Cristo Rey High School Sacramento

Cristo Rey High School Sacramento (CRHSS) is a Catholic, college preparatory high school that transforms lives through education and meaningful work experience. Serving nearly 350 students from families with limited financial means (98% qualify for free and reduced lunch), we strive to transform underserved students into faith-filled, educated, professional, and service-oriented leaders. 
 
Unlike traditional private schools, Cristo Rey is not tuition-driven. Tuition accounts for only 8% of our operating budget. The remainder comes from sponsorship of our innovative work study program, community fundraising events, and generous support from individuals, corporations and foundations. 
 
Through our unique Work-Study Program, each student, beginning freshman year, works five days per month in a local business or nonprofit organization. These partners pay a sponsorship fee that offsets approximately 60% of the student’s education costs. More than 100 corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and individual sponsors are currently participating. In addition to funding their education, students gain invaluable real-world experience while breaking down financial and social barriers to higher education. 

By graduation, each student has accumulated more than 1,200 hours of professional experience emerging not only college-ready but career-ready, with the confidence and connections to pursue their goals.

Over the last twenty years, Cristo Rey has empowered more than 1,000 graduates to become faith-filled, educated, and service-oriented professionals. Many of our students are the first in their families to pursue higher education, benefiting from a powerful combination of rigorous academics and real-world work experience through our innovative Work-Study Program.

Our students’ outcomes are nothing short of inspiring: 100% of the Class of 2025 graduated and 98% were accepted to a two- or four-year college.