CAVB Welcomes Dr. Jonathan Day!
Dear Vero Beach Community,
I am truly honored to join you as the founding headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Vero Beach. Thirteen years ago, my wife and I joined the Catholic Church, and since then, we have been joyfully raising our six children, ages 5 to 15. We eagerly anticipate becoming part of your vibrant Catholic community in Vero Beach, Florida!
For the last 15 years, I have been a professor of political science at Western Illinois University. During that time, I served four years as the Director for the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center on campus, followed by seven years as a teacher and the Director of Academics for a classical K-12 School. While at the classical school, I helped to expand the school from a K-8 into a K-12 as they added one grade level per year. God has blessed me through these experiences to be prepared to take on the task of helping to establish a new Classical High School in the Catholic Tradition in Vero Beach.
I am excited to collaborate with our School Board, families, and community members to build a school that will glorify God and be used by Him to bring light into the world. As a father of six, I know how precious our children are and that they deserve the best education we can possibly give them. I strongly believe that a classical education in the Catholic tradition is the best way to educate our children. The classical model focuses on educating the whole child by framing our thoughts and our world through truth, beauty, and goodness. Our Catholic faith as foundation creates a unique educational experience that forms both the mind and the spirit. This school is not meant to take away from the parents’ responsibility of educating their children, but to serve and assist them in the process.
As a teacher in the classical model for the last seven years and watching students progress through and graduate from a classical school, I have witnessed how a classical education transforms a child into a mature and virtuous person ready to take on the world. I am excited to bring this model of education to Vero Beach.
It will take time and effort and everyone working together for His glory. But not only will we see the results of our labor in due time, but we also know they will reap eternal rewards.
May God bless Chesterton Academy of Vero Beach, the community in Vero Beach, and indeed, the entire world.
In Christ,
