Applications Open August 2026
for 2027-2028 School Year
We are a Catholic high school, open to students of all faiths, located in Charleston - opening 2027. Our mission is to provide a college-prep education to students from limited income homes. We do this through our unique work study model, the Corporate Work Study program (CWS).
Cristo Rey students receive a rigorous college-prep education while working one day a week at a corporate work study job. This hands-on experience brings classroom education together with real world experience, giving students a unique educational experience, unlike any other.
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education that allows qualifying South Carolina families to apply for a scholarship. For the 2025-2026 school year, the award amount is $7,500. For the 2026-2027 school year, the awarded amount will be $7,634.
The application for the 2026-2027 school year has been closed as the statutory student cap has been reached. You can still join the ESTF program waitlist. Registering for the waitlist will make sure you receive updates on the application for the
2027-2028 school year.
For More Info on the ESTF and to register for the waitlist, click below.
Cristo Rey Charleston considers a variety of factors during the application process. Our application process allows us to get to know students and their families on a personal level in order to make the best admissions decision for each student. The most important characteristics we are looking for in an incoming freshman:
Motivated and mature - Studying AND working as a high school student is not easy, students should show the maturity and motivation to be able to handle both aspects of our curriculum.
Open to Catholic religious values - While students do not have to be Catholic to attend, they should be open to a faith based education.
Employable - All students participate in the Corporate Work Study Program and must be eligible to work in the US.
Earned grades of "C" or above - Seventh-grade and eighth-grade grades will be reviewed for admission purposes.
From families with limited economic means - Because our mission is to provide an education to students who otherwise could not afford a college-prep high school, we look at family income in the admissions process. Families who do NOT qualify for free or reduced lunch should contact the admissions office prior to applying.
Demonstrated strong discipline and attendance record Seventh and eighth grade discipline and attendance records will be reviewed for admission purposes.
Comfortable conversing with adults - Students should be comfortable working with adults in an office environment.
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