Business Details
21 Years
experience
Empowering Students for College & Life
St. Martin De Porres High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence and faith-based education in the Chicago area. Our mission centers on empowering young people of limited economic means to become men and women of purpose, service, and faith. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, we ensure students are equipped to succeed in higher education, with 100% of graduates accepted into bachelors programs for six consecutive years. Our innovative Corporate Work Study Program allows students to gain professional experience while offsetting tuition costs, fostering real-world skills and industry connections.Rooted in Catholic values, we cultivate a community where students volunteer over 1,200 hours annually, addressing social injustices through service and prayer. With a 98% retention rate and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our dedicated educators provide personalized support, ensuring every student thrives academically and personally. Our alumni, now leaders in diverse fields, exemplify our commitment to transforming communities locally and globally.
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
Corporate Work Study Program
Academic Counseling
College Counseling
Campus Ministry
Student Life Activities
Alumni Support
Financial Aid
Tutoring
Community Service
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer a 100% college acceptance rate for six consecutive years.
- Our Corporate Work Study Program partners with 109 local businesses.
- Students volunteer over 1,200 hours annually, fostering community engagement.
- 98% student retention rate from freshman to senior year.
- Faculty includes 66% with Masters degrees and a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
What people say
Transformative experiences
Career readiness
Dedicated staff
Community engagement
College acceptance success
Services
Corporate Work Study Program
Our Corporate Work Study Program integrates students into professional environments, allowing them to work five days monthly with local businesses. This initiative covers a portion of tuition costs while providing hands-on experience in fields like finance, law, and healthcare. Students receive pre-job training and mentorship, ensuring they develop workplace skills aligned with academic goals.
College Preparatory Curriculum
The college preparatory curriculum offers advanced placement courses, tutoring, and college counseling to ensure academic success. With 90% of graduates enrolling directly in four-year programs, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, STEM, and humanities. Personalized support includes a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and college application guidance.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry fosters spiritual growth through retreats, prayer services, and service initiatives. Students participate in immersion trips, justice groups, and liturgical leadership, deepening their faith while addressing social issues. The program emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming students of all backgrounds to explore their spiritual journeys.
Alumni Support
Alumni receive ongoing academic counseling, career coaching, and networking opportunities. The program tracks graduate success, with 30% of alumni working for former business partners. Events and volunteer initiatives maintain community ties, celebrating achievements and fostering lifelong connections through mentorship and service projects.
Student Life Activities
Student life includes sports teams, honor societies, environmental clubs, and arts programs. Activities like National Honor Society, theater productions, and community service projects promote leadership and teamwork. Over 20 student-led groups ensure diverse engagement opportunities, supporting personal growth beyond the classroom.
People
Mark Gasche
Director of Corporate Work Study
Mark Gasche brings extensive career development experience to CRSM, having worked at institutions like Northwestern University. He oversees partnerships with 109 businesses, ensuring students gain meaningful professional experience through the Corporate Work Study Program.
Iris Sanchez
Campus Minister
Iris Sanchez leads campus ministry initiatives, guiding students in faith-based service and social justice. Her work includes organizing immersion trips and student-led groups like Oportunidades Para Todos, fostering spiritual growth and community impact.
Jim Dippold
Director of Campus Ministry
Jim Dippold directs spiritual programs, including retreats and liturgical events. He connects students with faith-based service opportunities and oversees all-school masses, ensuring a vibrant Catholic community aligned with CRSMs mission.
Candice Tonon
Director of Development
Candice Tonon manages philanthropy efforts, overseeing donations, legacy giving, and community partnerships. She ensures financial sustainability through programs like GEM (Goodwill Every Month), supporting scholarships and operational needs.
Viviana Vasquez
Director of Admissions
Viviana Vasquez leads admissions, promoting accessibility for low-income families. She streamlines the application process, ensuring equitable access to CRSMs college preparatory education and work-study opportunities.
Questions
What is Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep’s mission?
Our mission empowers young people of limited means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service through college prep education and work-study programs.
How does the Corporate Work Study Program work?
Students work five days monthly with local businesses, gaining professional experience while covering part of their tuition. Partners include firms in finance, law, and healthcare.
What college readiness support is available?
We offer college counseling, AP courses, tutoring, and a 90% direct enrollment rate into four-year programs, with 100% acceptance for six consecutive years.
Are there extracurricular activities?
Students join sports teams, honor societies, environmental clubs, and arts programs, with over 20 student-led groups promoting leadership and community engagement.
How can families apply for financial aid?
Financial aid and the Work Study Program reduce tuition costs. Applications open August 1st annually, with additional support through the GEM recurring donation program.
What community service opportunities exist?
Students volunteer over 1,200 hours yearly through initiatives like Oportunidades Para Todos, addressing local needs while fulfilling our mission of faith and justice.
