Creating Life-long Learners
Our Academic Approach
At Holy Family Cristo Rey, we believe that academic growth begins with knowing each student as an individual. Every student brings their own strengths, challenges, and dreams to the classroom. With intentionally small class sizes, our educators are able to build strong, supportive relationships that create space for meaningful dialogue, deep inquiry, and differentiated instruction. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage in problem-solving with confidence. Our academic model is rooted in high expectations and high support—ensuring that every student has the tools, encouragement, and personalized guidance to thrive.
Beyond the classroom, our Corporate Work Study Program provides students with real-world professional experience that reinforces what they learn in school. By blending academic rigor with workplace readiness and values-based education, we prepare our students not just for college—but for lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.
Academic Administration
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Academic Information
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- Surpass the Cristo Rey Network goal of 50% of students benchmarking as "College Ready" in either ELA or Math
- Improve each student's score by at least 100 SAT points or 2 ACT points
- Increase the number of students accepted to high-quality universities and offered competitive scholarships
- Build a strong test prep culture using HFCR-vetted faculty and instructional best practices
Preparing for Success:
HFCR's Test Prep Program
Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT continue to play a significant role in shaping students’ college and scholarship opportunities. At Holy Family Cristo Rey, we’ve made it a priority to ensure our scholars are not only prepared—but confident. Launched in 2022, our in-house Test Prep Program has already made a measurable impact. Since its inception, our average test scores have steadily increased, with scholars gaining an average of 30 points year over year. Today, 65% of HFCR upperclassmen benchmark in at least one subject on the in-school SAT—surpassing the Cristo Rey Network benchmark goal of 50%.
What makes our program unique is the intentional and comprehensive support structure it offers across all grade levels. Beginning freshman year, students take elective enrichment classes focused on core skills. Sophomores are enrolled in “Algebra for the SAT,” while juniors complete a year-long SAT prep course and attend a summer ACT boot camp. Seniors receive additional tutoring and multiple opportunities to retake both the SAT and ACT—with support from our College Counseling Office in securing fee waivers and test day registration. Scholars also benefit from optional after-school study groups, practice exams, test prep clubs, and college visits that reinforce their college-going mindset.
We’ve partnered with the nonprofit CollegeSpring to supplement our in-house curriculum, providing teacher training, online learning tools, and in-depth data tracking. Progress is closely monitored from the freshman PSAT 9 through the official SAT exams taken junior and senior year. Our faculty-led approach ensures continuity, relationship-building, and motivation—key factors in student success. Test prep achievements are celebrated school-wide with awards, a top-scorer bulletin board, and college swag incentives. Whether it’s a sweatshirt from their dream school or a class party for growth, our scholars know their hard work matters.
Empowering Learning Through Technology:
Student Technology at HFCR
At Holy Family Cristo Rey, technology is an essential part of how our students learn, create, and lead. Through our 1:1 device program, every student receives a school-issued iPad, fully protected with AppleCare and a durable case, allowing them to engage in interactive lessons, access real-time feedback, and participate in a variety of personalized learning platforms. Best of all, students who graduate from HFCR keep their iPads, giving them a powerful device to take with them to college to continue learning.
Our classrooms integrate trusted learning tools like Google Classroom, Nearpod, Kahoot, IXL, and ThinkCERCA, alongside newer platforms such as Coursera and AI-supported learning tools. In every subject, students build the digital fluency and critical thinking skills they'll need for success in college and beyond.
HFCR students also have access to Cristo Rey Creates, our professional-grade digital creativity lab where they can explore video production, photography, podcasting, and design using industry-standard tools like the Adobe Creative Suite. All HFCR students, faculty, and staff receive full Adobe Creative Cloud licenses for school use.
Through project-based learning and real-world tools, our students don't just consume technology: they create with it. They learn to communicate ideas, collaborate with peers, and use technology to amplify their voices and shape their futures.
National Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
National English Honor Society
Rho Kappa National
Social Studies Honor Society
Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica
(Spanish Honor Society)
Graduation Requirements
Subject
# of Credits
Grading Scale
Letter Grade
%
Range
GPA Points
(Standard)
GPA Points (Honors/AP)
Students must be on grade level to remain enrolled at HFCR. Therefore, any student who fails 3 or more classes will not be invited to return to HFCR.
Students who fail a course or courses during the school year must make arrangements to earn the necessary credits during Summer School.
Seniors who fail any course(s) required to fulfill graduation requirements will not be permitted to participate in Commencement Exercises and will not receive a diploma until they have successfully completed the failed course(s).
English Courses
- English Intervention
- English 9
- Honors English 9
- English 10
- English 10 AP Seminar
- English 11
- AP English Language & Composition (11)
- English 12
- AP English Literature & Composition (12)
Mathematics Courses
- Math Intervention
- Algebra I
- Honors Algebra I
- Geometry
- Honors Geometry
- Algebraic Connections
- Algebra II
- Algebra III
- Precalculus
- AP Precalculus
- AP Calculus
Social Studies Courses
- World History
- Honors World History
- US History I
- Honors US History I
- US History II
- AP US History
- Government (1 Semester)
- Economics (1 Semester)
- AP US Government & Politics (1 Semester)
- Honors Economics
Science Courses
- Biology
- Honors Biology
- Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Forensic Science
- Honors Forensic Science
Religion Courses
- Religion 9
- Religion 10
- Religion 11
- Religion 12
Foreign Language Courses
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers I
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers II
Physical Education Courses
- Health & Physical Education
- Athletics & Weight Training
College Readiness Courses
- SAT Prep (11th Grade)
- College Counseling (12th Grade)
Professional Skills Academy
- Professional Skills Academy 9
- Professional Skills Academy 10
- Professional Skills Academy 11
- Professional Skills Academy 12
Elective Courses
- AP African American Studies
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Music & Politics
- Yearbook
We certify with the Global Seal of Biliteracy.
Awarded in more than 50 countries, the Global Seal of Biliteracy is a verifiable international certification that conveys proficiency with language skills in two or more languages for our qualifying candidates. This stackable certification offers a competitive advantage by empowering bilinguals with digitally shareable documentation that opens the door to scholarships, advanced course placement, increased study abroad opportunities and so much more. The Global Seal is and will be FREE for all.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy allows universities and employers to easily verify our students’ language skills and be confident that they possess valuable soft skills linked to learning a language. Research consistently demonstrates that the demand for bilingual employees continues to grow and can result in pay differentials and increased employment opportunities. The Global Seal of Biliteracy provides a universally consistent way to document language proficiency at one of three credential tiers as demonstrated by a qualifying test. When recipients register their certificate, it can be easily shared digitally with a university or employer or posted to social media.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy accepts multiple qualifying tests to receive this certification. Our program applies on behalf of qualifying candidates for the Global Seal of Biliteracy certification as our way to recognize their accomplishment and help them leverage their skills for the future.
To learn more about the Global Seal of Biliteracy, visit their website at www.theglobalseal.com.
