Expanding Horizons

Inspiring Excellence

Transforming Communities

College Ready

“I admire all the Cristo Rey students who do all of their schoolwork to keep their grades up…”

Chris Call, Science Teacher

Work Prepared

“I support Cristo Rey because it works. Supervisors report that these students are professional, serious and focused…”

Terry Brady, Retired CEO and President,
Underwriters Laboratories

Committed to Faith and Justice

“This school changed my life. I want to give back.”

Dulce Zarinana, CRSM ’16, Carthage College ’20,

CWSP Coordinator at Cristo Rey St. Martin

Who
we are

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, a Catholic learning community, empowers young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.

419

Current Students

86

Business Partners

100%

Acceptance to Bachelor’s Programs 5 years in a row

1700

Volunteer Hours

News & Updates

Recognizing Long-Term Volunteer Catherine Sazdanoff

Recognizing Long-Term Volunteer Catherine Sazdanoff

“The students are such an impressive bunch of people- I am amazed at how prepared and motivated they are. They have so much talent to offer,” says Catherine Sazdanoff, a volunteer of almost 10 years, about our students.  Since 2014, Catherine Sazdanoff has been a...

Our Honorary Godparents of CRSM: Larry and Sheila Marshall

Our Honorary Godparents of CRSM: Larry and Sheila Marshall

Larry and Sheila Marshall are like Godparents to CRSM: donors, ambassadors, business partners, and friends for Cristo Rey St. Martin from our very beginning. Larry’s business, L. Marshall Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., is one of CRSM’s original business partners in the...

A day in the life of a Cristo Rey Student – 7 years later!

A day in the life of a Cristo Rey Student – 7 years later!

At the age of 15 Samantha (Sam) Bahena began her journey as a student intern with Advanced Resources. And today at the age of 24, she has risen to the role of Director of Recruiting for that company. In Sam’s sophomore year at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep she...

Taizé Prayer – A Long-Standing CRSM Tradition on Ash Wednesday

Taizé Prayer – A Long-Standing CRSM Tradition on Ash Wednesday

In our recent Ash Wednesday Taizé Prayer Service, the melodies and moments of reflection were led by our students, showcasing their leadership and dedication to spiritual enrichment. During the service CRSM students played music, recited scripture and prayer, and...

Lunch & Learn: CRSM Alumni Discuss Their Post-High School Journeys

Lunch & Learn: CRSM Alumni Discuss Their Post-High School Journeys

It wasn’t that long ago that Stephanie Salazar, CRSM ’14; Dominican University ‘18 and Josh Washington, CRSM ’17; Loyola University Chicago ’21, were high school students contemplating their futures. Fast forward to 2024 and you will find Josh working at Discover...

Alumni Spotlights

They’re Back! 9 Alums Return to CRSM to Make a Difference

They’re Back! 9 Alums Return to CRSM to Make a Difference

From serving on the leadership team and the board of directors to teaching, navigating student jobs, and mentoring scholarship recipients, to leading retreats for campus ministry, nine CRSM alums have a special connection to the school as the 2022-23 school year kicks...

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life

Meet Ashley Fonseca, CRSM Class of ’22. At Augustana College in Rock Island, IL you will find her preparing for a career as a veterinarian, working out, or she could be found exploring new opportunities in the college’s crochet club and the LatinXUnidos club. She’s also an intern at a nearby animal clinic.

Admissions

Thank you for considering us! We are an affordable, safe, co-educational, Catholic high school committed to academic excellence for students of limited economic means in the greater Waukegan and North Chicago area.
Academics

In and out of the classroom, we are committed to students getting to and through college. For five consecutive years, CRSM has been named by the Wall Street Journal as one of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools.”

Work Study
We are preparing students for the future workforce while they work to cover educational costs. Our business partners span industries including financial services, engineering, architecture, law, education and nonprofit organizations.
Student Life

From soccer and volleyball to theater and volunteering to feed and clothe the homeless, we offer a variety of ways for students to get involved.

Our Business Partners