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Catholic College Prep High School in Chicago
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School has been dedicated to providing a Catholic, college preparatory education and professional work experience to students from Spanish-speaking families with limited financial means since its founding. Our Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) integrates professional employment with academic learning, equipping students with real-world skills and networks that extend beyond graduation. With a dual-language curriculum emphasizing academic rigor and cultural heritage, we have achieved a 100% college acceptance rate for over a decade, preparing students to become bilingual, biliterate leaders committed to justice and service. Our faculty and staff bring decades of combined experience in education, mentoring students through personalized academic counseling, socioemotional support, and faith-based development. As a Jesuit institution, we uphold the principles of Cura Personalis, nurturing the whole person through athletics, campus ministry, and community service.

Our commitment to transparency ensures families understand tuition costs capped at $3,100 annually, with need-based financial aid and scholarships available. The CWSP team manages complex logistics for over 100 corporate partners, ensuring students gain meaningful work experience while supporting their academic journey. Our alumni success99% college enrollment with 85% attending four-year institutionsdemonstrates our effectiveness in breaking cycles of poverty through education. With honors and AP courses serving over half our student body, we combine academic excellence with practical workforce training. Our community partnerships and donor networks, including legacy scholarship programs, sustain our mission of creating leaders who embody Jesuit values of openness to growth and commitment to justice.
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum Corporate Work Study Program Dual-Language Education College Counseling Services Athletics Programs
Highlights and features
  • We offer 100% college acceptance with dual-language academic rigor
  • Our Corporate Work Study Program partners with 100+ Chicago employers
  • 99% alumni college enrollment rate with 85% attending four-year institutions
  • We provide personalized college counseling for first-generation students
  • Our Jesuit values emphasize service, justice, and holistic development
What people say
Life-changing education Excellent college preparation Supportive staff Professional work experience Bilingual success
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum includes 11 AP and honors courses, with mandatory AP Spanish Literature and English Literature. Over 50% of students participate in advanced coursework, combining academic excellence with cultural heritage education to prepare for university success.
Corporate Work Study Program
Students work one day weekly at professional jobs with 100+ Chicago employers, earning toward their education costs while developing workplace skills. The program includes job training, transportation coordination, and partner company orientations to ensure meaningful professional development.
Dual-Language Education
Our Spanish heritage language curriculum maintains students' native language while developing English proficiency. This biliterate approach strengthens cognitive abilities and cultural identity, preparing students to become effective bilingual leaders in diverse professional environments.
College Counseling Services
Personalized college counseling supports students and families through all application stages, including financial aid guidance, scholarship opportunities, and college matching. We provide essay reviews, application assistance, and parent workshops to ensure successful transitions to higher education.
Athletics Programs
Our comprehensive athletics program develops character and leadership through 15+ sports teams competing at varsity, junior varsity, and intramural levels. Student-athletes learn discipline, teamwork, and community responsibility while achieving multiple conference championships annually.
People
Mayra Gradilla
Principal
With extensive educational leadership experience, Mayra Gradilla oversees academic operations and school culture at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission of providing quality Catholic education.
Amy Bustos
Manager of Alumni Support
As a 2017 alumna, Amy Bustos leads alumni services with 99% college enrollment success, leveraging her personal experience to support first-generation students through higher education and career transitions.
Hedgar Giron
Director of School Culture
Hedgar Giron coordinates student orientations and work program logistics, ensuring smooth integration of professional experiences with academic schedules while maintaining the school's Jesuit values and community standards.
Jennifer Swanson
Assistant Principal
Jennifer Swanson directs student services and development programs, overseeing the First Year Workforce Training curriculum that prepares freshmen for professional success through skill-building and resource access.
Christian Woodley
Training Lead
As Training Lead, Christian Woodley implements professional development programs for students, focusing on executive functioning skills and technical training that enhance both academic performance and workplace readiness.
Questions
What makes Cristo Rey's education unique?
Our combination of college preparatory academics, Corporate Work Study Program placements, and dual-language curriculum creates bilingual leaders prepared for higher education and professional careers.
How does the Corporate Work Study Program work?
Students work one day weekly at professional jobs with Chicago employers, earning toward their education costs while gaining real-world experience in fields like law, finance, and healthcare.
What college support services are available?
Our College Counseling Office provides four-year guidance including application assistance, financial aid workshops, scholarship notifications, and personalized college matching for first-generation students.
Are scholarships available for students?
Yes, we offer need-based financial aid and partner with organizations like Big Shoulders Fund and HFS Chicago Scholars, with tuition capped at $3,100 annually for 2025-26.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
We offer 15+ sports teams, campus ministry programs, service initiatives, and student organizations that develop leadership skills and community engagement.
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