March 1. 2025

Cristo Rey Miami joins Cristo Rey Tampa to Welcome Florida’s newest Cristo Rey school, Cristo Rey Orlando

Cristo Rey Miami leadership joined Cristo Rey Tampa students in welcoming Florida’s newest Cristo Rey school, Cristo Rey Orlando, at its official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Cristo Rey network continues to grow, expanding opportunities for students through its transformative education model. We are excited to see Cristo Rey Orlando embark on this journey and look forward to their success! #CristoReyMiami #CristoReyOrlando #EducationThatWorks #CristoReyNetwork

60 Orange County business and education leaders gathered at The Pacific Club for Cristo Rey Orange County High School's inaugural CEO Breakfast on February 13, where industry executives shared insights on the event’s topic: The Future of Work and Education in Orange County-- as Cristo Rey seeks 29 new partners in anticipation of 100 new freshmen.

Sponsored by Irvine Ranch Water District, the executive panel was moderated by Ian Williamson, Dean of UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business.

"It really boils down to awareness, access, and ambition," said Williamson. "People can only pursue opportunities of which they are aware. Even if a person is aware of an opportunity, it's very difficult for them to try something they've never seen. It's almost superhuman. So, access to people who have been successful changes a person’s perspective as to what they can achieve. It raises the ambition for what is possible in their life." 

Panelists included Paul Cook, General Manager of Irvine Ranch Water District; Oscar Gonzalez, President of Northgate Markets; and Annette Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of City of Hope Orange County—all founding corporate partners of Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study program. 

Through the Corporate Work Study Program, students gain real-world experience while earning a significant portion of their tuition. Cristo Rey seeks 29 new corporate partners to for our Class of 2029. If you're interested in joining our growing network of corporate partners and investing in Orange County's future workforce, please contact Susan McKeever, VP of Corporate Work Study, at smckeever@cristoreyoc.org or (714) 439-9626 (ext.301) to learn more about hiring a team of Cristo Rey student professionals.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Orange County Executives Explore the Future of Work and Education at Cristo Rey's Inaugural CEO Breakfast 

January 29, 2025

Cristo Rey Orange County:

A Letter From the President

Happy Chocolate Schools Week!

Years ago, I taught fourth grade in San Antonio. At the front of the room was a monthly bulletin board calendar. One young man, freshly back from Christmas Break, read the calendar and ran to my desk.

“Mr. Holte! What is Chocolate Schools Week?!!” 

I was stumped. He dragged me by the hand to the calendar and showed me this weeklong stretch of cocoa-filled delights. As he reread the title, his shoulders sank upon the realization that “Chocolate” was actually “Catholic Schools Week.” 

I smile every year when I see this week on the calendar, thinking of Jason, my former student. Instead of temporary sugar high, we are celebrating our community of faith that is actively forming not only the young people in our care, but also each one of us privileged to serve alongside them.

This Sunday’s reading from 1 Corinthians “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ…. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.”

The unique gift Cristo Rey provides is access to allow more students to benefit from a Catholic high school experience. Our mission focuses on families with limited financial means, but unlimited God-given potential. While we have only been open a short eighteen months, our hallways are filled with grace and our Catholic community is flourishing. This newsletter is filled with invitations to join us and share the joy at upcoming masses, galas, and more.

I hope you will come and see the passion we have not for chocolate, but for empowering our students on their journeys to college, career, and heaven.

¡Viva!

Stephen Holte

Founding President

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

January 24, 2025

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.

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

December 18, 2025

Cristo Rey Charleston High School Becomes the 42nd School in the Network!

It is with great joy and deep gratitude that we share with you that today the Cristo Rey Charleston Feasibility Study has been approved by the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors to become the 42nd Cristo Rey model school in the United States!

 

The Cristo Rey Charleston Feasibility Study sought to determine if a Cristo Rey model school is: 1. needed in Charleston as a result of the current educational opportunities and outcomes for underserved youth; 2. wanted by the local community, and 3. if the operating model is both viable and sustainable in the Charleston market. The answer is resoundingly yes!

The conviction, faith, advocacy, generosity and trust of so many have resulted in the following: over $8M in financial commitments, job placements at top tier businesses and organizations for over 100 freshmen in 2026 and a school site that will be renovated to be a state- of- the- art campus for our future students. Over 100 faith, education, non-profit and government leaders shared their wisdom and experience in order for us to begin to build a school that best serves the students and families we seek to serve.  

