The Three Pillars
Intellect
We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas — teaching students not merely what to think, but how to think.
Character
We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice — which we believe are the foundations of true and lasting leadership.
Spirituality
Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and be happy with Him forever in the next.
Who We Are
Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy is a classical high school, grounded in the Catholic faith. We aim to help students recognize the true, imitate the good, and adore the beautiful, falling in love with the source of all three — God himself.
Our purpose is to prepare students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
We believe Sacred Heart is not just about educating students to do something after they graduate, but to become someone great now — a beloved child of God. We help students become fully alive in their faith and develop joy, wisdom, and virtue through our three pillars: Intellect, Character Formation, and Spirituality.
The mission of Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy is to partner with parents to raise a generation of joyful leaders and saints educated in the classical liberal arts tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith.
Sacred Heart recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children. Our faculty, working with parents and continually drawing on the wellspring of faith and reason, seek not only to equip students with the knowledge needed to excel in life, but to nourish them with the love of wisdom and virtue needed to live well.
We provide an integrated, classical, liberal arts curriculum drawing on the great Catholic scholars throughout Church history, the Great Books of Western Civilization, and robust Socratic dialogue — so that students may glorify God in all things.
With Gratitude
We sincerely thank ALL of our donors for making our school possible. In a special way, we thank those who have contributed $10,000 or more to bring Staunton a classical high school joyfully rooted in the Catholic tradition:
$10,000 & Above
Life at Sacred Heart
Our Story
Founded in 2025, Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy is a classical, catholic high school rooted in the Great Books tradition. We are committed to forming students who know what is true, can discern what is good, and love what is beautiful.
As a member of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, we uphold the highest standards of classical formation — preparing students not merely for college, but for a life of virtue, faith, and meaning.
Read Our Full Mission
Wisdom of the Ages
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting…
— Plutarch
Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.
— St. Thomas Aquinas
You can't get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first.
— C.S. Lewis
Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.
— St. Augustine of Hippo
A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.
— G.K. Chesterton
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
— Matthew 6:33
Mark Your Calendar
Students take a much-deserved rest for the whole week. Classes resume Monday, October 12.
Our students will travel to the Sinclair House in Luray for the Classical Union, a non-competitive debating society for classically educated high school students across the region, modeled on the Oxford Union and the Yale Political Union. Students from several schools gather for a day of Parliamentary-style chamber debate on a timeless question from the Great Conversation, complete with a chairman, a gavel, and spirited participation from the audience. It is a chance to put a classical education to work in impromptu oratory while building friendships with like-minded students. No prior debate experience is needed.
Learn About Classical Union →All current 8th graders are invited to spend a day as a high schooler at Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy. Shadowing students will join our classes, Socratic seminars, Latin, and prayer alongside our students and faculty, and see firsthand what life is like at Sacred Heart. Submit an inquiry to reserve a place.
Inquire to Shadow →Meet the Team
Headmaster
Dr. Day devoted 15 years to serving as a professor of political science at Western Illinois University. During that time, he served for four years as Director of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center. He also spent seven years as a teacher and Director of Academics at a classical K–12 school. While there, he helped the school expand from a K–8 into a full K–12 program. He later became the Founding Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Vero Beach, where he successfully helped build and launch one of the Chesterton Academies. Both he and his wife are converts to the Catholic Church and are raising their six children in the Faith. Four of their children are homeschooled, and two will be attending Sacred Heart. Dr. Day and his entire family are excited about being closer to family while helping to grow Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy.
11th and 12th Grade Humanities
Dr. Zvengrowski grew up in the Canadian city of Calgary, where he became intrigued by the history of the American Civil War while attending college as an undergraduate. He received a doctoral degree in American history from the University of Virginia, and he wrote a book about the Civil War: Jefferson Davis, Napoleonic France, and the Nature of Confederate Ideology, 1815–1870 (Louisiana State University Press, 2020). He has also worked as an editor for the Papers of George Washington. He, his wife, and their four children are parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. His hobbies include drawing, gardening, J.R.R. Tolkien lore, and sourdough baking.
9th and 10th grade Humanities
Ms. Zigadlo studied Business Management and English at Christopher Newport University and later earned a Master's in Pastoral Theology from Saint Joseph's College of Maine. She has spent several years in college campus ministry, walking with students in their spiritual and personal growth. She is passionate about helping others fall in love with prayer, the beauty in everyday life, and a willingness to say yes. She has found most of her own formation happened in quiet time spent in Adoration. On a slow day, you will usually find her working on a sewing project, getting lost in an adventure story, or out paddle boarding—preferably somewhere with no shortage of sunshine.
Mathematics and Natural Philosophy
Mr. Wilson is the youngest of eight siblings, many of whom have devoted themselves to teaching and other educational vocations. A recent graduate of Benedictine College, Mr. Wilson earned both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. During his time at Benedictine, he cultivated a wide range of talents and interests, serving as a member of the wrestling team, performing as a violinist in the college orchestra, and leading as Head Mentor of the Sheridan Honors Institute. Outside the classroom, Mr. Wilson enjoys designing intricate replicas of medieval crossbows and other historical weapons using K'NEX, as well as participating in a variety of sports.
Music
Ms. Sarah Wilcox is a music educator, choral director, vocalist, pianist, composer, and arranger with more than a decade of experience in music education and performance. She earned her Bachelor of Music with a concentration in voice from James Madison University and holds Kodály Level I and II certification. Sarah has taught classroom music, piano, voice, choral music, and musical theatre in both school and private settings. Her leadership experience includes directing choral programs at Ambleside School and Oakcrest School, serving as a section leader and soprano at St. Philip Catholic Church, and directing the Resurrection Women’s Choir. She has also maintained a private piano and vocal studio since 2016.
Various Disciplines
At various times we will invite honored guests to give a talk to our students.
Admissions
Every family’s journey begins with a conversation. Here is how a student comes to join our community, from first inquiry to the first day of class.
Tell us about your family and your student. We will reach out to answer your questions and send you more about our school.
Submit an Inquiry →Spend a day in our classrooms. Your student will join Socratic seminars, Latin, and prayer alongside our students and faculty.
Sign up to Shadow →Complete the online application through FACTS, including records from your student’s current school.
Meet with the Headmaster and a Board member so we can come to know your student, and you can come to know our mission.
Families receive an admission decision and may then secure their student’s place by completing enrollment.
December 15
Early application deadline
Applications completed by this date receive first consideration for enrollment and tuition assistance.
After December 15
Applications reviewed as received
We continue to welcome applications while space remains in each class.
Questions about admissions or tuition assistance? Write to us at info@sacredheartstaunton.org.
Join Our Community
Applications are open for the 2026–2027 school year. We invite you to schedule a shadow day and experience classical Catholic education firsthand.
Stay Connected
Stay informed about events, news, and the growth of Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy. We promise to send only what is worthy of your time.