History and Timeline

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep was founded as St. Martin de Porres High School in 2004 by a group led by George J. Rassas, then pastor of St. Mary’s in Lake Forest and current auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

At the time, the school was the tenth school in the Cristo Rey Network.

Naming the school after St. Martin De Porres (December 9, 1579 – November 3, 1639), the patron saint of mixed-race people and those seeking interracial harmony, was an intentional choice.

Born in poverty as the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a Black former slave, St. Martin De Porres embodies the racial and ethnic makeup of our students. His life serves as an example of the values we strive to instill in them.

We believe that quiet faith and service to others is at the foundation of our lived experience. We strive to be people for others.

In 2012, we changed our name to Cristo Rey St. Martin to provide a stronger affiliation and name recognition to the Cristo Rey Network.

About The Cristo Rey Network

The Cristo Rey Network® is the only network of high schools in the country that integrates four years of rigorous college preparatory academics with four years of professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program.

Composed of 39 Catholic, career focused, college preparatory schools, the Cristo Rey Network delivers a powerful and innovative approach to education that equips students from families of limited economic means with the knowledge, character, and skills to achieve their aspirations.