DISCOVERYourself@St. John Vianney High School

There are plenty of reasons to consider St. John Vianney High School. Here are few reasons you should discover all that Vianney has to offer:

Vianney Is Nationally Recognized for Academics, CurriculumThe Cardinal Newman Society recognized St. John Vianney High School for its academic program by naming it as one of its Top 50 Catholic High Schools in America for Academics. This is a tremendous honor and reflects the commitment Vianney has made to developing real-world curriculum that challenges every student at every level. Further, the Gurian Institute, a national institute that studies brain-based approaches to education and gender differences in learning styles, named Vianney as one of just 10 schools nationwide as a Model School.

Vianney Uses A Focused 4x4 Block Schedule.Students take four classes per semester. This allows for in-depth learning and a greater connection between students and their teachers. It also enables our Griffins to pursue extra credits in math, science or modern language. This gives our graduates a distinct advantage when they enter college.

Vianney Develops Leaders.Vianney develops every student to be a leader. We provide a solid foundation of skills through classes in our curriculum, and offer co-curricular programs that enhance and grow them over four years. Our graduates are confident and communicate effectively. They know how to build relationships - personally, spiritually and professionally.

Vianney Has Tremendous Family Spirit.Vianney’s culture is one of caring, respect and fellowship. Vianney students treat each other with respect and dignity. Faculty and staff care about their profession, and care about their students.

Vianney Is the Right Size.Vianney offers all the opportunities and amenities of traditional large schools, but operates in a small-school atmosphere. As a Griffin, you will be able to get involved and fully participate in your high school experience, without getting lost in the crowd.

Vianney Is Conveniently Located.Vianney is an easy commute from just about anywhere. Our campus spans 37 acres, and is located near th eintersection of Interstate 44 and Lindbergh Blvd. . Our building is bright, comfortable and with modern updates. Nobody gets lost!

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being Vianney’s president is getting to shake each graduate’s hand as he walks across the stage, knowing he has matured from a boy into a fine young man who exemplifies our Catholic, Marianist values.”

- Mr. Mike LoyetVianney President

1977 Graduate

DISCOVERThe 4x4 Block Schedule

4x4Vianney uses an innovative approachwe call the Focused 4x4 Block Schedule. Vianney’s focused 4x4 block schedule is much more than the mere restructuring of time. Learning within the block is a shift in the methodology of education. Vianney started using the 4x4 block in 1997.

In the 4x4 block, a student takes more control of his education by being actively involved in the learning process. The environment fosters better interpersonal relationships, heightened critical thinking, stronger problem-solving skills and allows students time for reflection. The schedule is designed to reduce some of the obstacles that interfere with student achievement, such as insufficient time for in-depth thought, high stress levels and fragmented instruction.

Here are some key points to remember about Vianney’s 4x4 Block Schedule:

• Students take four classes per semester and attend each class every day. Vianney students cover in one semester the same material students at other schools cover in a year.

• Each class is 85 minutes long, allowing time for in-depth discussion and exploration.

• Having four classes per semester means that staying organized is more manageable. Students can balance school, work and co-curricular activities.

• The 4x4 schedule makes it possible for Griffins to earn more than four years of credit in science, math, English, history, fine arts, or modern language. This can lead to more college credit opportunities, and a great transcript for college admissions.

• Teachers have half as many students each semester as at other schools. Because of this, teachers get to know each student better – his strengths, challenges and unique gifts.

• Griffins earn 32 credits in their time at Vianney. This is four more credits than at most schools and among the highest in the Midwest.

Our teachers integrate technology in meaningful ways to accelerate the already powerful learning happening in their classrooms.

Vianney is a Google-powered school that operates in the cloud. This provides collaborative, real-world learning experiences where students can work cooperatively from anywhere they have Internet access, whether with Vianney students or other Marianist schools throughout the world.

Vianney’s students, teachers, and administration employ a variety of digital tools and devices to connect and communicate. Whether through Twitter, Facebook, online grades, blogs, web pages, or e-mail, the Vianney family learns and grows 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Vianney’s Approach to Technology

Check out the insert in the back of the folder for more in-depth information about Technology at Vianney.

