Chicago school one of six new schools based on Cristo Rey model

Published: 2004-09-14

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CNS) -- When Karen Ochoa was growing up in Chicago she always wanted to go to Cristo Rey High School. When her family moved north to Waukegan, she thought she'd lost her chance. But the 14-year-old who plans to become a pediatrician essentially had her wish come true when she entered the newly opened St. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan. The school is one of 11 across the country to operate on the model pioneered by Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and one of six to open this school year alone. Cristo Rey, the Jesuit high school that opened in 1996, allows students to pay for most of their education by working five days a month in school-sponsored corporate internships which give the students work experience. The St. Martin de Porres School represents the culmination of years of planning and cooperation by four religious congregations and St. Mary Parish in Lake Forest.

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