School opening postponement, provisional accreditation
CABCA Board Member Tim Schmeckpeper (far right) accepts provisional accreditation from Chesterton Schools Network staff, marking an important milestone in CABCA’s commitment to academic excellence and classical education.
Dear Friends,
We are excited to share that, after a thorough review by the Chesterton Schools Network, we have received provisional accreditation and approval to become an active school in the network starting with the 2025–26 school year. This honor — presented to us in June at the network’s annual conference in New Orleans — recognizes that we have met the high standards set for achievement and excellence.
The Chesterton Schools Network is consistently raising its level of excellence. It has earned membership in the National Council for Private School Accreditation and is now a recognized accreditor. This means our school will be positioned to achieve accreditation through both organizations.
Furthermore, the network is aligning with the Cardinal Newman Society, whose Newman Guide highlights the most exemplary Catholic schools in the nation.
Expert guidance
We are pleased to welcome Tim Schmeckpeper, AFSC, to our board of directors. Tim has been advising us throughout the year and will now take a more active role in guiding our development.
Tim brings more than 43 years of educational experience, 34 of which were spent in Catholic education and leadership, having served as interim principal, assistant principal, dean of students, athletic director, activities director, teacher, and coach.
Additionally, Tim brings a special charism to our school. He has been formally honored by the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools — also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers — for extraordinary service to Lasallian education and to the poor. AFSC stands for Affiliation Fratus Scholarum Christianarum, a title bestowed by Rome on a select few in the field of education.
Our New Launch Date: 2026
With Tim’s guidance and our board’s full commitment to the highest standards of Catholic education, we have made the prayerful decision to postpone our official opening to the 2026–27 school year. This additional time will help us build a stronger foundation and allow us to:
Strengthen faculty formation and training
Build a stronger financial standing through fundraising
Develop extracurricular activities for our students
Although we have the green light to open this year, we believe this decision will give our founding students the best possible start — academically, spiritually and socially. We are mindful that we are building a Catholic school to serve teens for many generations to come. That, of course, is truly exciting news.
As we move forward, we are blessed to have the spiritual guidance of Fr. Henry Wertin of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Junction, as well as the full support of Bishop Berg. We are grateful for their encouragement and prayers — and for yours. Every prayer, every donation and every encouraging word is helping us prepare the way for a school that will form not only great students but future saints.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Board of Directors
Chesterton Academy of Blessed Carlo Acutis