“Cristo Rey Charleston High School will offer a unique combination of Catholic, college preparatory academics and professional work experience to motivated students of all faiths and limited economic means, who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend a private, career focused high school. Our completely renovated, historical building will be inspiring for not only students but also the entire community we will serve.  We are deeply grateful to all of the volunteers, supporters, jobs’ partners, and dedicated people who have guided us to this stage.” Tim Hayes, Founding Board Chair

 In a Christmas season which anticipates new life and new beginnings we move forward with resolve and transition from feasibility to launch phase with plans to open our doors to the founding freshmen class in August of 2026. As you look to give or receive meaningful gifts from your loved ones, know that the gift of your time, resources, and talents has made the great mission of Cristo Rey Charleston High School possible. This outcome will provide greater access and opportunity to quality college preparatory education to hundreds of young hearts and minds.

 "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12: 4-8

 To everyone who has shared their gifts and talents, you have paved a foundation for us to build upon as we move into the launch phase with plans to open our doors to the founding freshmen class in August of 2026. Congratulations and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Joanna F. Wusinich

Executive Director, Cristo Rey Charleston Feasibility Study

The Cristo Rey Institute ( www.CristoReyInstitute.org ) offers Cristo Rey Charleston robust support for its Catholic mission of serving families of limited financial means who would not have access to a Catholic, college preparatory experience. Cristo Rey Institute provides spiritual leadership and assures the Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Charleston High School. Cristo Rey Charleston joins Cristo Rey Miami High School and Cristo Rey Orange County High School (CA) as Cristo Rey Institute sponsored schools. For further information about the work of Cristo Rey Institute, contact John Dussman at (312)-320-8852 or email jdussman@cristoreyinstitute.org .

November 28, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving from Cristo Rey Orange County High School! 

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving Day filled with gratitude, joy, and fellowship.

As we celebrate this special day, we extend our gratitude to our entire Cristo Rey community - our dedicated students, supportive families, committed faculty and staff, and generous corporate partners and community members who make our mission possible.

May the spirit of Thanksgiving bring warmth to your gatherings and blessings to your families. 

Viva Cristo Rey!

Cristo Rey Sophomore Reaches Semifinals at National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

October 11, 2024

We are incredibly proud of Cristo Rey Miami sophomore Nehissa Jean Louis, who competed yesterday in New York at the quarterfinals of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and made it through to the semifinals! Nehissa’s hard work and dedication, developed through the experiential learning model of the NFTE experience, helped her shine as she presented her business idea and plan on a national stage. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to gain seed capital for her business or educational goals. Amazing job, Nehissa! #CristoReyMiami #NFTE #Entrepreneurship #StudentSuccess

The Cristo Rey Institute ( www.CristoReyInstitute.org ) offers Cristo Rey Miami robust support for its Catholic mission of serving families of limited financial means who would not have access to a Catholic, college preparatory experience. Cristo Rey Institute provides spiritual leadership and assures the Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Miami High School. For further information about the work of Cristo Rey Institute, contact John Dussman at jdussman@cristoreyinstitute.org .

September 9, 2024

Cristo Rey Orange County: “The School That Works:” Cristo Rey High blends school, corporate internships

Starting their freshman year, students spend five days a month working at the corporate office for a business or nonprofit.

Pablo Rodriguez is a 14-year-old sophomore at Cristo Rey Orange County High School. But five times a month, his classroom is Slater Builders’ corporate office in Costa Mesa.

Rodriguez has always wanted to be an architect. Thanks to his high school’s work-study program, he has practically as much experience interning at a general contractors firm as he does studying geometry.

Every student at Cristo Rey will participate in a corporate work-study program from their freshman through senior year.

Pablo Rodriguez, right, a sophomore student at Cristo Rey Orange County High School in Santa Ana, leaves the stage with fellow students and members of his corporate partner, Slater Builders at Angel Stadium during the Draft Day style ceremony in Anaheim on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Students are paired with a corporation and do a work-study program throughout high school. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Catholic high school on West McFadden Avenue is only in its second year in Santa Ana, but it’s one of about 40 Cristo Rey schools across the country. The chain of schools began in Chicago in 1996 with the mission to approach education for students from families with limited economic means with rigorous college preparatory academics and four years of professional work experience — and, yes, also theology. The schools accept students of all faiths; about 40% of enrollees nationwide are not Catholic.

