Our History

In 1996, the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus opened a high school on the south side of Chicago exclusively serving poor students living in the impoverished Pilsen neighborhood. An innovative work-study component was incorporated within the school’s curriculum providing the means for the students to earn wages to pay for a good portion of their tuition. Little did the Jesuits know Cristo Rey Jesuit High School would be replicated throughout the United States over the next decade and provide an impressive solution for educating our nation’s most at-risk teenagers.

Eight years later in 2004, the California Province of Jesuits sponsored a feasibility study in Sacramento with representatives of the region’s business, civic and non-profit communities, joined and supported by Diocesan, parish and neighborhood leaders. The results of the study concluded that this region was indeed in need of an affordable alternative and supportive of a Cristo Rey school, with a proven record in being able to deliver a quality college preparatory curriculum and innovative work-study experience.

The study was completed and submitted to the Cristo Rey Network® in July of 2005 and approval was given in September 2005 to open Cristo Rey High School Sacramento expressly to serve low income families in the urban and rural communities of Sacramento.

Our Sponsors

As sponsors of the feasibility study, the California Province of the Society of Jesus elected early to seek out co-sponsors for an eventual school. Two other religious congregations, the Sisters of Mercy, Auburn Regional Community, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, California Province, stepped forward. All three congregations agreed to co-sponsor this exciting educational endeavor. The Diocese of Sacramento became a co-founder of the new school making available the former St. Peters Parish School as a suitable location.

Cristo Rey High School Sacramento opened its doors in August of 2006 to its first freshman class and 25 of Sacramento’s finest corporate sponsors. CRHSS is the only school of its kind in Sacramento exclusively for students below the poverty line. Cristo Rey is a wonderful complement to the outstanding schools in this area.

Our Unique Program

Like the very first school in Chicago, the engine that drives our school is the Corporate Work-Study program. This program operates as an employment agency for the students at CRHSS and functions as an independent public benefit corporation 501(c)3. The Work-Study program contracts with the public and private sector for jobs for our students. Some of the finest business in Sacramento – large and small- are participating in this program. We truly are The School That Works!

Accreditations