The Chesterton Academy of the Immaculate Conception, a proposed Catholic High School in Turlock that plans to provide a classic curriculum, will begin registration for the 2026-27 school year on Oct. 1.

The academy will enroll freshmen and sophomores for its initial school year, with its first graduating class slated to be in 2029.

The school will operate within the parish hall — which features five 20-foot by 18-foot classrooms and a production stage — at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd.

“There is an online system for registration,” said Rev. Larry Machado, pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption and a Chesterton Academy board member who will also serve as campus chaplain. “They can go to our website, which is ChestertonIC.org, and then follow the instructions once there. It’s straightforward.”

Machado said the academy is anticipating more than 20 students for its first term. The number of students will determine how many sections of each subject will be offered, and how many instructors will be needed.

“We might be surprised, though,” said Machado. “We think this will appeal to a lot of families.”

Chesterton will offer courses in the humanities (literature, history, philosophy, theology, Latin, modern language), math, science, and fine arts (art, drama, music). Additional courses in physical education, health and capstone also are included in the curriculum.

Tuition for the first year will be $7,500, and though subjects will be taught through a "Catholic lens,” according to Machado, the school is not exclusive to members of the Catholic faith.

“All this was essentially grass roots,” said Machado. “I was on the receiving end of parents desiring another educational option here in Turlock for their children. They had middle-schoolers and younger children who will eventually be in high school, and were just exploring other education options for their children. Is this possible? Is this feasible? Is this something that a larger group of people would be interested in supporting? I think a lot of parents are asking a lot of questions about education and how they can provide their children with the best education possible.”

The Chesterton Academy is named for Englishman G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), a 20th century author and philosopher who converted to Catholicism in 1922.

Machado said he expects next year’s freshman class to outpace the sophomore class since next year’s sophomores already are enrolled in an area high school.

“The Chesterton curriculum meets and exceeds California state requirements,” said Machado. “It’s different, it’s solid, it’s a classical education, and that includes being grounded in philosophy, the humanities, and the arts in building character, building virtue, a solid spiritual foundation — all things that will help these kids to be future leaders.

“Also, I think a strong component of this is critical thinking, and how students engage primary texts — whether they are ancient Greek and Roman texts, whether they’re Medieval texts, whether they are from the modern or contemporary period — and really grapple with ideas and think about these values that cross cultures and time periods and looking at what remains true for us today.”