The idea behind the model, said Cristo Rey Orange County President Stephen Holte, is to introduce students to corporate networks they might otherwise be excluded from. Students’ work, in turn, helps to pay for their private school tuition.

“I like to say we’re the most exclusive school in Orange County because if you can afford it, you can’t come,” Holte said.

The average annual income of a family with a kid at Cristo Rey Orange County is around $55,000, Holte said. It could cost more than that to send a child to another Catholic high school in Orange County for four years. The sticker price of tuition at Mater Dei, for instance, is $18,850 per year.

At Cristo Rey, Holte says most families end up paying less than $1,000 per year per child. Donations and work-study pay for most of the remainder of the school’s operating costs, including maintaining what is right now a roughly 12:1 teacher-to-student ratio. Read more: Orange County Register

August 29, 2024

Cristo Rey Miami – Signing Day

This week, Cristo Rey Miami celebrated our third annual Signing Day, a milestone moment for our growing student body! Here's a snapshot from the big day. Our students are also visiting their new job assignments for the first time—an incredible experience that’s just the beginning of their journey. #CristoReyMiami #CorporateWorkStudy #StudentSuccess

In each of our Cristo Rey high schools, Corporate Work Study places every student in a professional job (on-site, remote or hybrid) one full day a week during school months, all four years of high school. Student Associates connect classroom to career, while earning up to 50% of their own education cost. These young men and women contribute and strengthen their social and technical acumen as they develop newfound awareness to pursue and excel in careers or industries they may not have otherwise considered.

Cristo Rey Miami High School Celebrates Major Milestone Towards Expansion with Transformative Gift from Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin 

Cristo Rey Miami High School, South Florida’s only college-and-career preparatory high school exclusively serving students from families with limited economic resources, is thrilled to announce a significant stride towards completing its campus expansion.

With the generous support of South Florida's philanthropic leaders, the school is celebrating a major milestone in its “Built for the Future” capital campaign, reaching 90% of its $16 million goal. “As we celebrate meeting this significant goal in our capital campaign, we extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, partners, and the entire South Florida community,” said Amelie Ferro, President and CEO, Cristo Rey Miami High School. Continuing its trajectory of growth and excellence, Cristo Rey Miami High School is proud to announce a transformative gift of $2.1 million from Griffin Catalyst, the civic engagement initiative of Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin. This generous donation supports the construction of a 38,000 square-foot academic building necessary to accommodate a full student body of approximately 425 students and lays the groundwork for future strategic endeavors. Griffin Catalyst’s donation serves as a testament to the success of Cristo Rey’s education model. With students attending college at higher rates than any other socio-demographic group and graduating from college at two times the rate of their peer group, Cristo Rey schools equip students from low-income backgrounds to excel in college and beyond. “By providing high-quality, college-preparatory education, particularly for underserved communities, Cristo Rey Miami High School is changing lives,” said Griffin. “I am honored to support its innovative integration of academics with work experience to empower students with the skills they need to be successful.” The success of Cristo Rey Miami capital campaign would not be possible without the generous support of South Florida's donor community. Key supporters such as the Miguel B. Fernandez Family Foundation, the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, and the Smith and Shay families have played a pivotal role in realizing the school’s vision, demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering future generations through education. “Together, we are building a brighter future for our students, empowering them to realize their full potential and become leaders of tomorrow.” said Amelie Ferro. Cristo Rey Miami High School · 125 NE 119th Street, North Miami, FL 33161 · (305) 495-4232 - www.cristoreymiami.org

The Cristo Rey Institute ( www.CristoReyInstitute.org ) offers Cristo Rey Miami robust support for its Catholic mission of serving families of limited financial means who would not have access to a Catholic, college preparatory experience. Cristo Rey Institute provides spiritual leadership and assures the Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Miami High School. For further information about the work of Cristo Rey Institute, contact John Dussman at jdussman@cristoreyinstitute.org .


Cristo Rey Orange County: A Year of Growth: End of Year Mass and Awards Ceremony

It felt like a graduation. We ran out of seats. A standing-room-only crowd of families, donors, and Corporate Work Study partners crammed into the Parish Hall for Cristo Rey's first awards ceremony.

"My heart is full as I think about the incredible growth I've seen in each of our students," said Roberts.

