Cristo Rey Jesuit High School’s Unique Approach to Education
The passing periods at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School are quiet. No bells ring to signal a class change. Students rise from their seats with a shared understanding of the passing time. This method instills responsibility and independence, skills that students carry into the workplace. The students dress in business casual attire, reflecting the professional lives they are preparing for. The halls are calm, even as some students head off to various workplaces as part of their school schedule.
Monday through Thursday, a quarter of the students from different grade levels work in law firms, hospitals, and investment banks across Chicagoland. This program fulfills the school’s dual-language and college preparatory goals, which began 30 years ago. Cristo Rey connects approximately 450 students to once-a-week work-study opportunities, paying for half of their $21,000 annual tuition. The students, mostly from families who cannot afford Catholic school, have families contributing around $3,200, with financial aid available to ease this burden, and philanthropic efforts cover the rest. This model not only supports their education financially but also opens doors to internships and potential jobs beyond the academic year. Such experiences are becoming more crucial as career and technical education gain traction among high school students.
Early Exposure to Work Experience
Unlike Chicago Public Schools, where similar opportunities are mainly for seniors, Cristo Rey students engage in work-study programs starting in their sophomore year. This gives them a head start with practical work experience before heading to college. Senior Paulina Key specifically chose Cristo Rey for this reason. At 17, she wanted to prepare for college and life after high school. The work-study model was appealing because, as she observed, not many places offer such opportunities. Throughout her time at Cristo Rey, she has worked at a downtown law firm, in construction at O’Hare International Airport, and as a certified nursing assistant at Loyola University Medical Center. The nursing training class, introduced in the 2024-25 school year, has sparked her interest in pursuing a nursing degree.
Fellow senior Mauricio Montoya has also benefited from the program, gaining experience in business and finance. He has honed skills with Microsoft applications and handled expenses, giving him trust and responsibility unusual for someone his age. Both Key and Montoya agree that the work-study program offers an advantage and complements the regular high school activities and clubs they enjoy.
Community and Skill Development
The work-study model does more than build skills—it fosters a sense of community and growth. Mary Beth Medvide, a psychology professor at Suffolk University, has researched these programs and highlights their role in career exploration and skill development. She notes that students see peer success as inspiration and part of a broader communal effort. This model not only promotes success but encourages students to appreciate education as a broader experience beyond mere qualifications.
Camila Casas and Aidali Saenz, part of the program, testify to its benefits in preparing students to face life’s challenges. Anthony Guzman, a Cristo Rey alum from 2013 and now a lead partner relations manager, embodies this adaptability. His career path took him through various fields before returning to his alma mater. Guzman’s resiliency grew during his time at Cristo Rey, and he now seeks to inspire current students. He emphasizes that learners should not let background or economic status limit their professional aspirations.
Long-Lasting Community Ties
For many students and alumni, Cristo Rey is more than an educational institution; it’s a community hub. Reina García, the school’s director of college counseling and a 2007 graduate, sees this firsthand. Her family, including sisters and cousins, attended Cristo Rey, making it a family tradition. García appreciates how the school has evolved, from introducing new training programs to offering more Advanced Placement courses and cultural enrichments like murals. The school’s Jesuit identity ensures a well-rounded development of students, acknowledging and celebrating their diverse backgrounds.
Despite changes over the years, the spirit of Cristo Rey endures. García notes that while many developments have occurred, the essence of the school—its community spirit and commitment to student success—remains strong.