Holy Name High School — A Chesterton Academy is scheduled to open in the fall. (Escanaba Daily Press photo)

ESCANABA — Holy Name High School will officially be opening this fall — with a new official name. The high school’s official name will be Holy Name High School-A Chesterton Academy.

Holy Name Catholic School Principal Joe Carlson explained some of the benefits of joining the network of Chesterton Schools — a natiionwide network of high schools.

“Joining the Chesterton Schools Network will afford our students many exciting opportunities to build community with other faithful young adults through pilgrimages, mission trips, and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The network is a well-oiled machine with a proven track record of academic success,” Carlson said.

Carlson noted that the national average ACT score is 21, yet Chesterton Academy’s average is 26.

According to its website, The Chesterton Schools Network is a nationwide network of 30 high schools in the United States, Canada, and Italy (with several additional schools -including HNHS — slated to open in 2021) that offer “joyfully Catholic, classical high schools” in which students enjoy an integrated, content-rich education.

The high school is named for English writer and Catholic convert G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), who, according to ChestertonAcademy.org, exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude. Chesterton was considered one of the world’s most outstanding writers in the early 20th century. An accomplished novelist, essayist and poet, he wrote a hundred books on all different subjects.

Curriculum will not only include literature, mathematics and science, but also four years of philosophy, foreign language, and art, according to school officials.

In addition, Gladstone High School will partner with HNHS to offer students athletics. The high school will also offer its program online for students outside of the Escanaba area.

“The Chesterton Academy provides a solid curriculum that dovetails with the classical liberal arts curriculum in our grade schools,” said Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, John F. Doerfler. “It is exciting to provide a seamless and solid program from elementary through high school to form the students spiritually, intellectually and personally. Fostering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and growing in the Catholic faith is central to our mission.”

Informational sessions being offered throughout the U.P.

To explain the specifics of Holy Name High School-A Chesterton Academy, Holy Name Catholic School will be offering one-hour-long informational sessions (at which masks will be required and social distancing observed) at the following Upper Peninsula Diocesan schools and parishes, which all interested parents and their children are invited to attend:

March 2 at Holy Name Catholic School Multi-purpose room, Escanaba – 7 p.m. EST

March 4 at Holy Spirit Catholic School Gymnasium, Norway – 7 p.m. CST

March 9 at Father Marquette Catholic Academy Gymnasium, Marquette – 7 p.m. EST

March 11 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Basement, L’Anse – 6 p.m. EST

March 14 at St. Joseph Catholic Parish Hall, Sault Ste. Marie, MI – 11:15 a.m. EST

March 16 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School Gymnasium – 7 p.m. EST

March 18 at St. John Paul II Catholic Academy, Menominee – 7 p.m. EST

March 22-Virtual presentation via Zoom.us – 7 p.m. EST- Please e-mail alumni@holynamecrusaders.com for Zoom link.