Cristo Rey Kansas City was founded in 2006 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The organization pairs a Catholic prep school education with a work/study program for high school students whose families would not be able to afford private schools offering similar opportunities. Eighty-seven percent of the families whose children attend Cristo Rey are Hispanic. The average household income is $33,000. Students receive scholarships, and while their families pay tuition, it is kept to a minimal amount. The first high school graduating class received their diplomas in 2010. Since that time, 100 percent of graduates have been accepted to college. All students take pre-advanced placement courses and have the option of progressing to advanced placement (AP) classes and advanced college credit placement courses. The work/study program means that students in their teens are able to earn part of the cost of their education, that they begin developing professional relationships and obtain valuable work experience and skills – all while still in their teens.

Claudia Meyer, president, said, “More than a high school, Cristo Rey is a college preparatory school driven by one academic goal – to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to graduate with a degree from a college or university.” She added, “Cristo Rey also provides – and requires – students to work to learn. In the workplace, students have access to professional networks and environments too often inaccessible to their communities.” Cristo Rey welcomes volunteers who are interested in serving as mentors to students. In addition, the school needs people who are willing to assist in staging Dancing with the Kansas City Stars, the annual fundraiser. For more information, go to cristoreykc.org.    

Featured in the September 30, 2023 issue of The Independent.