Curriculum

Teachers at Cristo Rey intentionally provide work time into the class period so that students have time to ask questions and work with their teachers and peers. 

Every school day at Cristo Rey includes a period of the day called Office Hours intentionally designed to provide opportunities for students to receive additional academic support during the school day. During Office Hours students can work independently, meet with their Academic Dean, work with teachers in their classrooms or receive individual or small group tutoring. 

Cristo Rey students are valued as individual learners who are guided through mistakes and given opportunities to make corrections as part of the learning process. If a student does not demonstrate proficiency (3.0 or higher) in a standard the first time, we will invite the student to engage in more learning and practice through office hours, practice assignments, and teacher feedback. The students can then reassess on that same standard.

Cristo Rey offers all students the opportunity to work with tutors the whole year. Along with two in-school math tutors who provide support in math classrooms, Cristo Rey has the support of many volunteer tutors who dedicate their time to supporting our students during lunch and Office Hours. Any student can access a tutor in any subject by reaching out to their Academic Dean.

Cristo Rey is committed to working with students, families, and the Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Department to provide special education services to the extent possible. Each student plan is individually reviewed and while we are not able to fulfill all IEP accommodations, Cristo Rey can accommodate many student needs with our existing support structure.

At the end of each semester, the Deans’ List recognizes those students who consistently excel in academics by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher by the end of the semester.

At the end of each academic quarter of the school year, one or two students per grade level are selected by faculty and staff for

• demonstrating distinguished academic achievement.

• having outstanding attendance for the quarter.

• taking responsibility for her/his own learning.

• having an exemplary behavioral record for the quarter.

• having a high percentage of assignment completion and consistently meeting deadlines.

• maintaining good standing at CWSP.

During each academic quarter of the school year, one or two students per grade level are selected by faculty and staff for the Gloriam Award. Gloriam Award winners:

• represent hard work in the face of challenges and/or difficult academic coursework.

• exemplify behaviors appropriate for CRJHS students.

• demonstrate academic improvement since the previous quarter.

• complete assignments in a timely manner.

• show. engagement in learning.

• consistently demonstrate strong attendance and promptness to classes.

• maintain good standing in CWSP.

During each quarter of the school year, one student from each grade is selected by the CWSP staff based on nominations from workplace supervisors as Employee of the Quarter. Students can be nominated for: 

• strong overall performance.

• significant growth.

• going above and beyond their normal job duties. 

The Employee of Quarter is also in good standing academically, practices ethical and appropriate behavior regularly, and has outstanding attendance.

The Faith in Action Award is presented to the senior who has dedicated him or herself to the values of generosity, unselfish service and broad concern for the needs of others. He or she has demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the school and broader communities through work, compassion and love.

This award recognizes the unparalleled performance of a student in all subjects. The recipient of this award is to be commended for being a scholar of the highest caliber and has distinguished themselves through dedication, effort, ability, and performance.

In the Jesuit tradition magis literally means “the more.” The student who receives this award has gained the respect of their peers and teachers as they pushed themselves to consistently exceed expectations and impressed the community with the growth they accomplished. This award recognizes the admirable efforts of the student and the exceptional progress made.

The Cristo Rey Jesuit High School graduate has learned to be a dependable, responsible worker of integrity with high ethical standards. The graduate recognizes the dignity of work, its integral connection to justice and the choices she or he has to create a better society.

The Puma Award recognizes the unsurpassed performance of two graduates in extra-curricular activities. The recipients of this award have distinguished themselves through natural talent as well as determination and effort. The recipients of this award are to be commended for being performers of the highest caliber.

The founding vision of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is of a demanding, faith-centered, high-quality, learning environment in which young people from typically “at-risk” populations might achieve far beyond normal expectations both academically and socially. Furthermore, Cristo Rey Jesuit students are to be guided by a personal faith, truly prepared for a productive life, and focused on the service of others. The Spirit of Cristo Rey Award is granted to the graduates, one male and one female, who most fully exemplify this vision. The recipients of this award have made extraordinary progress in their academic work. They have consistently provided value beyond expectations to their employers. They have served their school and their community. They practice their personal faith, and have a clear plan for college graduation and life beyond college.