Capstone Classical Academy celebrated the official dedication of its new permanent campus in southwest Fargo on Saturday, October 25. The event marks a significant milestone for the school, which operated from multiple temporary locations for over two years before students first entered the new building this past January.
The 92,000-square-foot facility, located at 6597 43rd St. So., now serves 298 students from pre-kindergarten through 10th grade. The dedication ceremony included a chapel service, a public reception, and tours of the newly completed campus.
Key Takeaways
- Capstone Classical Academy officially dedicated its new 92,000-square-foot campus in southwest Fargo.
- The school, which opened to students in January, currently enrolls 298 students from pre-K to 10th grade.
- After more than two years in temporary facilities, the permanent building features a completed chapel and library.
- The academy focuses on a classical education model within a Christian worldview and is a member of the Hillsdale College K-12 network.
A Permanent Home After a Long Journey
The dedication ceremony was a culmination of a long-term vision for the school's founders. For more than two years, Capstone's classes were held in various temporary sites across Fargo, a challenge that administrators say required significant perseverance from families and staff.
During the chapel service on Saturday, Headmaster Paul Fisher reflected on the school's origins. He described the initial steps of launching a capital campaign for a building when there were no enrolled students and no donors apart from the founding members themselves.
"By faith, we all told each other, our family and our friends, the story of a school that it could be, although none of us had experienced a day of its existence," Fisher stated during the service.
The new building, which features marble floors and historical sculptures, opened its doors to students in January. However, key facilities like the library and chapel were still under construction at the time. The completion of these final projects was celebrated as part of the formal dedication.
From Vision to Reality
The journey to a permanent campus began with a small group of founders who envisioned a different kind of educational institution for the Fargo community. The initial phase involved operating without a central location, a period that tested the commitment of the school's early supporters before the construction of the permanent facility could begin.
Educational Philosophy and Mission
Capstone Classical Academy operates with a distinct educational model. As a Hillsdale College K–12 member school, it receives curriculum support and professional development through Hillsdale's extensive network. The school's stated mission is to help students acquire wisdom, cultivate virtue, and engage in rigorous academic study from a Christian worldview.
During the dedication, founding board member Luke Robson addressed the school's educational approach. He contrasted it with what he described as a modern focus on workforce preparation.
"The students’ humanity has become secondary to their utility," Robson said, arguing that many contemporary schools prioritize making children productive members of the workforce above all else. He explained that Capstone instead emphasizes what he called transcendental values, such as goodness, truth, and beauty.
Staffing and Student Body
While the academy is founded on a Christian worldview and exclusively hires Christian teachers, Headmaster Fisher has previously noted that the school welcomes students from all faith backgrounds. He emphasized that the classical education model encourages open discussion and the consideration of different viewpoints within the classroom.
Capstone Academy by the Numbers
- Campus Size: 92,000 square feet
- Current Enrollment: 298 students (Pre-K to 10th Grade)
- Maximum Capacity: 560 students (Pre-K to 12th Grade)
- First Graduating Class: Expected in Spring 2028
Future Growth and Community Impact
With its permanent campus now fully operational, Capstone Classical Academy is positioned for future expansion. The current enrollment of 298 students is just over half of the building's maximum capacity of 560 students.
The school plans to add grades incrementally, with its first senior class expected to receive their diplomas in the spring of 2028. This steady growth will allow the institution to build out its high school program and establish its presence in the Fargo educational landscape.
The establishment of a permanent, architecturally distinct campus provides a stable foundation for the school's community and its long-term goals. The dedication event celebrated not just the completion of a building, but the realization of an educational vision that was years in the making.