FAQ

Does Cristo Rey offer financial aid or scholarships? 

Yes, every single student receives a Cristo Rey Scholarship that covers 40% of the tuition. 

Does Cristo Rey provide transportation to and from school for students?

Cristo Rey will provide some transportation to support students to and from school depending on their location.  We plan to offer bus stops hubs in certain communities where families can drop off and pick up their children. Cristo Rey provides transportation for every student to and from their professional job placement.  

Do students have to be Catholic to enroll at Cristo Rey?

No, we welcome students of all faiths and denominations. The school is open to all interested applicants. Cristo Rey is a Catholic institution for students of all faiths. We offer a four-year curriculum in religious studies in which all students are expected to participate. Regular liturgical celebrations, service projects, and spiritual retreats are also components of the Cristo Rey student experience. 

How does Cristo Rey support graduates after high school?

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.

What is the Corporate Work Study program?

Corporate Work Study (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. Students have the opportunity to explore career pathways and build transferable skills in a real work environment.  They build their resumes and their own professional network of lasting and impactful connections.  

How can students legally work given their age and how are students matched with a worksite?

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.

Before starting their first year, all students participate in our Summer Bridge program. During this work study training, students will complete a skills assessment and interest form. Combined with their performance and participation in Summer Bridge, this assessment helps us match students with suitable corporate partners.

How do students get to work?

Cristo Rey High School provides transportation for all students. Students arrive at school and are bused to their corporate work sites. They are brought back to campus at the end of the work day.  

Are sports and extracurricular activities offered at Cristo Rey High school?

Yes! Team sports and additional clubs and activities are offered based on student interest and the availability of moderators. We are very proud and supportive of our students’ extracurricular efforts, but it is essential to understand that academics and work always come first.

Students’ first commitment on the days they work is to their job, and they may not miss work to participate in sporting events or other activities. Likewise, students who are struggling academically will be placed in tutoring and may be ineligible for extracurricular opportunities until they improve their academic performance.

Are students required to wear a uniform to school?

All Cristo Rey students are required to wear the appropriate uniforms to school and to work every day. 

Does Cristos Rey accept/consider students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or other educational plans?

Our school reviews each applicant on an individual basis, including those with IEP’s or other educational plans. This review ensures that Cristo Rey can best determine if our school can meet the student’s needs if admitted. We encourage families to submit any information that can help us best understand the needs of a prospective student. 

Is there an entrance exam for acceptance into Cristo Rey?

We will require the High School Placement Test for all incoming students. In addition, we will review grades, attendance, MAP scores, letters of recommendation, and student interviews to assess each student for admittance. 

What are the steps in the Admissions process?

Cristo Rey Charleston welcomes students of all faiths who demonstrate academic potential, employability, and a commitment to succeeding in high school, college and life. We accept students with varying interests and aptitudes. The admission of each student is based on the completion of five admissions steps: 

1. Complete online application and submit academic documentation

• Transcripts

• MAP tests, HSP test

• Letters of recommendation

2. Confirm Financial Eligibility and age requirement

• Family income must be 250% of the poverty line or below to be eligible and students must be at least 14 by September 1, 2027.

• Participate in Family and student interview

• Complete financial aid/education scholarship trust fund application

3. Express a clear interest and desire to attend and graduating from college

How far away can I live and have my child be part of Cristo Rey?

There is not a geographic residency requirement to be a Cristo Rey student. Cristo Rey Charleston will accept students from across Berkley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.  As long as  the student has reliable transportation they can be eligible to attend. 

What colleges tend to accept Cristo Rey students?

Cristo Rey alumni are accepted into a wide range of colleges and universities, with a 100% college acceptance rate to four year colleges. These schools are Ivy League and private universities, prestigious Catholic Institutions, as well as major public universities across the country. 

How is Cristo Rey’s curriculum different from other schools in the area?

The Cristo Rey model is a unique blend of rigorous academics and professional internships to prepare students for college and beyond. 

Are there extracurricular activities?  What are they?

Yes! We offer extracurriculars and clubs for students to enjoy during their high school experience. Common extracurricular activities include:

• Athletics - Basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, golf, baseball

• Interest Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Art, Drama, Debate, Chorus

• Academic/Leadership: Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Campus Ministry

Because we are a new school, we will obtain feedback from students in developing and growing our sports and extracurricular offerings. 

How many students will be accepted overall?

As a new school our goal is to have 100 incoming freshmen students when we open in August 2027. Each year we will add another 100 students until we have a full student body of 400 students, 9th through 12th grade. 

How are families expected to support the school?

The support of all our families will be critical to the success of the school and our students. Families are expected to be active participants in their child’s education and partner with the school to ensure the high expectations of all Cristo Rey students are met. This can include things like:

• Ensuring students are on time to school every day

• Staying engaged by attending new school orientation, school events, and parent teacher conferences

• Making their family contribution in a timely manner.