Verbum Dei Jesuit High School

What Verbum Dei Jesuit High School does

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School is an independent Catholic, Jesuit college and career preparatory school for young men located at 11100 S Central Ave in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Founded in 1962 by the Society of the Divine Word, the school transitioned to Jesuit leadership in 2000 and became an independent private Jesuit institution under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in July 2022. It serves primarily young men from supportive but limited-resource families in Watts and South Los Angeles, operating with 89 total employees and a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio across a single campus.

The school's core offering combines a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum (meeting UC/CSU requirements with AP courses) with a distinctive Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) implemented in 2002 as a member of the 38-school Cristo Rey Network. Through CWSP, every student works one day per week at one of 75+ corporate partner firms across financial services, legal, entertainment, education, and aerospace/technology industries, with four students sharing one full-time position. Supporting programs include a four-year College Counseling curriculum, Campus Ministry with Kairos retreats and a Navajo Service Immersion Trip, athletics (9 sports competing in CIF Southern Section), and over 20 student clubs including student media outlets. Proprietary workforce-readiness features include the Summer Orientation for Academic and Employment Readiness (SOAR), on-campus Remote Work Lab, and Microsoft Office certification coursework. The school reports 100% college acceptance for graduates.

The business model operates on an income-based tuition structure where the total cost of education is $24,000 per student annually, subsidized to a maximum family contribution of $4,800 through the $10,000 Verbum Dei Jesuit Scholarship, approximately $9,200 in CWSP earnings, and over $7 million in annual need-based financial aid. Additional revenue streams include Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) awards, corporate partner fees, and fundraising via the Annual Impact Fund, Sponsor-A-Scholar Program, Fund-A-Job Program, endowed scholarships, and planned giving. Technology infrastructure runs on Microsoft 365, Schoology LMS, Finalsite CMS, FACTS (RenWeb) SIS, Nearpod, and AthleticClearance.com — all standard educational SaaS with no AI/ML differentiation.

Name

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School

Legal name

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School

Website

https://verbjesuit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School is an independent Catholic, Jesuit college-preparatory school in South Los Angeles serving young men from limited-resource families through a four-year Corporate Work Study Program at 75+ partner firms, achieving 100% college acceptance on an income-based tuition model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Catholic Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter College-Prep & Advanced Academics Schools (EDAJACAJ)

Keywords

• Jesuit secondary education
• College preparatory programs
• Corporate work study
• Catholic high school
• Youth workforce training

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Families pay tuition based on an income-based model. Maximum tuition is $4,800 per year with the actual amount determined by family financial situation. The Cost of Education is $24,000 per student.
2. Corporate Work Study Program Revenue: Corporate partners pay fees to the CWSP program. Students work one day per week in teams of four covering full-time positions. Revenue covers approximately $9,200 of the $24,000 cost of education per student. The school acts as an employment agency handling payroll, W-4, I-9, employment verification, insurance, and workers' compensation.
3. Fundraising and Scholarships: Annual Impact Fund, Sponsor-A-Scholar Program, Fund-A-Job Program, Endowed Scholarships, and Planned Giving contributions. The school awards over $7 million annually in need-based financial aid. The Verbum Dei Jesuit Scholarship provides $10,000 toward each student's education.
4. Catholic Education Foundation (CEF): CEF provides tuition assistance to qualifying families through the Catholic Education Foundation program. Families must complete CEF appointments with proof of income documentation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School delivers a four-year Catholic Jesuit college preparatory education to young men in South Los Angeles, integrating a rigorous UC/CSU-aligned academic curriculum with a Corporate Work Study Program in which students work one day per week at professional corporate partners across Los Angeles. Students graduate with four years of real-world work experience, Microsoft Office certification, and dedicated college counseling support, achieving a 100% college acceptance rate to accredited four-year institutions.