We have high expectations and provide high levels of support to empower students to succeed. There is ample evidence that our students are on the right path:

§    95% of students were at a 2.5 GPA or higher, meaning students are on track for acceptance to a UC or selective college.

§    82% have a 3.0 or higher.

§    92% of students met or exceeded expectations at work.

§    5 students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA (pictured above)

The awards ceremony highlighted student achievements such as Scholar Athlete, Outstanding Performance in all subject areas, and the CROC of the Year awards.

The video below captured the spirit of Year One at Cristo Rey and emphasized how we actively foster our motto of "You Belong Here."

 To see more photos, click here.

June 26, 2024

Cristo Rey Institute Acknowledges Two Donations from Raskob Foundation

Cristo Rey Institute of Arlington Heights, IL gratefully acknowledges an in-kind and a $10,000 cash donation from the nationally renowned Raskob Foundation to provide Catholic sponsorship and formation work at two newly opened Cristo Rey schools in Miami, FL and Santa Ana, CA.

The Raskob Foundation has an almost 80-year legacy of grant making and philanthropic activities in service to the Catholic Church.  The Foundation provides resources in support of organizations, ministries, programs and projects associated with the Church throughout the world. Today, five generations of family members continue the vision established by its founders, John and Helena Raskob.

The Cristo Rey Institute (CRI) is a pontifical public juridic person (PJP) whose purpose is to offer another means of ensuring Catholic identity for schools within the Cristo Rey Network (CRN). All CRN schools must be Catholic schools. Most Cristo Rey schools ensure their Catholic identity by sponsorship through a Catholic religious order or congregation. CRI is another means to ensure the Catholic identity of CRN schools.

President Matthew Couture, president of Cristo Rey Institute stated “we are especially thankful to the Raskob Foundation for being the first national Catholic charitable foundation to recognize and encourage our Catholic Sponsorship and formation work for two new schools in Florida and California, and we intend to build on our successes there by sponsoring additional new Cristo Rey Network high schools in other areas of the country.

President Couture continued to explain the essential reason for CRI: “While having a religious order or congregation to sponsor a Cristo Rey high school is often the best choice, not all areas of our country have religious available to provide sponsorship. This is especially the case in those parts of our country where the Church is GROWING. In these places, the need for new Catholic educational institutions is especially strong. For Catholic education to flourish, the Church needs to develop new models to ensure Catholic identity for Catholic schools of the future. This is why CRI exists.”

 CRI Executive director John Dussman also thanked the Raskob Foundation team and noted CRI’s alignment to Raskob goals with a famous quote from Raskob co-founder, John J. Raskob, “Go ahead and do things, the bigger the better, as long as your fundamentals are sound.”

 The Cristo Rey Institute (CRI) is a permanent body of religious, ordained, and lay people established under the authority of the Pope to participate on behalf of the Catholic Church “in the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ and to continually implement His charism and values, especially to the underserved children and families.” It is specifically charged with providing the possibility of official Catholic religious sponsorship for Cristo Rey Network Schools. Cristo Rey Institute was founded by the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Clerics of St. Viator and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.

 Information about the Raskob Foundation can be found here: https://www.rfca.org/  More information about the Cristo Rey Institute is available here: www.cristoreyinstitute.org or by emailing John Dussman at jdussman@cristoreyinstitute.org

June 20, 2024

Public Juridic Persons and Catholic Education: A New Governance Model for Catholic Schools


By: Rob Birdsell, President, Catholic Virtual

When I was leading the Cristo Rey Network, I would meet with Fr. Garanzini, S.J., then President of Loyola University Chicago, every fall to give him an update on the work of Cristo Rey. He often asked how the Cristo Rey schools were doing and he liked to have a pulse on the most exciting movement in Catholic education. At the beginning of this meeting in 2011, he asked me what was the greatest challenge we were facing? And I said, “we want to keep growing and opening new Cristo Rey schools as there are many more communities and young people to serve. However, we are running out of religious orders interested in being a religious sponsor.”

