This summer, all members of the Class of 2028 participated in a two-week, on-campus Summer Bridge program to prepare for their freshman year at Cristo Rey Jesuit. Summer Bridge includes academic enrichment, technology instruction, and 30 hours of Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) business training. These critical CWSP courses prepare students for their professional job placements starting this fall.

On the final day of their CWSP business training, the CWSP team took the incoming freshmen to a networking event to enhance their skills and provide firsthand experience of what professional work can look like. Members of the Class of 2028 were hosted by Wintrust Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Grant Thornton, where they heard from professionals at each company talk about their day-to-day experience, went on office tours, and had a chance to network with employees. The day was filled with new experiences and life-long lessons that our students will hold close to their hearts for years to come. The freshmen are ready to show Chicago why Cristo Rey Jesuit students are the best to have for the workplace!

The Advanced Placement (AP) courses have long been the standard for academic rigor in high schools across the globe.  AP courses offer high school students college-level work with the opportunity to earn college credit.  Students take the advanced courses at their schools, and in the spring, sit for a national standard exam.  Test takers are given a score from one through five, and those who pass with a score of three or higher are eligible to receive college credit.   

To strengthen the academic rigor, and give students a strong, college-preparatory curriculum, Cristo Rey Jesuit has expanded AP offerings in recent years.  In 2023-2024, Cristo Rey expanded testing to sophomores.  For the first time, sophomores sat for an AP exam, taking the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.  Remarkably, 93% of test takers passed the exam, beating last year’s 88% pass rate when juniors took the exam.  As a result of strategic professional development within the math department, the number of students with a passing score on the A/B Calculus exam increased 175% with nine students electing to also take the B/C Calculus exam, a course equivalent to a sophomore level college class.  Last school year marked the first time AP Psychology was offered, and the class was taught by a Cristo Rey alum and current school counselor who developed the curriculum.  Other Advanced Placement courses offered to Cristo Rey students include Spanish Literature and Composition, Statistics, US Government and Politics, and English Literature. 

Overall, the pass rate across all 490 exams was 78%, a strong growth from the overall pass rate of 67% the year prior.  Because of these expanded offerings, Cristo Rey students are now eligible for international recognitions for their score averages amongst five or more exams.  Thirty-three Cristo Rey students were recognized as AP Scholars, including two AP Scholars with Distinction, with average exam scores of 4.40.  

"I am incredibly proud of our students and their achievements, which clearly demonstrate our commitment to providing a true college preparatory experience," shared Cristo Rey Jesuit Principal Mayra Gradilla. "By offering rigorous classes and equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed in college, we are ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of a college classroom. The learning and growth that occur in the Cristo Rey classrooms go far beyond what test scores alone can capture."

Summer Enrichment Programming prepares our students and their families for the necessity of leaving home in search of post-secondary educational opportunities, while providing enrichment opportunities to help them compete for admission and resources at more selective colleges. Cristo Rey’s College Counseling office worked with students throughout the spring to match them with summer enrichment programs that best fit their interests and academic pursuits. 

Many Cristo Rey students participated in these amazing opportunities, from academic programs at Notre Dame University and Georgetown University to social justice studies and outdoor adventures through Minds Matter. Below are just a few reflections students shared about their summer enrichment experiences:

Diego, Class of 2025
Program: Discovering STEM in ACES Program (DSAP), University of Illinois
“My favorite part was getting a hands on experience with a STEM profession/major. I was able to network and know more people. Being apart of this Summer Enrichment Program, I have a better insight of what it would feel like to be a college student. I highly recommend for underclassmen to apply for an S.E.P. that resonates to their goals/dreams.”

Juan Pablo, Class of 2025
Program: Notre Dame Vision/Holy Cross Saints & Scholars, South Bend, IN
“My favorite part about my experience was that I was able to meet different students from all around the country and talk about our different experiences in life, how we all can relate to each other - even if we don’t come from the same background. I’m very happy I did an S.E.P because I was able to experience living in a college dorm and taking college level classes. I feel way more prepared and confident coming into my senior year because of it.”

Itzel (Pictured, left), Class of 2025
Program: Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) at Georgetown University 
“My favorite part about the experience was being able to explore college life in a dorm. I was able to explore DC and the national monuments. I also had a college experience which meant I had a lot of freedom but being responsible for attending class and being on time, as well as staying on top of assignments.”

Clarissa, Class of 2025
Program: THEA (Theology of Healing Earth in Action) at Loyola University of Chicago
“My favorite part from my experiences meeting people from all over the world and being able to cultivate new friendships. I am happy that I did an Summer Enrichment Program because it gave me an insight of what college would be like for me if I were to go out of state. It was my first time being away from my family by myself and by doing this program, I was about to imagine myself being away from them for a couple years if that's what I decide to do.”

Alesandra, Class of 2026
Program: Carnegie Mellon Pre-College, Computer Science Scholars
"I was able to go to Minnesota for Minds Matter, to Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh to take classes, to taking courses via zoom with Girls Who Code and Morgan Stanley. From all of these experiences, my favorite part was being able to meet so many different people. I was able to form so many connections with people I had never met before and create stronger connections with those who I already knew. I am so happy I did a SEP because I don’t think I would have stepped out of my shell a little or challenged myself at all if I hadn’t dedicated my time over the summer. I’m happy I was able to give myself all these experiences."

Arely, Class of 2025
Program: Female Aspiring Business Scholars, University of Dayton
“The summer program was a really great opportunity for me to develop an understanding of how majoring in business would look like while also getting to know more about University of Dayton itself. I enjoyed meeting new people who helped me grow in a small span of time. I would definitely recommend it to young women interested in business.”

Ashley, Class of 2025
Program: Thrive Scholars
“I loved Thrive, it was so much fun. The program had us taking classes that would help us with college level math and writing, while also preparing us for the college process. Even when they had us in a classroom for the majority of the week, they dedicated Sundays to have city outings where we had the opportunity to go swimming, kayaking, ice skating, and so on. It was a nice balance of work and fun. It was a fulfilling experience!”

Adriana, Class of 2026
Program: Minds Matter
"The Minds Matter St Croix River Canoeing Expedition was extremely out of my comfort zone but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Yes, it was hard having to endure the insects, the thunderstorms, and strong currents but it was all worth the struggles. I created special connections with everyone and all the experiences that I will cherish forever. I learned how to set up a tent, how to cook and clean in the wilderness, how to be bow and stern of a canoe, and so much more. Luckily, I had 3 amazing instructors and multiple crew members to help along the way!”