A School that Works

So, What Makes a School “Work,” Anyway? As you may know, Cristo Rey schools are founded on the principle that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Through our unique work-school model, students are exposed not only to traditional learning in the classroom but also learning on the job. Student ambassadors work across a variety of careers dedicating one day a week to corporate work study. This means that they graduate with a college preparatory education as well as a resume boasting four years of corporate experience. One of our corporate partners, Deloitte, researched the success of the Corporate Work Study Program and we are proud to say that 94% of our students meet or exceed expectations with over 2,000 corporate partners across the country! This is a win-win situation as our business partners gain the help of an eager employee who’s there to help their team and business grow while our students earn wages that pay a large portion of their tuition expenses. Their work also inspires academic success as our alumni are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree than their demographic peers!

What Kind of Work Can a Cristo Rey Student Do?

Our students have helped thousands of businesses with tasks like: Finance and Accounting: Data entry; processing expense reports Customer Service: Reception work; managing customer information Marketing: Preparing materials and mailings Technology: Installing, removing, managing software applications; configuring laptops Legal: Managing contract execution; conducting online research

“Start One in Orlando!”

Moving the Mission to Central Fl. When Cheryl and Denis Weber (pictured at left) talked to their friends Tom and Melanie Murray, from Columbus, Ohio, the topic of the Cristo Rey Schools often came up. The Murrays noted how the school was helping to change lives.

“[The Murrays] host a number of Cristo Rey students at their business and shared their enthusiasm … [They] encouraged us to ‘start one in Orlando.’ The momentum quickly grew, and we are so very happy to be a small part of introducing Cristo Rey to the Orlando community.” Like many other founding members of CRO, the Webers knew that the Cristo Rey model was different. What is it that sets it apart? “The opportunity to experience [a private high school college-prep education,] along with exposure to critical business and life skills. Cristo Rey graduates are able to compete on a level playing field as they move on to college and the business world.” And their goal, like that of many other CRO founding members, is to see the program thrive. “We have seen and met many Cristo Rey Students whose lives were transformed into confident, capable, and hard-working contributors to the workforce and society. It is clear to us that poverty should not and cannot define these teenagers for life, as each has gifts that are allowed to blossom with a Cristo Rey Catholic experience.”

One Student’s Story

You’ve heard others talk about how Cristo Rey changes lives, but have you ever heard it from a former student himself? Here’s Saul’s story.

Welcoming Our New Business Partners

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Cristo Rey Orlando thanks these corporate partners for agreeing to be a part of the CRO family!

How You Can Help

If you'd like Cristo Rey students to work for your company or to contribute to the Cristo Rey mission simply reply to this email or click here to learn more.

The Cristo Rey Network of high schools delivers a career focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. We partner with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success.

Cristo Rey Orlando High School | https://www.cristoreyorlando.org/