CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL

A motivated student from a working-class or immigrant family who wants a private Catholic education at a price that works, and who would thrive getting real-world work experience built into the school week.

• Corporate Work Study Program places every student in a real paid job one day a week, building a résumé and a professional network before graduation.
• Tuition ranges from $800 to $2,000 — among the most affordable private high schools in Manhattan, made possible by the work-study model.
• Eight AP courses spanning English, Spanish, history, math, physics, and computer science for a school of its size.
• Catholic identity rooted in social justice and "ganas" — the belief that every student has God-given potential worth fulfilling.
• Part of the national Cristo Rey Network, with structured college counseling and alumni connections across the country.

• The 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio is larger than most NYC private schools, meaning less individualized attention than small boutique programs.
• AP offerings are more limited than well-resourced Manhattan private schools — eight courses total across departments.
• The Catholic formation is meaningful, not ceremonial — families should be comfortable with prayer, retreat days, and faith-based values woven into the school day.
• Reviews are mixed on how well students are prepared for highly selective universities, though the college counseling program is robust and SAT testing is offered on site.
• The career-focused model assumes a student who wants professional work experience; teens who want a purely academic high school may not click with the schedule.