FAQs

Academics


What is the goal of the Cristo Rey model of education?

The Cristo Rey Network seeks to provide access to a quality, Catholic, college-preparatory education. All students engage in coursework designed to prepare them for success in college. Core subjects – reading, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, religious studies, world languages, and the arts – provide the foundation for our college preparatory education. The academic program also emphasizes thinking strategies and lifelong learning behaviors necessary for success in both the classroom and the workplace, such as: precision and accuracy, complex reasoning, persistence with new tasks, and teaming and collaboration.


In Philadelphia, we plan to incorporate the NCIT Academy into the curriculum in order to enhance the students learning experience and build additional qualifications for Work-Study opportunities.



What does a typical day in a Cristo Rey school look like?

Many parents are asking questions about the actual mechanics of the school day in a Cristo Rey school. Though each Cristo Rey school is unique, we can tell you some statistical averages for such things as length of the school day, number of days in school per year, number of periods a day,etc.


On average there are 176 days of school per year; 133 of those days in school , 43 in the work/study job.


On average the school day will be 6 hours and 55 minutes long.


On average there are 6 periods per day lasting 1 hour each.


On average there are 54 hours outside of academic periods for tutoring, extra study halls, etc.


Typically the school day would start at 7:45 and end at 3:30.


Work/Study Program


Will all students have to have job in the work-study program?

The work-study program is required for all students. Students will be hired for office work or comparable work at local businesses one day per week. This allows them to experience the work environment and set aspirations for their own careers.


What kind of work will students perform in the Work-Study program?

Work-Study jobs will be entry-level clerical positions in safe business environments.


Will my student receive a salary for work in the Work-Study Program?

Compensation for the students’ work contributions will be paid directly to the school and applied to the cost of the students’ education.


Will my student receive training before being called upon to work?

Each student receives intensive training before being sent on assignment and each student is closely monitored on an ongoing basis.


How will the students travel to and from their job sites?

Depending upon the job location, students will be chaperoned on public transportation or transported in school operated or contracted vehicles.



Athletics and Extracurricular Activities


Will the new school have an athletics program and offer extracurricular activities?

Cristo Rey model schools seek to nurture the whole person by educating the mind, body and spirit of its students and therefore the schools seek to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including athletics, drama, debate, and artistic programs.


The Planning Team recognizes the importance of athletics and other extra-curriculars in the traditions of NECHS and intends to continue the tradition of excellence in athletics and extra-curriculars in the new school.


Extracurricular programs in Cristo Rey model schools are managed so as to not conflict with work-study obligations.



Northeast Catholic High School


What is the current status of Northeast Catholic School for Boys?

Northeast Catholic School for Boys will cease operating as an Archdiocesan high school as of June 2010. The decision to close NECHS as an Archdiocesan High School will not be reconsidered by the Office of Catholic Education or the Board of Education of the Archdiocese.


Will the new school use the current NECHS facilities?

The initial planning assumption is that the new school will open in September in the current NECHS facility. During the planning processes, that assumption will be tested by an assessment of the suitability of the facility and through discussions with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the current owner of the facility. In addition, other locations in Philadelphia will be evaluated.



Religious Affiliation; Ownership; Governance


Will the new school be a Catholic school?

All Cristo Rey model schools are Catholic and must have canonical approval of the local bishop. The curriculum and the spiritual charism of the school will be Catholic, however, the school will welcome students of all faiths.


Who will own the school?

The exact ownership and governance model for the new school will be determined during the feasibility and planning phase. Many Cristo Rey model schools in the Network are owned by Religious organizations. Some Network schools are owned by the local Catholic diocese. Others are owned by a lay Boards of Trustees. The new school will most likely have a governance model that is similar to other Catholic private schools in the Philadelphia area such as St. Joseph’s Prep and Holy Ghost Prep where a Board of Trustees is responsible for governance of the school on behalf of the owners. Both The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Society of Jesus will participate in the feasibility study.


Will there be religious in the faculty or administration of the new school?

It is the hope of the Planning Team that religious men and women will be actively engaged in the governance, management and faculty of the school. However, with the dwindling number of priests and sisters it is anticipated that the faculty, staff and administration will be largely comprised of lay men and women, as is the case at nearly all Catholic schools.


Who will manage the new school?

Schools in the CRN typically are managed with a lean but efficient structure that includes a President, Principal, Work-Study Director, Development Director and other positions that are dictated by the individual needs of the school.



Enrollment, Tuition and Financial Aid


Who will be eligible to enroll in the new school?

Cristo Rey model schools across the Network serve male and female students meeting academic and economic standards without regard to race or religion. Most Cristo Rey model schools are co-educational. Some are all male; some are all female. It is likely, but not yet certain, that a new Cristo Rey model school opening in the current NECHS facility will be all male if and when it opens in September of 2010. However, during the feasibility and planning work, the Planning team will evaluate the unmet educational needs of young women in the community and incorporate those needs into the long-range plans for Cristo Rey in Philadelphia.


Will all students currently enrolled at NECHS be automatically admitted to the new school?

It is the hope of the Planning Team that all students currently enrolled and in good standing at NECHS will be eligible for admission into the new school.


What will be the tuition cost of the new school?

Cristo Rey model schools are funded by revenue from the Work-Study program, by community fundraising and by modest tuitions. The new Cristo Rey model School in Philadelphia will charge modest tuitions and also provide tuition assistance to families in need. The exact amount of the tuition and policies related to tuition assistance will be determined in the planning process.


If our family is interested in enrolling our student in the new Cristo Rey School, should we make alternative plans also?

Yes. At this time, it is by no means certain that the new Cristo Rey Scholl will open in September of 2010. Every parent must do what is best to insure the interests of their child for the 2010-2011 school year. For that reason, families that are interested in sending their student to a new Cristo Rey School in Philadelphia should contact the Planning Team via NCCRinfo@gmail.com and stay connected to the planning process via this website and via upcoming meetings, but at the same time, they should proceed with enrollment in established schools for the fall semester of 2010.



More Information


How can I get more information?

This website is the best source for information as The Planning Team plans to will post periodic updates on the progress of the study here. We will also post answers to frequently asked questions when answers are available. A primary purpose of the study is to evaluate and answer some of the critical questions that prospective parents are asking now. We encourage prospective parents to use this website and the Planning Team email address to ask questions, find answers, make suggestions and check for updates.


How can I help?

Planning for the start-up of a new school requires plenty of work and resources. Making Cristo Rey in Philadelphia a reality will require:


In early January we will post short form applications on this website for participating in each of these programs. In the mean time, if you want to get involved, send an email to nccrinfo@gmail.com.


Questions or Comments

For additional questions or comments, send an email to nccrinfo@gmail.com or call 215-694-5794

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