Product overview

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School is a Catholic, Jesuit college and career preparatory school offering a unified educational experience built around its core College Preparatory Education combined with a distinctive Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). The CWSP sets the school apart by integrating four years of professional work experience into the academic curriculum. Additional offerings include College Counseling, Campus Ministry with retreats and service programs, Athletics (6 varsity sports), and over 20 student clubs and organizations. Student media includes The Present Dei online news and K-EGL TV broadcasting club. The school operates on an income-based tuition model ensuring accessibility. The institution transitioned to independent Jesuit status in 2022.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• College Preparatory Education Rigorous four-year college preparatory curriculum aligned with State of California and Cristo Rey Network standards, meeting and exceeding UC/CSU requirements. Includes core subjects of Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and Theology with AP courses and electives, delivered to enrolled students at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School.
• Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) Four-year professional work-study internship in which students work one day per week at corporate partners throughout Los Angeles, earning approximately half the cost of their education while gaining real-world professional experience in teams of four covering full-time positions. The school acts as an employment agency handling payroll, W-4, I-9, employment verification, insurance, and workers' compensation for participating students.
• College Counseling Program Comprehensive four-year College Readiness curriculum including college counseling, financial literacy, SAT prep, college visits, summer internships, and the College Access Program (CAP) for seniors. Supports students through college completion as part of the school's commitment to a 100% college acceptance rate.
• Campus Ministry Spiritual formation program offering retreats (including the 4-day Kairos for juniors), liturgies, Christian service opportunities, and faith-based clubs such as JEDIS. Includes the Navajo Service Immersion Trip and integration with the Theology department's Office of Faith & Justice.
• Athletics Program Athletic program offering nine varsity sports competing in CIF Southern Section, including baseball, basketball, cross country, esports, football, golf, soccer, track & field, and volleyball. The program has earned 3 national championships, 6 California State titles, and 21 CIF Southern Section titles across its history.
• Clubs and Organizations Over 20 student clubs and organizations including Associated Student Body (ASB), National Honor Society (NHS), Black Student Union, Latino Student Union, Engineering Club, Music Club, Creative Writing, Film Club, and Student Ambassadors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate for all graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Cristo Rey NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerbum Dei Jesuit is a member of the Cristo Rey Network comprising 38 high schools delivering career-focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition. The Network uniquely integrates rigorous academics with four years of professional work experience and supports students through college completion. Founded by John Foley, S.J., the Network enables students to fulfill aspirations for lifetime success.
• Jesuits West ProvincecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerbum Dei Jesuit is part of the Jesuits West Province spanning from Alaska to Hawaii to Montana to California. The Province governs Jesuit communities and apostolates, providing opportunities for collaboration and shared resources among Jesuit institutions.
• Capital Group CompaniesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor financial services firm providing Corporate Work Study positions. Students gain exposure to investment management and financial services careers through on-site work experience.
• Crescent Capital GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumni Jamal Cotton ('18) interned at Crescent Capital Group during CWSP, returned as Research Associate on Capital Markets team, and company continues supporting his college education through summer internships.
• Payden & RygelmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestment management firm where alumni Eduardo Pablin ('16) interned and later returned full-time. Company provided safe space to overcome imposter syndrome and cultivated his potential.
• TCWmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor investment management firm providing Corporate Work Study positions in the financial services sector.
• City National BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking institution where alumni Carlos Mercado ('09) works as Credit Officer after CWSP placement, returning to the financial services industry.
• First Republic BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking partner where alumni Dominique Jordan ('09) returned as Vice President & Wealth Manager after CWSP experience at Merrill Lynch.
• Latham & WatkinsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal law firm providing legal work experience. Alumni Jesus 'Paco' Estrada ('20) gained exposure to law field including collaboration with partners, attorneys, and paralegals.
• Kirkland & EllismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor international law firm providing Corporate Work Study positions in legal services.
• Hogan LovellsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal law firm providing Corporate Work Study positions in legal services.
• Loyola Marymount UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner and CWSP placement site. Students gain exposure to higher education environment. Part of Jesuit university network.
• Loyola Law SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumni Eduardo Pablin ('16) works as Content Coordinator & Graphic Designer and Colin Goward ('11) has been elevated multiple times over 10+ years at the institution.
• Sony Pictures EntertainmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment industry partner providing Corporate Work Study positions in media and entertainment.
• AEGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment and sports entertainment company providing Corporate Work Study positions in the entertainment industry.
• Raytheon TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace and defense technology company providing Corporate Work Study positions in engineering and technology.
• Catholic Charities of Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner providing service opportunities and community engagement for students through CWSP and Christian Service programs.
• LA VoiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit advocacy organization where alumni Jesus 'Paco' Estrada ('20) serves as student organizer during college, connecting CWSP experience to public service career path.
• Union BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVice President of Diversity & Inclusion Tisa Jackson publicly praised Verbum Dei for 'cracking the code to exposing students to a larger world' with 100% college acceptance.
• Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEF provides tuition assistance to qualifying families. The school raised over $7 million in annual need-based financial aid. Families must complete CEF appointments with proof of income documentation.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Gonzaga College High School: All-boys Jesuit college preparatory school in Washington DC. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit tradition, all-boys model, and rigorous college-prep mission with strong service and faith formation components.
• Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School: Jesuit Cristo Rey Network school in Atlanta serving under-resourced youth. Highly comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares both the Jesuit tradition and the Corporate Work Study Program model with all-boys enrollment.
• Cristo Rey New York High School: Cristo Rey Network school in New York City serving under-resourced youth. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Corporate Work Study Program model, four-year work-study integration, and urban mission to make private college prep accessible.
• Loyola High School Los Angeles: All-boys Jesuit Catholic college preparatory high school in Los Angeles. Directly comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit tradition, the same urban Los Angeles market, and an all-boys college-prep mission with rigorous academics.
• Bellarmine College Preparatory: All-boys Jesuit college preparatory school in San Jose, California. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit educational tradition and rigorous college-prep focus for boys in a California urban context.
• Regis High School: Highly selective all-boys Jesuit college preparatory school in New York City. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit educational tradition, all-boys model, and rigorous college-prep mission preparing students for top colleges.
• Cathedral High School Los Angeles: Catholic college preparatory high school in Los Angeles serving a similar urban demographic. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Catholic college-prep mission, same city market, and similar target student population.
• Cristo Rey High School Chicago: The foundational Cristo Rey Network school that pioneered the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) integrated with college-prep academics. Directly comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same four-year work-study model and serves under-resourced students seeking college pathways.
• Brophy College Preparatory: All-boys Jesuit Catholic college preparatory school in Phoenix. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit tradition, all-boys college-prep model, and emphasis on forming 'men for others' through service and academics.
• St. Ignatius College Preparatory: All-boys Jesuit college preparatory school in San Francisco. Comparable to Verbum Dei as it shares the same Jesuit educational tradition, all-boys model, and rigorous college-prep mission targeting strong college outcomes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Verbum_Dei
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/verbumdeieagles
• Facebookfacebook.com/verbumdeihs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/verbum-dei-jesuit-high-school
• Instagraminstagram.com/p/CLfJeV6jSDb

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Verbum Dei Jesuit High School