Success Stories in Education

A Visit to Cristo Rey Columbus High School

Since joining the SCO team in 2022, I had been hearing about the Cristo Rey network of schools, specifically the three schools in Ohio; Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Their approach to the education and training of their students was very intriguing and I was hoping for an opportunity to visit one of the Cristo Rey schools in our state.

Last week, members of the SCO team got an invitation to visit Cristo Rey Columbus High School. Our visit exceeded any expectations or understanding that I had about the school, its founding story, the school’s corporate partnerships and the opportunities it provides for each one of its students.

An Innovative Approach to Education

One of the most remarkable things about an education at Cristo Rey is the community partnerships that have been formed that directly benefit CRCHS students. One of the school’s first partnerships was with the library that sits next door to the school building. The Columbus Metropolitan Library serves both as the school library and as a community partner that employs Cristo Rey students each school year through the school’s Professional Work Study Program (PWSP).

The Professional Work Study Program is foundational to the education and student life at Cristo Rey. This unique and intentional approach sets the Cristo Rey model apart as an exceptional educational option for students. The PWSP not only enhances each student’s high school experience and training but also assists corporate partners in filling entry level positions. Corporate partners help make their students’ education affordable while also pouring into the lives of the students working at their offices or facilities.

Each student gains professional work experience that prepares them for life beyond school. Every Cristo Rey Columbus student works with and for a corporate partner during the school year. Incoming students participate in the Summer Business Training program which is designed to prepare and enable each student to make the most of the PWSP opportunity Cristo Rey affords them. Work opportunities are in a variety of fields such as medical, legal, government and business offices. Students are provided with supervision and mentorship throughout their 4 years at Cristo Rey.

It is important to note that two-thirds of the student body lives in a household whose income is below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. ALL students of Cristo Rey live in a household whose income may not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Educational costs are funded through EdChoice Scholarships, the Work Study Program, fundraising, and family contributions which average $900 per year. The ongoing education for students would not be possible without much-needed additional funding from private and corporate donor partnerships. It was surprising to learn that the school provides transportation for every student to and from their work study employer. Those transportation costs alone are almost $100,000 per year…and can you imagine coordinating those logistics?

Proof of Concept:  The Amazing Students of Cristo Rey

Cristo Rey Columbus serves a student body of about 400 students.  It was not surprising to learn that each year, over 400 students apply for 100-120 spots in the upcoming freshman class. In the admissions process, faculty look for students who are committed to academic, spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

The student body is diverse, giving students an opportunity to learn from other students who represent 43 different countries within the student body.   The Student Council designed a wall display that celebrates all the different countries of origin within the school’s student population.

Student outcomes prove the education model at Cristo Rey through the 100% graduation rate and the 100% college acceptance rate of their students. During our visit, we had an opportunity to meet with two of the exceptional students at Cristo Rey Columbus.

Marie is a sophomore at Cristo Rey. As the youngest of five, she is a very poised and impressive young lady who is taking full advantage of all that Cristo Rey has to offer. In her first (freshman) semester she worked at the Better Business Bureau, followed by a semester at City Hall. This year, she is working at Ohio ENTs and that has influenced her desire to become a neurologist. Marie was very honest with us in stating that sometimes the workload is a lot. To make sure that she remains focused on her studies she withdrew from extra-curriculars at least for now.

It was very interesting to hear the perspective of Amani, a senior who is nearing the end of her journey at Cristo Rey Columbus.  Throughout her 4 years, Amani has participated in sports, while working with corporate partners such as the Ohio Department of Health, the YMCA, and T. Marzetti Company.  She will be pursuing a degree in the math or science fields and has already been accepted to Miami and Hampton Universities. When a senior is accepted to college, each accepted student’s locker is decorated to celebrate their admission to college.

The Staff

After meeting these two remarkable young ladies, school leaders shared about the accomplishments, progress, and successes both students have made in their time at Cristo Rey. It was especially compelling to see how proud they are of their students. It was a clear reflection of the mission and purpose each staff member feels toward their students. Every staff member that we met was excited to share not only specific illustrations, but also the reasoning behind every aspect of education and student life at Cristo Rey.

It Takes a Village

The unique and transformational approach to education at Cristo Rey directly correlates to its success as demonstrated by student outcomes. From the vision to found Cristo Rey Columbus to the work study program and educational opportunities, the business, educational and organizational partnerships formed to benefit students are what has made Cristo Rey Columbus High School an outstanding educational option for students.

For more information about Cristo Rey Columbus High School visit their website at https://www.crchsworks.org/