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Chesterton Academy Joins Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Gaining membership into the WIAA is a pivotal achievement that elevates the value of extracurricular activities at Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School (JPII). With this membership, Chesterton Academy of JPII will be able to compete against other WIAA member schools, participate in Wisconsin state tournaments (starting in the 2027-2028 school year), and offer a broader range of sports for students. The first WIAA season will kick off during the 2024-2025 winter season with boys and girls basketball.

“The student experience is enhanced by the opportunity to compete against other member high schools in the Green Bay area and across the state of Wisconsin,” said Matt Riebe, GRACE Director of Athletics and Activities. “The purpose behind growing athletics at Chesterton Academy is to elevate the student experience. We want to create something that the students, families, and staff can be proud of, while aligning with the classical tradition of the Academy. Our goal is to encourage students to use their God-given talents while cultivating leadership skills and personal discipline.”

Headmaster, Patrick McKeown stated, “Joining a system of excellence like WIAA has been a goal of ours and we are humbled and excited to be on that journey of full membership in the future.”  

GRACE President, Kimberly Desotell, added, “Through our participation in the WIAA, Chesterton Academy of JPII greatly enriches the experiences and competitive opportunities for our athletes. We believe that organized sports offer students unique chances to explore their strengths, cultivate their God-given talents, and gain deeper insights into themselves.”

This achievement is not just a victory for the high school but also presents new opportunities for growth within the middle school programs at St. John Paul II Classical School. These programs will be developed to feed into the Chesterton Academy high school teams, fostering a strong foundation for athletic excellence from an early age.

The decision to join the WIAA reflects GRACE’s mission of “building academic excellence and life skills while growing in our Catholic faith.” The continued growth of Chesterton Academy of JPII strengthens not only the St. John Paul II Classical School community but also the broader GRACE system.

FAQs

What sports will Chesterton Academy play in the WIAA?

  • Boys & Girls Cross Country (Fall) – Starting in Fall 2025
  • Boys & Girls Basketball (Winter) – Starting Winter 2024-2025
  • Boys & Girls Track & Field (Spring) – Starting Spring 2025

Not Competing in the WIAA:

  • Boys & Girls Golf – Intramural program in Spring 2025

When will Chesterton Academy of JPII start its first WIAA season?

  • The first WIAA season will begin during the 2024-2025 winter season with boys and girls basketball.

What is the process of becoming a full WIAA member?

Chesterton Academy will start a three-year probationary period beginning in the 2024-2025 winter season, concluding at the end of the 2027 fall season. Upon successful completion, the high school will be eligible for full WIAA membership.


The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.