Given this reality – the orders were at capacity in most communities across the country – the Network faced a serious challenge to continue its growth. What was needed was a creative idea to continue to open and govern Catholic schools.  Read more: LinkedIn

Cristo Rey Miami announces the appointment of Amelie Ferro as new president

Cristo Rey Miami High School is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Amelie Ferro as our new President and CEO, effective immediately! Mrs. Ferro brings over 30 years of leadership experience and a strong commitment to our community. As President and CEO, she will oversee the financial strength, external engagement, program excellence, and spiritual leadership of our school. . Under Mrs. Ferro's leadership, Cristo Rey Miami High School has seen tremendous growth and success. Our students are thriving, with standardized testing scores in the 99th percentile for math and the 96th percentile for reading, and earning over $1.2 million towards their tuition while gaining valuable work experience through our Corporate Work Study Program. . Mrs. Ferro's dedication and vision make her the ideal steward for this pivotal moment in our school's history. Join us in welcoming Mrs. Ferro as we continue to empower hard-working students in Miami and provide them with a proven educational model for success! hashtag#CristoReyMiami hashtag#NewLeadership hashtag#EmpoweringEducation

The Cristo Rey Institute provides spiritual leadership and assures the Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Miami High School.

June 12, 2024

From Cristo Rey Orange County:

 Last Friday night, we hosted our first ¡VIVA! gala celebrating our first school year. We presented the Rey of Hope Award to Timothy Psomas and Alanna Psomas in recognition of their inspirational leadership in founding Cristo Rey.

A sold out VEA Newport Beach ballroom of friends and supporters cheered on our student speaker Valeria '27, and got a preview of the impressive alumni we will produce in a heartfelt speech by Diana Medina, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School '16.

Watch Valeria's speech here: https://lnkd.in/gXaY_9NH

Guests gave generously to empower our students to succeed and provided over $2million in support to ensure our school has the resources to double enrollment next year and remain affordable for our families.

A massive thanks to presenting sponsor WCM Investment Management, and all our sponsors, including Woodside Credit Collector Car Financing, CONTAINER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC., Northgate Market, Slater Builders Inc., Sperry Commercial, Sunwest Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach, Providence Mission Leadership Institute, and many more!

hashtag#TheSchoolThatWorks hashtag#VIVACristoRey hashtag#CristoReyOC

Cristo Rey Institute is the Catholic sponsor of Cristo Rey Orange County. The Cristo Rey Institute offers Cristo Rey Orange County robust support for its Catholic mission of serving families of limited financial means who would not otherwise have access to a quality, Catholic, college-and career-preparatory experience.

The Cristo Rey Institute provides spiritual leadership and assures the Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Orange County High School.

May 28, 2024

Wed., Feb 14, 2024 | Yass Prize staff

The School that Works: Cristo Rey, North Miami

The 5th Stop on the Roadshow for Opportunity

The newest high school in the Cristo Rey Network, the North Miami work-study focused, faith-based high school is giving students a college prep education and career experience that helps sustain their education.  The school, which began in 2022, serves 146 9th and 10th graders. By the time it is at full capacity and its new campus is built, Cristo Rey Miami will be able to serve 440 students.

Their innovative approach isn’t new but it’s impactful. Through a special authorization from the U.S. Department of Labor, every student in the 39 school network across 24 states works one day each week in a professional job during all four years of high school, helping to pay for their own education. These vital business partnerships supports a sustainable private education for students in the lowest income quartile not only for college but for work and life.  

As we toured with Amelie Ferro, Interim President of Cristo Rey Miami High School, Network President, CEO Kelby Woodward, board members and business partners, we could see how the model is transforming the lives of students who would not otherwise be exposed to such intensive work training and academic rigor.  

“A vital part of success is the mingling of our students with professionals,”
said Ferro.

Not only are students positively impacted by Corporate Work Study, but the partners rave about how it benefits their businesses and organizations, as well.  The students bring to work a resilient attitude they develop at the mission driven school where college-prep courses, the arts and religion condensed into four days to allow them to focus on their job the other day.

Stephanie Postero from CPA firm Kaufman Rossin, a proud Work Study partner, initially thought that hosting these young students would be hard work. She was skeptical about the benefit to either side.   "My biggest surprise was how much fun it is,” she said. It inspires them to give the students the best experience they can get. 

The success rate for these students speaks for itself. In the words of Aneisha Daniel, Deputy City Manager of the City of North Miami, "I've never seen anything like it."

When young people learn the value of work and the skills, attitude and ethic companies want, they jump the fast track to success. On course to open 50 new schools by 2030, Cristo Rey is not only impacting thousands more students, companies and communities, but is a model for countless other education providers seeking to transform the education landscape.

Read More: https://yassprize.org/updates/roadshow-for-opportunity-cristo-rey-network/