ACA’s new Chief Academic Officer
May 28, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Deputy Superintendent Colleen Parks, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Francis Fast to the position of Chief Academic Officer with Alberta Classical Academy. Dr. Fast, a native Albertan, has a Master’s degree and a PHd in political philosophy from the University of Dallas, and has an extensive background as both a teacher and educational leader of classical liberal arts education, having most notably designed and taught courses on Plato, Plutarch and Shakespeare as well as a variety of other great texts and contemporary theorists of Classical Education. He is currently completing a posting as Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Newman Theological College, and until recently served as Director and Board Chair of Alberta Classical Academy.
As Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Fast will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of ACA’s classical academic model across the district to ensure student success. Some of his core responsibilities will include professional development, classical curriculum implementation and related academic services, the recruitment and training of classical faculty, research and innovation, as well as assisting in the areas of administrative procedure development, strategic planning and reporting, facility research and development, and various other aspects of the growth and development of the Charter and our schools, in collaboration with the Executive team.
On taking on this exciting opportunity, Dr. Fast had the following comment:
"I'm excited to support the important work being done on the campuses of Alberta Classical Academy as it advances an approach to liberal arts education that is clearly resonating with parents. This is an exciting time of growth for an exciting organization that is seeking to make old things new."
Dr. Fast will be visiting campuses and classrooms through the end of this academic year as he transitions into the position of Chief Academic Officer. I invite you to join us in welcoming Dr. Fast to the Alberta Classical Academy Executive team!
John Picard, Superintendent