The Viatorians’ newest school, Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas, hasn’t opened yet but its innovative model
Rendering of Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas, opening fall, 2019.
of education is gaining recognition throughout Southern Nevada. Even as its steel frame began rising from the ground this week, and construction continues toward a 2019 opening date, excitement is rising.
On Wednesday, Cristo Rey St. Viator was profiled as part of the “Raising the Bar” series produced by KNTV Channel 13 in Las Vegas. The station is partnering with parents, educators, business and community leaders to lead the discussion on improving education in Southern Nevada.
The TV segment commended the school for making a Catholic education accessible to lower income students, but it also pointed out its hallmark: “What makes Cristo Rey different is the school puts students to work in real-life situations, with work-study partners paying a portion of students’ tuition,” reporter Bryan Callaghan said.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, right, looks over materials for the new school.
In fact, Cristo Rey’s innovative work study program offers students a platform for workplace learning through being immersed in a professional setting and making life-changing connections. Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, president, and his administrative team like to say: “It really is the school that works.”
Steel beams rise from the ground as the foundation and frame of Cristo Rey St. Viator begin to take shape.
In launching the new school, Viatorians join a network of 32 Cristo Rey schools across the country, making it the largest network of high schools that serve low income students. Cristo Rey St. Viator is one of four new schools in development.
“Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience,” Fr. von Behren says, “students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.”