WARWICK— Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope is celebrating a major national achievement as the Chesterton Schools Network was awarded the 2025 Yass Prize, including the $1 million grand prize, at the Power of Innovation Summit. Often described as the “Pulitzer Prize of Education Innovation,” the Yass Prize honors the most impactful and scalable models transforming K–12 education across the United States.
Selected from a field of 23 national finalists, the Chesterton Schools Network was recognized for its parent-powered model that enables communities to launch joyful, rigorous, and affordable classical high schools rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness. The network now includes more than 70 schools nationwide.
“This award supports what our families see every day,” said Dr. Robert Duffy, Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. “The most practical education is one that forms young men and women to be able to live out the fullness of their humanity in Christ. Our students are challenged to think deeply, speak clearly, pursue virtue, and live joyfully.”
Founded by parents and supported by the Diocese of Providence, Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope offers a content-rich, technology-free classical curriculum that emphasizes the liberal arts, Socratic discussion, daily prayer, and strong character formation — all at a tuition level accessible to families.
Michael Casey, Founder and President of the Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the award for the local school community.
“Our school exists because families here in Rhode Island believed their children deserved an education this beautiful,” Casey said. “This national recognition validates the sacrifices, vision, and commitment of our families, faculty, donors, and students.”
The Yass Prize celebrates organizations that embody four key principles — Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) — all of which the Chesterton Schools Network exemplifies. The award highlights that a Chesterton school achieves strong academic outcomes in a vibrant school culture rooted in joy and purpose.
Janine Yass, co-founder of the Yass Prize, praised the network’s mission, stating, “Chesterton’s work reminds us why we do this — to champion entrepreneurs who bring joy, purpose, and excellence back to education.”
For families in Rhode Island, this recognition underscores that Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope is part of one of the most successful and rapidly growing education movements in the country — right here in Warwick.
Please visit www.ChestertonRI.org for more information.
