great story of which God is the ultimate author. Our curriculum therefore reflects this fact, and our staff joyfully helps to deliver this to our students. The teaching method employed is one that the Church has used and perfected through the ages, all geared toward bringing our students to sainthood.
At Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School , we embrace our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. In this way, we heed Christ’s call to have our fullest life in Him. This intentional joy for life and learning is imbued in our classical curriculum with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
Chesterton Academy Joins Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School is proud to announce its official membership in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). This milestone marks a significant step in the growth and development of the Academy, enhancing the student experience through expanded athletic opportunities.
Gaining membership into the WIAA is a pivotal achievement that elevates the value of extracurricular activities at Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School (JPII). With this membership, Chesterton Academy of JPII will be able to compete against other WIAA member schools, participate in Wisconsin state tournaments (starting in the 2027-2028 school year), and offer a broader range of sports for students. The first WIAA season will kick off during the 2024-2025 winter season with boys and girls basketball.
“The student experience is enhanced by the opportunity to compete against other member high schools in the Green Bay area and across the state of Wisconsin,” said Matt Riebe, GRACE Director of Athletics and Activities. “The purpose behind growing athletics at Chesterton Academy is to elevate the student experience. We want to create something that the students, families, and staff can be proud of, while aligning with the classical tradition of the Academy. Our goal is to encourage students to use their God-given talents while cultivating leadership skills and personal discipline.”
Headmaster, Patrick McKeown stated, “Joining a system of excellence like WIAA has been a goal of ours and we are humbled and excited to be on that journey of full membership in the future.”
GRACE President, Kimberly Desotell, added, “Through our participation in the WIAA, Chesterton Academy of JPII greatly enriches the experiences and competitive opportunities for our athletes. We believe that organized sports offer students unique chances to explore their strengths, cultivate their God-given talents, and gain deeper insights into themselves.”
This achievement is not just a victory for the high school but also presents new opportunities for growth within the middle school programs at St. John Paul II Classical School. These programs will be developed to feed into the Chesterton Academy high school teams, fostering a strong foundation for athletic excellence from an early age.
The decision to join the WIAA reflects GRACE’s mission of “building academic excellence and life skills while growing in our Catholic faith.” The continued growth of Chesterton Academy of JPII strengthens not only the St. John Paul II Classical School community but also the broader GRACE system.
FAQs
What sports will Chesterton Academy play in the WIAA?
- Boys & Girls Cross Country (Fall) – Starting in Fall 2025
- Boys & Girls Basketball (Winter) – Starting Winter 2024-2025
- Boys & Girls Track & Field (Spring) – Starting Spring 2025
Not Competing in the WIAA:
- Boys & Girls Golf – Intramural program in Spring 2025
When will Chesterton Academy of JPII start its first WIAA season?
- The first WIAA season will begin during the 2024-2025 winter season with boys and girls basketball.
What is the process of becoming a full WIAA member?
Chesterton Academy will start a three-year probationary period beginning in the 2024-2025 winter season, concluding at the end of the 2027 fall season. Upon successful completion, the high school will be eligible for full WIAA membership.
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
2024-2025 Annual Appeal
Keep the Momentum Going
The 2024-2025 GRACE Annual Appeal is in full swing!
Your gifts provide vital support to the more than 2,400 students enrolled in our schools. With your help, we can continue to provide an education that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. Donations can be sent to the GRACE Development Office at 1822 Riverside Dr., Green Bay, WI 54301, or made online at gracesystem.org/giving/donate-now.
Thank you for helping us build a brighter future!
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
Walk for Virtues 2024
On September 27, 2024, St. John Paul II Classical School and Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II had their annual Walk for Virtues. The day consists of All-school Mass, a Eucharistic procession around the neighborhood, and field games hosted by the houses of Chesterton Academy.
The day fell on the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, patron saint of volunteers. A special note of gratitude for our Site Advisory Council for all the behind the scenes work they put in to make this beautiful tradition come alive every school year. We especially thank Fr. Ryan Kreuger for celebrating Mass with us and offering up his time. Lastly, thank you to everyone who donated and volunteered for the Walk for Virtues! This year we raised $5,197. The website will stay open until Friday, October 4. If you know of anyone who would still like to make a donation, please let them know! Thank you for supporting our school!
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
Appointment of Nate Tackaberry as Executive Director of Advancement
GRACE (Green Bay Area Catholic Education) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nate Tackaberry as the new Executive Director of Advancement, starting October 7, 2024. Nate brings over 15 years of experience in leadership, development, and relationship cultivation, including a successful career in non-profit fundraising and marketing. In his new role, Mr. Tackaberry will lead advancement efforts for GRACE, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing donor engagement, and driving long-term financial sustainability for the system and its nine Catholic schools focusing on our highest priorities and needs.
Most recently, Mr. Tackaberry served as Regional Philanthropy Officer for the American Red Cross. His extensive experience also includes five years at St. Norbert College as Development Officer. Nate’s leadership extends beyond fundraising; he has demonstrated a commitment to the GRACE community through roles such as serving on the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Advisory Council. His combination of passion for Catholic education, professional experience, and dedication to mission-driven work will be invaluable in his new role at GRACE.
In addition to his development expertise, Mr. Tackaberry holds an MBA from the Schneider School of Business and Economics at St. Norbert College, which he completed in May of 2024. He is also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish. Nate and his wife, Katy, have two children who attend GRACE schools, underscoring his deep commitment to the GRACE mission.
“We are excited to welcome Nate to our leadership team,” said Kim Desotell, President of GRACE. “His extensive experience in development, leadership, and building community partnerships will be a tremendous asset to our mission at GRACE. With his passion and expertise, I am confident that Nate will help us reach new milestones and expand opportunities for those we are privileged to serve.”
“I’m elated to be joining GRACE in this role,” said Mr. Tackaberry. “Not only due to the privilege of working with this remarkable team, but also the blessing to support such a meaningful and important organization. I very much look forward to our work ahead, along with the opportunity to meet and converse with many GRACE stakeholders in the near future.”
In his new capacity, Mr. Tackaberry will be responsible for leading strategic fundraising initiatives, building key donor relationships, and supporting the long-term vision of GRACE as a leading system of Catholic education in the state of Wisconsin. The timing of this aligns with the upcoming retirement of our longstanding GRACE Director of Development, Lisa Niemuth, who will be stepping into planned retirement on January 3, 2025.
Please join us in welcoming Nate Tackaberry to GRACE as we look forward to his leadership in advancing our mission of providing high-quality and faith-filled education to our students and families.
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
October Shadow Days for Chesterton Academy
Reserve your spot for a shadow day today! Call us at (920) 617-9542 to sign up or email us.
- October 3
- October 10
- October 17
- October 24
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
September Shadow Days for Chesterton Academy
Reserve your spot for a shadow day today! Call us at (920) 617-9542 to sign up or email us.
- September 10
- September 12
- September 18
- September 19
- September 23
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
New Art Teacher
Please join us in welcoming our new art teacher at Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School, Mr. Nathan Brandner!
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
New History Teacher
Please join us in welcoming our new history teacher at Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School, Mr. Matt Nurczyk!
St. John Paul II Catholic School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic schools serving Preschool and Elementary through high school, adding one grade per year. They have with open enrollment and provide an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
