Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

What Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep does

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep is a private Catholic college preparatory high school located in Waukegan, Illinois, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN # 42-1597059) since its founding in 2004 as St. Martin De Porres High School and rebrand in 2006. The school enrolls 422 students of limited economic means drawn from the greater Waukegan and North Chicago area, delivering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of 'America's Most Challenging High Schools' for five consecutive years and by the College Board with Platinum AP School Honor Roll recognition for three consecutive years (2023-2025).

The school's core product combines a four-year academic curriculum with a mandatory Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) in which all students work at one of 109+ partner companies across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, IT, government, and nonprofit sectors. CWSP partners include AbbVie, Abbott, Baxter, Northwestern Medicine, Walgreens, CDW, Discover Financial Services, Zebra Technologies, Baird, and Barilla, among others. Capital infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art campus at the former Kmart building on Belvidere Road, a roof-mounted solar energy system operational since September 20, 2024 (approximately 500,000 kWh annual generation, 64% energy-bill reduction, ~$58,476/year savings), and the Zach Perry Soccer Field dedicated in May 2024. AI curriculum integration was introduced into classroom instruction alongside the existing Robotics Club hosted biweekly by Abbott.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model: tuition on a sliding scale for families, CWSP partner fees that help fund educational operations, individual donations (including the recurring GEM — Goodwill Every Month program), alumni giving, foundation grants (notably from the Gorter Family Foundation since 2007), employer matching gifts, planned/legacy gifts, and signature annual fundraising events including the Founders' Dinner and Elevate gala. The 20th Anniversary Founders' Dinner in April 2025 raised a record $947,000 (up from $690,000 in 2024), and the school has achieved 100% bachelor's program acceptance for seven consecutive years.

Name

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

Legal name

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

Website

https://cristoreystmartin.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep is a private Catholic college preparatory high school in Waukegan, Illinois, serving 422 students of limited economic means through a rigorous curriculum and a mandatory Corporate Work Study Program with 109+ partner companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Catholic College Preparatory Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter College-Prep & Advanced Academics Schools (EDAJACAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

College Readiness & Admissions Prep Centers (Small-Group Workshops) (EDANAHAI)

Keywords

• College preparatory education
• Catholic secondary school
• Work-integrated learning
• Nonprofit private school
• Corporate work study

Headquarters

HQ city

Waukegan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Work Study Program: Business partners employ CRSM students, with fees/wages contributing to educational costs and covering program operations.
2. Tuition: Tuition charged to families of students; school markets itself as affordable to students of limited economic means.
3. Individual Donations: Direct charitable contributions from individuals, including recurring giving program (GEM - Goodwill Every Month).
4. Annual Fundraising Events: Major annual events including the Founders' Dinner (20th anniversary event raised $947,000) and the Elevate gala; event revenue supports student scholarships and program operations.
5. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Grants and programmatic support from foundations including Gorter Family Foundation, Humanas Foundation, and corporate partners supporting specific programs.
6. Matching Gifts: Employer-matched contributions through corporate matching gift programs.
7. Legacy and Planned Giving: Bequests, retirement fund designations, insurance policies, and trust fund gifts through the Legacy Society.
8. Alumni Giving: Ongoing financial support from CRSM graduates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep is a private Catholic college preparatory high school that delivers a rigorous college-prep curriculum to approximately 422 students of limited economic means in the greater Waukegan and North Chicago area. Its core differentiator is the mandatory Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), in which every student works one day per week at one of 109+ partner companies, with student wages flowing back to the school to offset tuition costs. The school bundles academics, professional work experience, college counseling, and faith-based formation into a single educational offering funded through tuition, employer work-study contributions, donations, and grants.

