Launch and Leadership Update

Cristo Rey Charleston High School approved by national network to open in August of 2026 after local advocates pass muster with a rigorous Feasibility Study and appoint Shenita Vanish as founding President

Contact: Joanna F. Wusinich, Launch Consultant jwusinich@cristoreycharleston.org

North Charleston, SC, January 24, 2025: Cristo Rey Charleston High School, an independent, Catholic college preparatory high school exclusively for students of limited economic means and open to students of all faiths, is pleased to announce that it has received approval to commence its launch phase, with a goal of welcoming the first freshman class in August 2026. The school expects to be located in North Charleston, in the former Chicora Elementary School building, which will undergo a significant renovation to become a state-of-the-art college preparatory facility.

Cristo Rey Charleston is grateful for the numerous community leaders, financial supporters, prospective job partners, and volunteers who have made feasibility study approval possible. In addition, Cristo Rey Charleston is collaborating closely with Metanoia on listening to the needs and the desires of the community, as well as jointly engaging in the Old Chicora Building renovation effort.

Cristo Rey Charleston High School is affiliated with 41 Cristo Rey high schools around the U.S., through its membership in the Cristo Rey Network. Cristo Rey high schools combine rigorous academics with a unique work-study program in which students work one day each week in professional settings throughout high school. Nationwide, Cristo Rey graduates have a 100% record of acceptance into college, and Cristo Rey alumni are graduating from college at rates exceeding their demographic peers.

“We are thrilled to be taking this step toward providing transformational opportunities to the many motivated and underserved students and their families in our communities who want rigorous college preparatory academics combined with a work-study program in a professional setting,” commented Tim Hayes, Cristo Rey Board Chair. “Our school location will serve our students well, and is centrally located in our community to maximize our potential work-study program with area businesses and organizations,” Hayes added.

Cristo Rey Appoints Shenita B. Vanish as the Founding President

Cristo Rey Charleston also announces that it has appointed Shenita B. Vanish as the Founding President, effective March 1, 2025. As President, Vanish will be responsible for all aspects of the school and will be building the founding management team, starting with the Principal position.

Vanish has been President and CEO of Community Services Foundation (CSF) since 2021. CSF is a social services organization serving youth, teens, adults, seniors, and families residing in affordable housing communities throughout the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. The organization has a robust after school and summer program for youth and teens, adult education classes for adults/seniors and offers a plethora of support services. Vanish was one of two principal founding members of CSF, and has three decades of experience in the areas of resource development and nonprofit management. Prior to CSF, Vanish had roles at Edgewood Management Corporation, Covenant House Washington, and Atlanta International School. She is a graduate of Berkeley High School, attended SC State University before graduating from Howard University, and completed her Master’s coursework at Clark Atlanta University.

Vanish is looking forward to serving students, and their families, at Cristo Rey Charleston. “I am ecstatic to use my skills and talents to lead Cristo Rey Charleston and serve students from the Tri-County area. As a Berkeley County School District high school graduate, I know the impact that a college education and quality job experience has made in my life. I look forward to giving back to the community that I call home. With the support of the well established and effective Cristo Rey network and the numerous volunteers who have unselfishly given of themselves to bring the school to our area, we are, undoubtedly, positioned for greatness.”

Hayes added, “ Shenita embraces the Cristo Rey Charleston mission of providing transformational opportunities to students from the lowest income quartile, and will focus on our task of successfully launching our school. We are looking forward to welcoming her in just a few weeks.”

About Cristo Rey: Cristo Rey Charleston High School will be a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students will graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.