FAQs

Cristo Rey Network schools enroll youth of all faiths and cultures, who are typically underrepresented at institutions that provide a quality secondary education. Our schools do not exclusively recruit academically high performing students in the lowest income quartile. Rather, we focus on increasing access for economically disadvantaged students who demonstrate strong potential for academic and workplace success. Through no fault of their own, our students have had inconsistent exposure to high quality instruction; therefore, Cristo Rey schools provide consistent, high quality learning that accelerates growth and achievement to ensure college readiness.

Our schools enroll students whose gross family income is 250% of the federal poverty threshold or below. On average, students come from families whose overall average household income is $42,000 for a family of four. Our students are culturally and linguistically diverse, identifying as 99% young people of color.

Learn more about the application process here.

Students do not have to be Catholic to enroll at a Cristo Rey school. Our schools admit students inclusive of all faiths and cultures. On average, 40% of Cristo Rey students are not Catholic.

Students earn a portion of their education cost through the Corporate Work Study program, which provides our schools with a sustainable revenue model that does not rely solely on tuition or traditional fundraising. When a Cristo Rey school reaches full enrollment, the financial model reflects approximately 50% of funds earned through CWSP, 40% secured through fundraising, and 10% collected from a modest family contribution (on average $882 per family).

If you are interested in supporting our school, visit our Ways to Give page. 

The Corporate Work Study program (a separately incorporated entity) is an employment agency within Cristo Rey schools and places every student five full days a month in an entry-level, professional job all four years of high school. Students earn a majority of their education cost while gaining real-world work experience that strengthens their cognitive and non-cognitive skill development, catalyzes confidence and aspiration, and prepares them for success in college and careers.

More than two decades ago, our founder John P. Foley, S.J. and his team created the Corporate Work Study program out of financial necessity to ensure Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago opened as both an academically rigorous and financially sustainable school. The innovative and unconventional model has since developed our nationally and globally recognized movement.

The United States Department of Labor Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR § 570.37, specifically authorizes Cristo Rey Network schools to operate the Corporate Work Study program within federal child labor laws. Each local Corporate Work Study program is committed to full compliance with the federal regulation in addition to respective state labor laws. Students must be eligible to work in the United States.

Since the first Cristo Rey school opened in 1996, college enrollment and completion has been our goal for all students. The Cristo Rey Network and member schools offer a wide range of support for graduates on their path to and through college including: 

Alumni Advising: The Cristo Rey Network is at the forefront of the alumni support field developing within the higher education landscape. Nearly all of our schools employ at least one full-time alumni advisor who works with our high school seniors through their college commencement, providing a range of support, advocacy, and connectivity to Cristo Rey graduates that helps ensure their college persistence and completion.

On Campus Programming by University Partners: The Cristo Rey Network has formed and developed strategic partnerships with colleges and universities that offer competitive financial aid packages and programming geared to and supportive of students who are typically underrepresented on campus.

Alumni Tracking and Support: The Cristo Rey Network has enhanced our alumni data collection and management efforts through the launch and implementation of GradForce, a platform that provides Alumni Advisors with a robust communications and tracking system to support graduates as they persist towards their degree.

Cristo Rey Network National Alumni Association: Established in 2019, the Cristo Rey Network National Alumni Association fosters lifelong relationships for alumni to strengthen their personal and professional pathways towards success. The National Alumni Association facilitates mentorship and community engagement for graduates across all Cristo Rey schools as well as provides exclusive access to opportunities offered by our Alumni Partners.

To ensure lasting, measurable value of our outputs, the Cristo Rey Network collects, analyzes, and synthesizes data on all aspects of school performance to improve the delivery of our programming. A key component of our continuous improvement efforts includes supporting schools in identifying meaningful metrics to accurately assess the successful implementation of their work and intended outcomes. To make the performance data actionable, the Network offers professional development opportunities, advice on analytical approaches, and resources on best practices. 

The Cristo Rey Network’s 12 Key Performance Indicators include:

1. College Readiness
2. SAT Gains
3. Student Retention
4. College Enrollment
5. College Completion
6. Job Placement
7. Job Retention
8. Operating Revenue & Expenses
9. Cash Flow 
10. Student Enrollment
11. Cost per Student
12. Fundraising