The Cristo Rey Jesuit Spring Open House for prospective students and families was a great success. Over 150 people, totaling about 50 families, visited the campus on the afternoon of February 28^th to learn more about the curriculum and culture of Cristo Rey Jesuit.

Typically, Cristo Rey Jesuit Open Houses consist of school tours, booths for academics and corporate work-study, and a student panel. This time, there was a new and visibly popular addition – a Parent Panel. The testimonials of faculty, staff and students are frequently proclaimed during school tours, fundraisers and community events, but it is seldom that the voices of satisfied parents join in on the praise.

Below is a summary of responses from our current Cristo Rey Jesuit parents. A common concern of prospective parents was how students managed their heavy workload and busy week. Current parents weighed in on the benefits and sacrifices of this unique educational model.

• “No student should have a problem passing—everyone is willing to help. Everyone is making a sacrifice for your child.”
• “When my daughter was accepted, they told me that she would be in tutorials –it was a blessing because it motivated her to get a 92 average in algebra.”
• “When [my daughter] came to Open House, I thought it was going to be hard to manage work and homework, but she has learned great time management.  She works at Macquarie and it is great exposure to the workforce.”
• “Religion has impacted their lives.  My older son went astray; this son is on a much better path.”
• “I see the attitude change when they walk through the door.  She’s happier, more comfortable, and more confident.”
• “The dress code makes kids feel confident and ready.”
• “Their jobs really do care about them.”

In addition, prospective families who participated in the Student Panel learned the students’ perspectives first-hand.

• When asked how the students coped without sports, a student answered, “It’s a challenge because volleyball is my passion but I am able to focus more on school and work which will take me further. We also have school clubs that we can get involved in.”
• “The community here is like one big family.  The teachers are incredible. The students are all united. We support each other and push each other to do the work.”
• “[The hardest part is the] long classes. You need to pay attention for so long. There are long days, but you get used to it.  Long days have paid off. I’ve grown a lot, learned to balance all these things—work, school and home life.”
• “This school has made me more mature.  I see the mistakes that I made in the past and how they hurt me.”
• “At 16, I could be working at James Coney Island, but here I have an office. They treat you like you are at the same level.”
• They push you to be professional, time efficient, organized, how to manage homework, to prepare for work and for life after college.”
• I’ve learned a lot since coming here. The teachers spend time teaching you what you need to know.”

It is not too late to apply!  Prospective families are encouraged to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible.  Cristo Rey Jesuit hopes to enroll 125 freshman and 10 - 15 sophomores.