We Won!
We are so thrilled to announce that the Chesterton Schools Network (CSN) has won the 2025 $1 million YASS Prize!
Described as “the Pulitzer Prize of education innovation,” the YASS Prize is devoted to identifying and elevating the next generation of education changemakers. CSN was chosen out of 23 contenders and 1,000 applicants because of “its extraordinary ability to empower families, its rapid expansion to more than 70 schools currently, and its proven model for restoring deep thinking, character formation, and joy to the high school experience” according to the YASS Prize press release. The announcement was made during the Power of Innovation Summit Dec. 4, 2025 in Washington D.C., where CSN Executive Director Emily de Rotstein traveled to receive the $1 million check on behalf of CSN after first having traveled to Miami, FL to pitch why CSN deserved the prize.
Powered by the Center for Education Reform, the prize went to CSN because it embodied all four STOP principles at once: sustainable, allowing parents to open affordable, high-quality classical high schools in education-freedom states; transformational, restoring joy, deep thinking, and character formation through a content-rich, tech-free environment; outstanding, producing remarkable academic, social, and spiritual outcomes for students nationwide; and permissionless, enabling families to found accredited schools in as little as 18 months.
According to the Center, “Chesterton proves that when parents are trusted and equipped, exceptional schools can flourish anywhere.”
And Co-Founder Janine Yass couldn’t agree more.
“Across the country, we continue to meet extraordinary educators creating opportunities that families desperately need,” she said. “Chesterton’s work reminds us why we do this – to champion entrepreneurs who bring joy, purpose, and excellence back to education.”
This national recognition is a victory for every Chesterton school and the parent founders who worked tirelessly to bring these academies to life in their towns and cities with the vital support of CSN. We thank the courage, fortitude and vision of the first founders, Dale Ahlquist and Tom Bengtson, and we thank Mrs. de Rotstein and the CSN Executive Team for their amazing work and support of each member school.
We ask you to share the good news and let families know that enrollment for the 26-27 Academic year at Chesterton Academy of St. Padre Pio is NOW open!