At Chesterton Academy of Omaha, student life flows naturally from our mission. Through prayer, community, leadership, and joyful traditions, students learn to live their faith daily while building strong friendships and discovering their God-given gifts—both in and beyond the classroom.
House System
The House system at Chesterton Academy of Omaha is rooted in a centuries-old tradition of Christian education, exemplified by the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. Houses create a smaller, meaningful community within the larger school, giving students a place to belong, lead, and grow. Through the House system, students form friendships across grade levels, take ownership of school life, and cultivate virtue through shared responsibility and healthy competition.
Faith & Tradition
The Catholic faith is central to life at Chesterton Academy of Omaha. Each school day begins with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, grounding all learning and activity in worship of God. Theology is taught through Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the teachings of the Church, while faith is intentionally integrated across every subject.
Faith is not confined to the classroom. Students encounter Christ through prayer, sacraments, retreats, pilgrimages, and traditions that shape the culture of the school and invite students into a deeper relationship with Him.
Daily Mass | Weekly opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration | Retreats, Confession, and spiritual formation
Faith integrated into every subject | Chaplains and regular visits from priests and religious
Liturgical Living & Traditions
Chesterton Academy celebrates the liturgical life of the Church throughout the year. Students honor saints on their feast days, learning from the witness of men and women who lived with heroic faith and perseverance. Families often contribute by sharing images, stories, and cultural traditions associated with each saint, making these celebrations rich and communal.
All Souls’ Day Procession
Each year, students and faculty gather with the priests and parish of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for Mass on All Souls’ Day. Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and a Eucharistic Procession leads through the nearby cemetery, where the community prays for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Marian Consecration
Each year, the Chesterton Academy of Omaha community consecrates the school to the Blessed Virgin Mary, entrusting our students, families, and mission to her maternal care and guidance.
Fine Arts & Activities
Participation in the arts and extracurricular activities is an essential part of forming the whole person. Through music, drama, and student clubs, students grow in confidence, creativity, collaboration, and joyful self-expression.
Music & Choral Life
Chesterton Academy of Omaha places a strong emphasis on sacred and choral music. Students regularly participate in performances that align with the liturgical year and the life of the Church.
Lessons and Carols
Originating at King’s College, Cambridge, the Festival of Lessons and Carols is a treasured Advent tradition. Through Scripture readings, sacred music, and prayer, the service tells the story of salvation—from the Fall to the Incarnation and the mission of the Church. This simple yet profound format invites reflection on the deeper meaning of the Christmas season.
Chesterton Academy of Omaha is also honored to serve as a selected choral ensemble for Gaudete, the annual Advent Lessons and Carols presented by the Omaha Chamber Singers at historic Dowd Chapel on the Boys Town campus.
Drama & Theater
Drama is a core part of student life at Chesterton Academy, forming students in confidence, eloquence, and collaboration. All students participate in theatrical productions during their time at the Academy.
A Christmas Carol
Each year, students present the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge, inviting the Omaha community to journey with him through conversion, repentance, and redemption.
Spring Play
The Spring Play features students in grades 9–12 and reflects the Academy’s commitment to dramatic arts as an essential element of classical education.
Clubs & Student Activities
Clubs and activities provide additional opportunities for students to pursue interests, build friendships, and develop leadership skills.
Current offerings include:
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Running Club
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Drama Club
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Archery Club
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Chess Club
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More to come as the school grows
Pilgrimages & Service
Pilgrimage and service are meaningful expressions of the faith lived at Chesterton Academy.
Nebraska Walk for Life
Students join pro-life advocates from across the state for the annual Walk for Life in Lincoln. Many students also participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., traveling with local parishes and youth groups from the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Diocese of Lincoln.
Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to participate in a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, joining students from Chesterton Academies across the country. Students encounter the rich history of the Church, venerate relics of the saints, sing for the Holy Father, and experience firsthand the beauty of the Eternal City. The first pilgrimage is planned for Spring 2026.