Paul Fisher is the Headmaster of Capstone Classical Academy, a new school in Fargo, North Dakota. The school was started by local leaders who wanted to bring a strong Christian education option to their growing community. One board member, a Hillsdale College graduate, introduced the team to classical education, and they were quickly inspired by its focus on truth, beauty, and strong character.
Bringing Classical Education to Life
Capstone Classical Academy is now in its third year. It follows a classical Christian model and is a proud member of the Hillsdale College network. The school has built a beautiful new campus that opened in January 2025. Every part of the design—from marble floors to historical sculptures—is made to reflect what students are learning and inspire a love for wisdom and learning.
Leading with Purpose
Fisher leads through challenges many new schools face, like finding the right teachers and managing fast growth. He knows how important it is to build a strong culture before anything else. Instead of growing too fast, Capstone stays focused on doing things the right way. That includes saying “no” to requests that don’t match their mission—even when it’s hard.
Staying True to the Mission
Fisher believes schools must stay true to their original vision. He compares schools to restaurants: some try to serve everything but end up not doing anything well. At Capstone, the focus is clear. They offer a focused, high-quality education—even if it means not having every program some families ask for. This helps protect the school’s identity and strengthens it over time.
A Smarter Way to Fundraise
Fisher also has a fresh take on fundraising. Instead of asking for money just to fill budget gaps, Capstone raises money to make the school better in ways that matter. He encourages school leaders to build real relationships with donors and to understand what those donors care about. When people believe in your mission, they are more likely to support it.
Culture Comes First
While the new campus is exciting, Fisher says the best part of Capstone’s success is its strong school culture. Teachers are excited to collaborate. Students are curious, joyful, and kind. Families support the vision. That’s the foundation Fisher is most proud of.
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