Detroit Cristo Rey opened in 2008, during the “Great Recession”, with a simple goal of getting our students TO and THROUGH college, with the skills to be successful in life and the commitment to make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods, and the world . Now as we maneuver through living with COVID-19, we are enthusiastically moving forward in our mission, enhancing the qualities of dignity & discipline, character & compassion, and respect & responsibility in Detroit’s youth.
The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is the most distinctive feature of the Cristo Rey academic and sustainable business model. The school’s academic program is complemented with one day per week of real-life work experience in many of the finest businesses and organizations in metro Detroit. The CWSP Partners are a vital part of this unique student-centered learning experience, equipping the students for personal and professional success. Our students become both COLLEGE READY and CAREER PREPARED. We are so pleased that, after two years due to the pandemic, our freshmen are once again going to work!
Does your company have a challenge recruiting and maintaining qualified minority workers? Is your company’s target market demographic changing to a heavier mix of minority customers? If the answer is “Yes” to either response, then Detroit Cristo Rey can be a valuable partner. Our CWSP functions as a channel supplying diverse, qualified workers who are developing the right skills to assume the challenging jobs of the future. The school and the CWSP are distinct legal entities, and the CWSP is a non-religious non-profit organization. CWSP is a training and temporary employment agency, like Manpower, whose purpose is to provide entry-level support to clients.
We are proud that each graduating class since the school opened has achieve 100% college acceptance! Our graduates continue graduating from college at two to three times the national average! Our alumni currently study at Yale, Dartmouth, Michigan, Michigan State and many other outstanding schools. They have already earned degrees from Notre Dame, Loyola, Michigan, Michigan State, Howard and Wayne State to name a few.
We are blessed to be part of the Cristo Rey Network, one of 38 schools utilizing one of the most exciting and innovative models of education in the country. We dare to dream big!
Located at the corner of Vernor and Junction on the Most Holy Redeemer campus, Detroit Cristo Rey High School is sponsored by the Basilian Fathers and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and is committed to providing a college-preparatory, co-educational, Catholic high school education for the most potential-filled and hardworking youth of any faith in the city of Detroit. All are welcome!
Please contact me to learn more about our incredible students and school.
¡Viva Cristo Rey!
Christopher J. Lynch
President, Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Message re: Uvalde Tragedy
Dear Detroit Cristo Rey School Community,
As each of us in our own way try to come to terms with the latest violent tragedy, our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Uvalde, Texas community during this unimaginable and heartbreaking time.
Social/emotional support is available to all of our students as needed at the school, but we also want to encourage conversations at home. As we were recently reminded by our Fr. Jose Del Toro, bringing up topics like this shooting in Uvalde can be very difficult, but may help us and our loved ones process such losses of innocent lives. We might ask "where is God in all of this?" As part of our theology teaching we have continually taught our students that we often have no control over what might happen. And most times, we don't. But we also remind them that the more we start considering ourselves a family, the better we are able to watch out for each other and be there for each other. That's how we show each other that there is good in the world and that God exists, leading us along on our journey. Though we may not be able to take away anyone's pain, they will know that they're not alone. We remind them that the worst thing to do is to hold it in, whether it be a response to a death, a family fight, a national or personal tragedy, or something else. And, that it takes courage to come forward and tell a trusted individual that they need someone to listen and not hold it in. A "Helpful Resources for Conversations with Children" is attached for your help in having discussions with your students.
As Fr. Jose also prayed just today during morning prayers:
We ask, O Lord, that you comfort those families wounded by the events in Uvalde, Texas. Care for the souls who grieve and help us work for greater and lasting peace. Help us to transform our own hearts, to turn from violence, and to seek peaceful ways of resolving differences, Let our hands connect with those who feel alone, those who live in fear, and those suffering from mental illness. Let our voices be raised asking lawmakers to create the means to protect all in our society, especially those most vulnerable. And let our choices be those that make our nation a healthy, holy home. We ask this in the name of Jesus Your Son, who lives and reigns with your and the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life. Amen.
We also want to ensure our entire community that our top priority is to ensure a safe learning environment for our students. As always, we encourage any student to report anything they see or hear that is of concern, to the OK2SAY confidential tip line or to reach out to a staff member. All threats are thoroughly investigated.
OK2SAY: Michigan Student Safety Tip Line (Anonymous)
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: [email protected]
Detroit Cristo Rey High School has worked with public safety providers to establish security systems that are designed to provide students and staff with a safe physical environment that supports learning. We perform safety drills to practice what to do in the event of an emergency and we will continue to comply with these systems and practices to provide our students with a safe and successful conclusion to the school year.
Mr. Lynch
Helpful Resources for Conversations with Children