Drexel High School’s Next Step in Strengthening Our Mission

 January, 2026

A Joyful Path Forward for Drexel

Dear Drexel High School Friends and Families,

We’re excited to share some important news about Drexel’s future. The Board of Directors has been prayerfully reflecting on how best to strengthen our mission, enrich our academic life, and ensure long-term sustainability for our school community. After thoughtful discussion, the Board has voted to begin exploring affiliation with the Chesterton Schools Network, with the hope of becoming a Chesterton Academy.

We want to emphasize that we are still in the fact-finding stage of this process and have not yet signed a contract with Chesterton. Our focus right now is to learn as much as possible and discern carefully whether this partnership is the right next step for Drexel. That said, we are hopeful that, if the process continues, we might begin implementing key elements of the Chesterton identity in time for the next school year.

Chesterton Academy schools are known for their joyful Catholic culture, integrated classical curriculum, and dedication to forming the whole person—mind, body, and soul.

The Board believes this partnership could help Drexel flourish by providing:

·         Greater sustainability and identity in a competitive educational landscape.

·         A proven classical curriculum that has served Chesterton schools in the US and beyond.

·         Professional support in admissions, marketing, and fundraising.

·         A strong and respected brand that encourages steady, healthy growth.

·         Providing professional development, leadership and support for our faculty and staff.

·         A clear path towards accreditation with the NAPCIS, the national accrediting and support body for private and independent Catholic schools, focused on strong Catholic identity and solid academics.

We recommend that you visit Chesterton Schools Network website, with particular focus on the About and Curriculum sections, and encourage you to read and watch carefully. You will find a lot of substance around the mission, philosophy, and structure that define Chesterton schools and how they could enrich Drexel.

As always, we welcome your questions and feedback. Several Board members will attend a fact-finding conference in February with the Chesterton Schools Network and will have more updates to share afterward.

Thank you for your trust, prayers, and partnership as we continue our mission of forming joyful, faithful young men and women who love truth, goodness, and beauty.

Saint Katharine Drexel, pray for us!

In Christ,

Fredrik Akerblom

Chair, Board of Directors

Drexel High School

P.S. You’re warmly encouraged to contact us at info@drexelhigh.org with any questions.