The In-Person vs. Online Learning Experience at Chesterton Academy of St. Isidore
At Chesterton Academy of St. Isidore, students have the option to engage in their classical Catholic education through two different learning experiences:
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2-Day In-Person Learning – A structured, immersive educational experience that includes live hybrid lessons, Socratic seminars, and a full-day schedule with liturgical and elective components.
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1-Day Online Learning – A flexible model that provides access to live hybrid lessons while allowing students to engage with their coursework independently.
Both models are grounded in our mission to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a love of truth through a joyfully Catholic, classical education. However, the in-person experience offers additional opportunities for discussion, peer collaboration, and direct mentorship with teachers.
In-Person Learning (2 Days Per Week: Tuesday & Thursday)
Students who choose the in-person option attend classes twice a week at our school campus. These full-day sessions allow for deeper engagement in the curriculum, peer discussions, and faith formation.
How It Works:
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Grade 9 & 11 Students:
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Tuesday: Attend the live hybrid lesson alongside their online classmates.
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Thursday: Participate in an in-person Socratic seminar for deeper discussion and analysis of course materials.
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Grade 10 & 12 Students:
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Tuesday: Participate in an in-person Socratic seminar to analyze and engage with course materials.
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Thursday: Attend the live hybrid lesson alongside their online classmates.
Full-Day Structure for In-Person Students (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM MT)
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8:30 – 8:40 AM: Attendance & Announcements
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8:40 – 9:25 AM: Liturgy in the Chapel
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9:25 – 9:40 AM: Movement Break
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9:45 – 10:45 AM: Block 1 – Academic Lesson
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10:50 – 11:50 AM: Block 2 – Academic Lesson
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11:50 – 12:25 PM: Lunch & Fellowship
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12:25 – 1:25 PM: Block 3 – Academic Lesson
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1:30 – 2:30 PM: Block 4 – Academic Lesson
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2:35 – 3:30 PM: Electives (e.g., Sacred Music, Debate, Dance, Drama)
In addition to their in-person sessions, students continue their independent study, assignments, and online discussions through Canvas on the days they are not on campus. They also have access to their teachers throughout the week for assistance via email, chat, and Google Meet, ensuring they receive the support they need outside of structured class time.
This combination of in-person instruction and online flexibility provides students with a well-rounded learning experience that fosters both independence and collaboration.
Online Learning (1 Day Per Week: Tuesday OR Thursday)
Online students participate in one live hybrid lesson per week, depending on their grade level. These live lessons allow them to engage with teachers and classmates in real time while completing the rest of their coursework independently.
How It Works:
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Grade 9 & 11 Students: Attend their live hybrid lesson on Tuesday.
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Grade 10 & 12 Students: Attend their live hybrid lesson on Thursday.
Online Student Schedule:
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One-Hour Live Lesson (Grade-Specific Day)
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Additional 6+ Hours Per Course Per Week (Independent study, assignments, and online discussions through Canvas)
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Access to Teachers Throughout the Week via email, chat, and Google Meet
Online students receive the same rigorous instruction as their in-person peers but work through their studies independently outside of the live lesson. All live lessons are recorded for students who are unable to attend in real time.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Family
Both the 2-day in-person and 1-day online models provide students with a robust, Catholic, classical education.
Students within driving distance of Sherwood Park are encouraged to choose the in-person option, as it offers a structured, interactive environment with direct engagement from teachers and peers. The in-person experience provides the added formation of liturgy each morning, elective activities, and extra Socratic seminars, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth in a vibrant community setting.
The online option is best suited for students who live further away and require remote access to their education. Online students participate in the same synchronous learning model as their in-person peers, engaging in live hybrid lessons and discussions. They also have access to teachers for ongoing support via email, chat, and Google Meet, ensuring they remain fully connected to the Chesterton Academy learning experience.
Regardless of the option chosen, all students graduate with an Alberta Diploma and a Chesterton Academy Certificate (provided they meet the required coursework).
For more details, please see the Chesterton Academy Schedule below or contact our office.