St. Viator School: A Las Vegas Catholic School Pioneering Inclusive Education
In Las Vegas, Nevada, St. Viator Parish School stands out as a unique Catholic institution committed to fully integrating students with disabilities alongside their peers. This approach, embodied in the school’s Micah 6:8 program, isn’t merely an aspiration but a core tenet of its educational philosophy.
A History of Inclusion
The Micah 6:8 program, inspired by the Old Testament verse to “act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly,” began over 13 years ago. It started with a first-grade teacher, Angela Sligar, and a student named Luke, who had Down syndrome. Sligar, with a background in special education, welcomed Luke into her classroom, supported by dedicated aides. This initial success sparked a commitment to inclusive education at St. Viator.
Micah 6:8: Integrated Learning
St. Viator Parish School, accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA), currently serves approximately 400 students in preschool through eighth grade.1 Fifteen students participate in the Micah 6:8 program. The program provides dedicated support and adapted courses to ensure students with emotional, intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities can fully participate in class discussions, physical education, and extracurricular activities like cheerleading and altar service.1
Benefits of Inclusive Education
Principal Katie Kiss emphasizes the benefits of this inclusive model for all students. She notes that students with disabilities thrive in a social environment, developing confidence and making greater academic progress when not isolated in separate classrooms.2 typically developing students learn empathy, understanding, and acceptance from an early age.
Financial Support and Commitment
Tuition at St. Viator ranges from $7,616 to $12,241 annually, depending on church membership.3 However, families participating in the Micah 6:8 program do not pay any additional fees. Educating a student with special needs can cost up to $50,000 more than a typical student, primarily due to the necessitate for ten dedicated special education aides.2
The school funds the program through annual galas, grants, individual donations, sponsorships from the Viatorian community, a charity talent show, and weekly ice cream sales. St. Viator also receives an annual allocation from a Mass held for the program.2
Archdiocese Support and Future Growth
While Las Vegas parishes generally do not subsidize their schools, St. Viator allocates funds raised at a Mass to the Micah 6:8 program.2 Other schools within the Archdiocese of Las Vegas refer students with significant needs to St. Viator, prioritizing their registration.2
The school is open to expanding the Micah 6:8 program with additional funding. Principal Kiss encourages applications, believing that even a minor group of students can generate understanding and enthusiasm for the program’s mission.
Contact Information
St. Viator Parish School is located at 4246 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119. You can reach them by phone at (702) 732-4477 or via email at tdrews@stviatorschool.org.2
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