DISCOVERThe Leader

Inside you

WE DEVELOPLEADERS.High school should prepare students not just for the academic rigors of college, but for the greater challenges they encounter in life. Vianney’s faculty and staff work with our students in the development of a strong self-concept. This enables our students to grow in a way that makes them comfortable in a variety of situations they will encounter in their personal, professional and spiritual life. Our students learn about building relationships, communicating effectively and acting in a professional manner.

Many schools talk about leadership; Vianney’s program puts it into action. Our systematic approach utilizes classes within the curriculum, along with co-curricular opportunities, to make sure each student not only possesses the skills, but has the chance to develop them. We provide a foundation of leadership from the moment students walk through the door as freshmen. We then create opportunities to foster those skills through programs every step of their high school journey.

DID YOU KNOW? In the last 13 years, Vianney has helped 10 students gain entry into the military service academies. Admission into the service academies is highly competitive and only a select few young people across the nation earn appointments.

We understand that our students will eventually go on to be husbands, fathers and community leaders some day. Our Leadership Program

ensures that our graduates will be more than scientists, broadcasters, engineers, architects, programmers or professional athletes.

Above all else, they will be men of integrity.

AMBASSADORSLeaders at Vianney get the chance to shine as an Ambassador. This group of juniors and seniors represent the school at all major functions on campus, speak at High School Nights and other events and personally give all tours to prospective families at Open House. It provides public speaking opportunities, relationship-building and sets an expectation of professionalism that is unrivaled anywhere.

Vianney puts a strong focus on building a young man’s confidence, and helping him acquire skills to work collaboratively in a team.

The goal of the Freshman Leadership Class is to help our students communicate efficiently, deal with adversity, and develop problem-solving skills. The Freshman Leadership Class sets the foundation for all students to grow and develop through our other programs:

GRIFFIN GUIDESFreshmen and sophomores have the opportunity to be a Griffin Guide, which pairs them up with prospective students on their shadow visit. This fosters relationship building through phone calls from our students to visitors. Students gain experience while developing personal connections.

LINK CREW Vianney puts our freshmen transition process in the hands of our upper-classmen. Juniors and Seniors volunteer to advise, guide and mentor our incoming students. As Link Crew Leaders, they run our orientation program, and continue to meet with their orientation groups for the first semester of school, making sure each student is comfortable and connected.

Leadership Program

UPPER-LEVEL LEADERSHIP CLASS

Our upper-level leadership course builds on the foundation of Freshman leadership with more emphasis placed on proper presentation skills, development of interpersonal skills, developing personal relationships and examining values, standards, and principles.

START HERE

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Faith-FilledMISSION

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As a Marianist school, we invite our students to consider a path to Jesus through Mary, Our Mother. One of our mottos is per matrem ad filium, which means through the Mother to the Son. For most teenagers, this becomes a new way of thinking about their relationship with Christ.

We take to heart Mary’s powerful but gentle example of discipleship. We know that learning flourishes in a caring, family-oriented environment. We believe that if you capture a student’s heart, his mind will follow. Catholic schools share a number of things you would expect in forming a young man’s faith. At Vianney, we exceed those expectations in a number of unique ways that we connect a young man’s faith with his life at school, at home and in the community.

Faith Formation at Vianney• Each day begins and ends with prayer, and we pray at the start of each class period. We

observe the Angelus and pray together as a school before lunch each day. Teams pray together at practice, before games, and participate in team Masses. Our athletic teams go on their own retreats, and perform Christian Service projects with their teammates.

• Our students take four years of Catholic religious studies. Students attend annual retreats all four years and have the opportunity to serve as retreat leaders as upperclassmen.

• Griffins perform 100+ hours of Christian service during their time at Vianney, which includes a two-week social service project as a junior. Our Griffins far exceed our expectations each and every year.

• In order to make service fun and a positive experience, we organize a student-run Special Olympics event on campus as well as a one-day service trip for all freshmen and sophomores to volunteer together around St. Louis.

