Young men with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking a Jesuit high school education with an individualized path suited to their needs.  

The Gonzaga Scholars Program is designed to strengthen the student experience, not replace or reduce existing programs. St. John’s long-standing history of success, traditional admissions criteria and graduation requirements, and college-preparatory environment remain unchanged, just as they have been for more than 9,000 St. John’s alumni.  At the same time, students will have new opportunities to grow in leadership, empathy, service, and friendship through meaningful interaction with Gonzaga Scholars.  Research overwhelmingly shows inclusive programs, like this one, benefit the school community as a whole, academically, spiritually, and socially!

Gonzaga Scholars will interact with their Titan brothers organically and authentically through academics and classroom connections, through faith during retreats, Mass and Christian service events, through athletics and extracurriculars in plays, musicals, and both on the field and sidelines, and socially through the halls, pep-rallies and dances.  Additionally, there is a program of upperclassman dedicated to being a friendly face and guide to our Gonzaga Scholars where students serve as trusted peers, companions, and guides throughout their high school experience. Guides meet each Scholar where they are, building friendship, belonging, and connection within the Titan brotherhood.

Yes. All St. John’s Jesuit families, including students in the Gonzaga Scholars Program, can apply for financial aid and tuition assistance. In addition to internal financial aid, there are also independent organizations and state-funded scholarships, such as the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, that may be used toward tuition assistance pursuant to scholarship guidelines.

Each Gonzaga Scholar’s path is shaped in close partnership with his family.  The Gonzaga Scholars Program Director will work with each family to identify the next step to best meet their son’s individual path.  Some students may opt for a certificate of completion where other students may choose a pathway that ends with a diploma.  This individualized approach helps families plan next steps, whether that is continued education, vocational training or community involvement.

Join us at our annual Fall Open House on November 15 to meet Nate James, the inaugural Director of the Gonzaga Scholars Program, and to learn more about daily life as a Gonzaga Scholar! For more information on admissions to the Gonzaga Scholars Program or other admissions questions, contact Phil Anthony, Director of Admissions and Enrollment at panthony@sjjtitans.org.

Applications for SJJ, including the Gonzaga Scholars Program, can be completed now for the upcoming academic year. Due to high demand and limited class sizes, parents are encouraged to apply early by visiting: https://sjjtoledo.org/admissions/.

The Gonzaga Scholars Program will be led by Program Director Nate James, who will oversee day-to-day operations and serve as the primary point of contact for participating families. Nate brings a clear vision for building culture rooted in Men for Others and a deep commitment to walking alongside every student as he discovers and grows into his gifts.

Current eligibility requirements for the Gonzaga Scholars Program are:

• Eighth grade student at current grammar school
• Math proficiency at a 2nd-6th grade equivalent
• English proficiency at a 2nd-6th grade equivalent
• The ability to follow high behavior expectations
• The ability to appropriately interact with peers
• The ability to initiate written and verbal expression
• The ability to participate in classroom and social activities without the use of an educational assistant
• The ability to maintain self-care independently