What Makes Cristo Rey Columbus Special
Ask the average person in Columbus what their high school experience was like, and you’ll get a variety of answers, but predictable ones. Some were top of their class, some were an all-state athlete, and some would rather forget the whole experience all together. But ask a Cristo Rey Columbus (CRC) graduate what their high school experience was like, and you’ll be amazed at their answer. Because a CRC experience is like no other in Columbus.
On average, students come from families whose overall household income is just over $43,000 for a family of four.
So how can families afford CRC’s private, Catholic, college-preparatory education? Though an unparalleled professional work-study program that sends students to work at businesses all over Columbus for a fee paid by the business, partially subsidizing the students’ education. This creates a win-win formula for the students and businesses. As part of their curriculum, students gain invaluable professional skills through on-the-job experiences during all four years of high school. For businesses, their philanthropic contribution makes an immeasurable difference in the students’ lives, and they have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders.
On average, students enroll at CRC two years behind their grade level in math and English.
Despite this, in each of the nine graduating classes in the school’s history, 100% of CRC graduates received acceptance into at least one college or university. CRC employs a variety of tools to ensure that students have the support they need to make it through the rigorous academic curriculum, such as tutoring and the intentional building of executive function skills. These academic supports are paired with a robust college counseling program that begins freshman year, so students can stay ahead of pace in identifying best fit colleges all the way through navigating financial aid packages as they make their college decisions senior year.
On average, the student body represents 45 countries and 50% of students speak a language other than English at home. At the local level, students reside in an average of 28 zip codes across Franklin County.
This surely makes CRC among the most diverse schools in all of Columbus. It is a point of great pride for the students, faculty, and staff, who view their many cultural, geographical, and even religious differences as a gift. The environment at CRC is welcoming and nurturing, with the tenants of Catholic Social Teaching — such as respect for human dignity — at the forefront of every lesson, inside and outside the classroom. It is a school where diversity is used to unite, teach, and grow, not to divide.
Ask a CRC graduate what their high school experience was like, and they’ll mention all the above and more. Because at Cristo Rey Columbus, the student experience is anything but average.
Want to learn how you can support Cristo Rey Columbus? Visit crchsworks.org or call 614-223-9261.