• Students have the option to attend weekly Mass before school, in addition to monthly all-school Masses. Also, a communion service is available every day during our Encore Period, performed in the middle of the school’s Marianist Lobby.

• Vianney’s Living in Faith Experience (LIFE) organization brings students together for fun and fellowship as they help build community and serve Marianist missions.

“By my sophomore year, I think the concept of service and doing for others really started to click with me. I felt good about it, and it became less of a task and more of something I found myself wanting to do, something I looked forward to doing. Vianney instilled in me a sense of pride in doing for others.”

- Sam Reynolds,2013 Vianney Graduate

DISCOVERVianney’sFamily Spirit

DISCOVERVianney’sFamily Spirit

Be a part of our Vianney FamilyThere is a common thread that traces back through Vianney’s rich history, and that is our Family Spirit.

The warm, welcoming atmosphere is cultivated and ingrained into our culture each year. Being a Griffin means you are part of a family, and that will last a lifetime.

That’s why you hear our alumni say so often, “Once a Griffin, Always a Griffin.”

• Vianney goes to great lengths to make incoming students feel welcome and comfortable. Even before participating in our extensive orientation program, we host many events and opportunities to be on campus, meet students and interact with teachers during the spring and summer before freshman year.

• Through the example of older students, as part of our Link Crew program, Vianney freshmen learn quickly that being a Griffin means being respectful and accepting. It’s our tradition and our culture.

• Vianney’s dedicated “Care Team” of teachers, counselors and administrators identifies boys who may be at risk academically or struggling socially. This enables us to address and resolve problems quickly.

• Family members are encouraged to join us on campus throughout the school year. Grandparents Day, Father-Son Banquet and Mother-Son Mass and Brunch are just a few ways we connect the Vianney Family with your own.

“People often ask me to describe what makes Vianney special. It is the family spirit. I would describe the family spirit as this: whether you are going through your toughest struggle or your greatest triumph, you never do it alone. There is always someone there to support you and lift you up.”

- Coach Kevin Walsh Basketball Coach/History Teacher

Class of 1991

There’s so much to do at Vianney! The campus is humming day and night with events and activities. With a range of co-curricular organizations, there’s something to meet every Griffin’s interest.

If you have a great idea, Vianney encourages you to take it and run with it! Griffins can start new clubs with the help of a faculty adviser. Here are some of our current offerings:

Service and Leadership• Ambassadors• Amnesty International• Eagle Scouts Club• Environmental Club• Lettermen’s Club• Link Crew• Service Club• Student Council • Student Tutors

Faith • Campus Ministry• LIFE (Living in Faith Experience)• Liturgical Choir• Retreat Leaders• Pro-Life Club

Fun and Spirit• Bocce Club• Fishing Club• Tailgaters• Griffin Scramblers• Ping Pong Club

Arts • Art Club• Griffin Theatre• Jazz Band • Pep Band

Communications • Photography Club• The Griffin Newspaper• The Talon Yearbook• Media Club

Achievement• German Honor Society• Spanish Honor Society• National Honor Society• Math Club/Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society

Competition • Chess Team• Mock Trial Team• Future Business Leaders of America• Scholar Bowl

Griffin Athletics

Fall• Cross Country• Football• Soccer• Swimming & Diving

Winter• Basketball• Bowling• Hockey• Racquetball• Wrestling

Spring• Baseball• Golf• Lacrosse• Tennis• Track & Field• Volleyball

GRIFFIN ATHLETIC TEAMS HAVE WON A TOTAL OF

28 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS INSOCCER, BASEBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND HOCKEY

CLUBS Activities&

“Students, parents and faculty universally attest to the family spirit of the school.”

“The 4x4 block schedule is a key contributor to students’ academic success and college preparation.”

- North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (AdvancED)

“Although I haven’t seen some of my fellow graduates in years, when we get together for reunions, it’s like a day has never passed. We have maintained our friendships over the years because of what Vianney gave to each of us.”

