Cristo Rey: Preparing the leaders of tomorrow

Cristo Rey Dallas (CRD), is a Catholic, College Prep high school committed to academic excellence, work study and a well-rounded school experience for students of all faiths. As an Affiliated Ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province (SSND), CRD is transforming the world through education.

“CRD is part of the Cristo Rey Network of Catholic High schools with this model of serving those of low to moderate income by providing a corporate work experience for each student that provides two thirds of their tuition,” said Sister Mary Anne Owens. “It was invited to Dallas by a group of Jesuit graduates who worked with Sister Gloria Cain, then superintendent of the Dallas Catholic Schools, to find a religious community to endorse the school’s Catholicity. This was necessary to be part of the Network and recognized by the diocese. The Central Pacific province agreed to be the endorser. The province did this as a way of encouraging new models of Catholic Education and because of our 120-year history in the Diocese of Dallas.”

CRD provides a career-focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with low to moderate income, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curriculum with four years of professional work experience and support through college.

Sister Mary Anne shared, “The school is in one of the poorest zip codes in the city but provides transportation to students from 20 zip codes. The family and students must commit to the corporate work model and the college prep academics.” Currently the school is in its eighth year. The first graduates are now graduating from colleges in Texas and elsewhere.

“Currently the school has 430 students and 140 incoming students,” said Sister Mary Anne. “SSND in the area have committed to supporting the school in many ways. To quote our foundress, Mother Theresa, ‘All beginnings are hard,’ but slowly the charism and stability of the school are growing with each new class. “

The faculty works closely with each student to help them develop a skill set that focuses on effective communication, complex reasoning, precision and accuracy, persistence, teamwork and collaboration, initiative and self-direction, and productivity and accountability.

CRD’s Corporate Work Study Program allows students to work in a professional setting one day a week, actively contributing to Dallas’ most successful companies.

CRD is committed to preparing students to lead fulfilling, independent and creative lives. Staff and students work within a safe and structured environment where respect and strength of character are modeled by staff and parents, demonstrated by students, and valued by all members of our community.

Students are inspired by a range of student-centered experiences that appeal to their varied skills and interests. In addition to academics, CRD students enjoy a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Students follow a journey of self-discovery where intellectual and spiritual growth become hallmarks of their lives.

CRD creates a culture of care and accountability, encouraging students to a deeper life with God and one another. This culture inspires students to have the confidence to pursue any opportunity while aspiring to service, leadership and active engagement in their community.