Inclusive Education Program - De Smet Jesuit High School

Bringing Our Mission to Life

In August 2023, De Smet Jesuit became the first Catholic high school in St. Louis to launch an inclusive education program for young men with intellectual disabilities within a typical setting. De Smet Jesuit students play a significant role in achieving this mission as peer mentors for inclusion program students.

If you are interested in enrolling your son, please note that all applications received will be considered for the 2024-2025 school year.

I have always enjoyed helping others, especially those with special needs, and always wanted to put them in an environment in which they feel just as special as everyone else. Jaren Jackson '24

Catholic, Jesuit Mission

The inclusive education program is a powerful extension of De Smet’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.

Most recently, Pope Francis has called Catholic institutions like ours to create opportunities that foster belonging and inclusion for people with disabilities as “an objective of ordinary pastoral action” and not just empty words.

In this way, we will be able to be credible when we proclaim that the Lord loves everyone, that he is salvation for everyone and invites everyone to the table of life, no one excluded. Pope Francis

This program prepares students for future jobs and independent living as adults.
Students in the inclusive education program at De Smet will graduate with a modified diploma that mirrors the course requirements of their fellow De Smet brothers with the addition of a yearly life skills curriculum to prepare them for adult life.

Peer Mentorship

We are excited to welcome 16 peer mentors for inaugural year of this program!

These selected juniors and seniors have enrolled in a mentorship course that will provide an unparalleled experiential learning opportunity.
Peer mentors will be with our inclusive education program students in every one of their eight classes and during lunch to not only provide academic guidance and support but also to encourage positive social interactions with their De Smet brothers.
A monthly social club will empower peer mentors to invite fellow students to join in on some food and fun.

Peer Mentor Webpage

Media Coverage for Inclusive Education Program

Peer Mentorship & Brotherhood

Selected juniors and seniors serve as peer mentors to students in the inclusive education program to:

provide academic guidance and support
encourage positive social interactions with their De Smet brothers

For More Information

Sarah Patton

Learning Consultant