- Dan Allgeyer ’03U.S. Secret Service

“St. John Vianney High School is a fine example of a school that is committed to and excelling at educating and developing young men.”

- Kelly KingAssociate Director

Gurian Institute

“Nearly 45 years later, many of my fondest memories are from my years in high school at Vianney. My continuedassociation with Vianney allows me to support the future leadership of our region and our world.”

- Charlie Hoffman ’67Vianney Board member

Dean of the UM-St. LouisSchool of Business

GRIFFINSAPPLE APP DESIGNER: Graduate Brad Rischbieter ’13 designed a successful Apple App while a student at Vianney. The app, a photo frame app, has been wildly popular in France and throughout Europe.

GRIFFINS GO PRO: Vianney has seen a host of graduates go on to play professional athletics. Some names that may be recognizable include graduates Trent Green ’88 (retired NFL QB); Cliff Politte ’93 (retired World Series Champion); and Scott Touzinsky ’00 (U.S. gold medalist in volleyball), among others.

MEN OF SERVICE: Vianney is proud that two of its recent graduates are seminarians (Andrew Auer ’12 and Mike Horn ’08). In addition, Vianney is well represented at the military service academies (Drake Cantu ’13 and Ryan Hale ’11 - West Point; Jose Benitez ’11- U.S. Naval Academy as well as Joe Whitman ’12 - Coast Guard Academy).

MEDIA MEN: Vianney grads are all over the local media scene. Graduates include broadcaster Dan McLaughlin ’92, Post-Dispatch columnist Joe Holleman ’76, local DJ Mark Klose ’71, TV Reporter Mike Colombo ’04, KMOX Producer David Cline ’03, and many others.

Distinguished

HONORSTOP 50: St. John Vianney High School is ranked among the Top 50 Schools in the nation for its academic program, as determined by the Cardinal Newman Society.

MODEL SCHOOL: Vianney was also named just one of 10 schools in the nation to be a Model School, as determined by the Gurian Institute. The Gurian Institute is one of the foremost experts in the study of brain-based research and gender-specific learning styles. Five of Vianney’s faculty members are certified by the Gurian Institute as trainers for other educators in brain-based research and gender-specific learning styles.

CHESS MASTERS: Vianney’s Chess Team captured the school’s second National Championship title in three years.

NATIONAL MERIT: Five of Vianney’s students met the requirements of the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program out of total of 1.5 million program entrants. They were Joseph Lamartina, Jack Lyons, Aaron Reynolds, Zach Roseman, and Anthony Schrader.

St. John Vianney High School

The best way to experience a school and know if it’s a good fit for your son is for him to take a shadow visit. At Vianney, he will attend three classes with a Griffin Guide, take a personalized tour of campus and enjoy a free lunch in the ever-popular Griffins’ Café. Students in 8th grade can visit Vianney starting in September. Seventh graders may visit in the Spring starting in March.

To sign up for a shadow day, visit our Admission page at www.vianney.com. You will find an online calendar of available dates, and an online form to submit your information and reserve your spot. You can also call our office and set up your visit over the phone. We hope you find a date to discover why it’s always a Great Day to be a Griffin!

Shadow Visits

Website

The school website at www.vianney.com/admissions is a wealth of information for prospective families. We encourage grade school students and their parents to visit our website first. From the Admissions page, there are links to all the great aspects of Vianney including the 4x4 Block and technology. You can also schedule a Shadow Visit, apply online, find tuition assistance and scholarship information and see what summer camps we offer. You can also find admissions related news and events to stay current on the process and come check out our campus!

Phone

Admissions Office

Mr. Tom Mulvihill ’04 - Director of Admissions(314) 965-4853 ext. 142 tmulvihill@vianney.com

Meghan Ploesser Emilie BakerAdmissions Admissions(314) 965-4853 ext. 126 (314) 965-4853 ext. 134

We look forward to helping you discover Vianney!

ContactAdmissions

Mr. Tom Mulvihill ’04tmulvihill@vianney.com

Admissions Information

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