A new Catholic high school is expected to open in the Valley in fall 2027, with its leaders saying their goal is to locate it in Hampshire County.

The Chesterton Academy of the Divine Mercy has not yet selected a location, but Easthampton is the leading contender, followed by Amherst and Northampton, according to Jesse Mayhew, chair of the school’s board of Pioneer Valley residents.

The independent school will join the Chesterton Schools Network, an international organization of about 100 classical Catholic high schools founded in 2014. The network provides a standardized curriculum and helps new schools get started.

Mayhew notes that interest in classical education has grown in recent years, and such educational offerings for high schoolers are lacking in western Massachusetts. “We believe that families in our region — both Catholic and non-Catholic — deserve one,” he said.

“The country is going through a classical education explosion,” he added, noting that even secular classical programs have grown more appealing as dissatisfaction with Common Core standards rises.

The liberal arts curriculum will include daily Mass, fine arts, science, logic, grammar and rhetoric, Mayhew said.

Another ingredient of a classical education is the Socratic method, a form of dialogue-based inquiry intended to stimulate critical thinking and teach students how to articulate their ideas clearly and persuade with grace and truth.

Mayhew said athletics also will play an important role because “the soul is tied to the body.” However, he said the school will not field teams that compete against other schools in the region and would not be a good fit for students hoping to play sports such as lacrosse or hockey in college.

Instead, he said students could have opportunities to row on the Connecticut River, participate in cross-country and potentially compete in sports such as rugby.

During its first few years, the school is expected to operate out of a leased church hall or other church-owned property. Board members are searching for a site near an Interstate 91 exit that would be convenient for families in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, Mayhew said.

The school hopes to enroll 20 students in its first academic year, likely beginning with freshmen and sophomores before adding upper grades as students advance.

Plans for the school have been approved by Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield, which serves western Massachusetts. The school has been recognized as a Catholic school within the diocese, but will operate independently of the diocese.

In addition to Mayhew, the school’s founding members and board of directors are all from western Massachusetts. They include James Roberts-Manning, vice chair and a real estate professional; Francesca Dias, treasurer who is trained as an accountant; Chrissy Curtis, secretary; and Dakota Hebert, a board member and a trained communications expert.

The board offered Luke Hollwedel the headmaster position, according to the Catholic newspaper iObserve.org. Hollwedel has been involved with Catholic education, teaching at both St. Mary High School in Westfield and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. He has more than a decade of experience teaching and as a dean.

Mayhew said the school’s name reflects both its educational philosophy and its Catholic identity.

It is named after G.K. Chesterton, the prolific 20th-century writer and Catholic convert. Mayhew said Chesterton, known for his wit and humor, provides a more approachable model for students than a traditionally austere patron.

The school also is dedicated to the Divine Mercy in recognition of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, a Catholic pilgrimage site.

“We are not simply opening another high school,” Mayhew said. “We are building a community dedicated to forming young men and young women who pursue truth, goodness and beauty, who think clearly, lead courageously, and live their faith with joy.”

Families interested in learning more about the school can visit the high school’s website and join their mailing list.

In the coming months, Chesterton Academy will host informational meetings at parishes and community venues throughout the region. A current list of forthcoming sessions can be found on the Academy’s event page, https://www.chestertondivinemercy.org/events