Students in Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Midtown will pay own tuition with work program

As a Dekalb parent who has exercised different school choice options over the last decade, I have decided to write about my newest experience as my daughter makes the often difficult transition from middle school to high school. 

Since entering DCSS in kindergarten, she first attended our area school, then a magnet school for 3rd through 5th grades and a state charter school for 6th through 8th grades. Now I am planning to make the move to a private Jesuit high school with a unique twist: it solicits a diverse mix of low to low moderate income children and tuition is paid by a combination of the student work program, private scholarships and parent contributions.

I first found out about the possibility of Cristo Rey Atlanta when our church asked us to complete a feasibility study survey a few years ago. At the time, I thought that the school was a good option, but my daughter clearly had no interest in attending. Now, a few short years later, she is enthusiastically looking forward to attending and hopes to receive an acceptance letter shortly after her interview this Saturday.

Cristo Rey will open next school year with 125 ninth grade students. It is located at 680 West Peachtree St NW in Atlanta. It is open to students in any area and of any religious faith. The school is located within walking distance of the North Avenue MARTA station. Cristo Rey Atlanta is part of a national network of high schools. You can read more about them here: http://www.cristoreynetwork.org
Every Cristo Rey student takes a full course load of college prep coursework for four years, while participating one day each week in a four-year Work Study Program that funds the majority of their tuition. Work settings include law firms, banks, hospitals and other corporate partners. The work experience lets students contribute financially to their education, and reinforces the thinking strategies and lifelong learning behaviors emphasized in the classroom. 

You can read more about Jesuit education here: http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/offices/mission/publications/guide/success.html

If you are interested in applying for Cristo Rey, allow at least one month to work through the process. The first step involves a questionnaire for parent and child, and an initial income eligibility form. Once it is determined that your child is eligible, you will need to have your current school forward academic, attendance, discipline and test records. Your child will also be required to present teacher recommendations. At this point, you and your child are scheduled for an interview (separately), in order to determine if the school will be a good fit for your child.

The next open house is on Tuesday, November 19 at 8:00pm.