“It is very exciting that in this day and age, a new Catholic high school is opening in our city – one that addresses the needs of young people today and prepares them to contribute to our community’s workforce. I see De- Paul Cristo Rey filling a gap that’s been missing in Catholic education and our community,” says Father Reynaldo Taylor, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Cincinnati’s West End. Father Taylor is among the many in the community welcoming the news of the opening of DePaul Cristo Rey High School, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. The school, located at 1133 Clifton Hills Avenue near Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, will welcome its first freshman class in June 2011.

DePaul Cristo Rey will be a dynamically different high school experience for its students. As a member of the nationwide Cristo Rey Network (www.cristoreynetwork. org), it is one of 25 high schools that provides access to quality, Catholic, college-preparatory education to students from families with limited financial means. Most of DePaul Cristo Rey’s students will qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program and all will participate in the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) through which they will finance the majority of the cost of their education.

All faculty, staff and supporters of DePaul Cristo Rey embrace one common goal: that all of its students will graduate from high school and college. There’s strong evidence the goal is attainable – all 704 graduates of the Cristo Rey Network Class of 2010 were accepted into college. De- Paul Cristo Rey will utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance and counseling to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college.

Among the most unique aspects of the Cristo Rey education model is the partnership between the schools and the local business communities. More than 1,430 companies across the country employ Cristo Rey students; in Cincinnati, 25 companies are already on board to provide jobs and tuition support for students through the Corporate Work Study Program.

Megen Construction Company is one of those corporate partners that will hire a team of four freshmen to job-share a position. President and CEO Evans Nwankwo says, “I believe in education as the key to success and laying a good foundation in life. The best education is often combined with practical skills. The fact that the Cristo Rey Model offers that combination was a major attraction for me.” He adds, “I also believe that when you give someone a handout, you’re not likely building a strong future. These students will have the opportunity to use their own skills to create their future and that will help them succeed.”

The staff of DePaul Cristo Rey High School is reaching out to every student and family who dream of college completion but for whom the required preparation seems out of reach. For information on enrolling, becoming a corporate partner, or supporting the school financially, please call 861-0600.