Product overview

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep operates as a unified Catholic college preparatory school offering an integrated educational experience. The core portfolio consists of a rigorous academic program paired with a mandatory Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), where students work at partner companies to gain professional experience. Supporting services include academic counseling, college counseling, campus ministry with community service opportunities, and diverse extracurricular activities spanning athletics, fine arts, and student clubs. The school serves students of limited economic means in the greater Waukegan and North Chicago area, achieving a 100% college acceptance rate for 7 consecutive years.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• College Preparatory Academic Program Rigorous college preparatory curriculum for students of limited economic means, recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of 'America's Most Challenging High Schools' for five consecutive years.
• Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) Integrated work study program where students gain professional experience at partner companies across industries including financial services, engineering, law, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations, helping cover educational costs while developing workforce skills.
• Academic Counseling Services Comprehensive academic counseling to support students in achieving academic success and college readiness.
• College Counseling Services Dedicated college counseling program ensuring students are prepared for and gain acceptance to bachelor's degree programs, with 100% acceptance rate for 7 consecutive years.
• Campus Ministry & Community Service Faith-based campus ministry program offering community service opportunities, retreats, and spiritual development.
• Student Life (Athletics, Clubs, Fine Arts) Variety of extracurricular activities including sports (soccer, volleyball), drama/theater productions, and student-led clubs and organizations.
• Alumni Academic and Career Counseling Ongoing academic and career counseling services for CRSM alumni to support success in college and beyond.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate for 7 consecutive years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• AbbottcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing business partner that employs CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. Abbott also hosts CRSM's Robotics Club biweekly at its facility, providing space for hands-on technology and AI learning experiences for students.
• AbbViecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiopharmaceutical company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. CRSM alumnus Alondra Murillo ('18) now works as Senior HR Operations Specialist at AbbVie and currently supervises current CRSM student workers.
• Advocate Condell Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Aurora Health CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Baird Private Wealth ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWealth management firm employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Baxter InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal healthcare company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• CDWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIT solutions provider employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• CVS HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare and retail pharmacy company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Discover Financial ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services company that has employed CRSM students through CWSP. Alumni including Oscar Gonzalez ('17) interned at Discover throughout high school and college, eventually receiving a full-time offer. CRSM alumni continue to be part of the Discover CRSM Leadership Team.
• Gewalt Hamilton Associates (GHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering firm that has employed CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. CRSM alumnus Oscar Gonzalez had his first CWSP placement at GHA, working with the Accounts Payable team.
• Greenwood ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2016, Greenwood Project creates career pathways in financial services for Black and Latinx college students. CRSM alumni are participating in this program, with alumni turning opportunity into impact in competitive finance careers.
• Humanas FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation focusing on helping inner-city students during college and beyond. Ed Webler represents Humanas at CRSM, meeting individually with select CRSM graduates before college and providing ongoing financial and emotional support throughout their university years. Alumni including Litzy Martinez ('23) and Josh Hernandez ('22) are mentored through this program.
• L. Marshall Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarry Marshall's business is one of CRSM's original business partners in the Corporate Work Study Program, giving students jobs every year since 2004. Larry also served on the Board of Trustees for 8 years.
• Lake Forest Bank & TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking institution employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Northwestern MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic medical center employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• UL Solutions / UL Research InstitutescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal safety science company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. Retired CEO and President Terry Brady served as Board Chairman of CRSM and keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary Founders' Dinner.
• WalgreenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail pharmacy and healthcare company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Rosalind Franklin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical and health sciences university employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• US FoodscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoodservice distributor employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Cristo Rey NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of approximately 40 Catholic schools sharing the Cristo Rey educational model. CRSM is part of this network, benefiting from the national brand, shared best practices, professional development (including the IPASS fellowship), and recognition programs like the Outrageously Bold Awards.
• Overture PromotionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotional products company employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. Student Andrea A. developed an innovative warehouse safety rewards program at Overture Promotions that improved employee safety and engagement.
• JGMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign, engineering, and construction firm employing CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program. Senior Project Manager David Ortega participates in Career Conversations events mentoring current students.
• Global Repair GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission-driven organization supporting airlines and travelers with mobility equipment repair. New CWSP partner since January 2026; four CRSM students gaining experience in bill paying, accounting support, inventory management, parts entry, and customer service as part of a one-semester pilot program.
• PurposeBuilt BrandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Corporate Work Study partnership with students working at PurposeBuilt Brands' Gurnee, Illinois and Somers, Wisconsin locations, gaining professional experience in the company's operations.
• Ellie Burns FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Sally and Michael Burns in honor of their daughter Ellie, the foundation allows high school students to experience travel and nature. CRSM students have received scholarships to summit Mount Shasta in California through this foundation.
• Road Less TraveledcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTravel and service program through which CRSM students have traveled to Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Thailand. Students teach English to local children, interact with Buddhist monks, and volunteer at elephant sanctuaries. Scholarships through Farther Foundation support student participation.
• House of PeacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDomestic violence transitional shelter affiliated with the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities. Partnership began in 2022; every Tuesday, 6-10 CRSM student volunteers engage with approximately 20 children at the shelter, helping with feeding, playing games, and teaching art classes.
• Mano A ManocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnered with CRSM's Campus Ministry to support civic engagement and community advocacy. Claire Dietz coordinates Mano A Mano's Democracy Action Program, leading voter registration drives and providing immigrant families with legal resources and basic needs assistance. CRSM's OPT student group works with the organization.
• Ladder UpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTax preparation volunteer organization providing free tax filing services to individuals and households earning up to $40,000 at CRSM. Volunteers have helped secure approximately $390,000 in tax refunds for local families. Services available every Saturday through March 2026.
• St. Viator VITAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer Income Tax Assistance program providing weekday evening tax preparation for CRSM families earning up to $66,000, available by appointment at the school.
• Nazareth FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService immersion location in West Virginia where CRSM students and faculty spend a week each summer doing service work (building houses, maintenance, yard work), facilitating prayer groups, and developing faith and leadership skills without cell phones or digital distractions.
• Northern Illinois Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood bank that partnered with CRSM to host a grocery distribution event serving 650 families in the community.
• Barilla, ITW, Illinois Tool Works, Grainger, Hollister Inc., Rust-Oleum, IDEX Corporation, Antylia Scientific, EMCO Chemical, First Insurance Funding, Kinter, Snap-On Credit, State Bank of the Lakes, Synergy Global Flavorings, Woodland Gourmet, McLean-Fogg, Classic Dealer GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdditional Corporate Work Study Program business partners spanning food manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, financial services, automotive, and specialty chemicals sectors.
• Government: City of Waukegan, Lake County, Lake County Dept. of Public Works, Lake County DOT, North Shore Water Reclamation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment entity partners that employ CRSM students through the Corporate Work Study Program.
• Associate Board of Young ProfessionalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup of 16 young professionals (including 3 CRSM alumni) revived after a 5-year hiatus. Previously known as the St. Martin Advisory Counsel (SMAC). The board raises money through fundraisers, helps the work-study program with professional development, and participates in service initiatives.
• Evanston Scholars, Jesuit Refugee Services USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizations on whose boards CRSM supporter Kristen Watson serves, representing her broader commitment to educational equity and migrant rights that connects to her CRSM involvement.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• DePaul College Prep: Catholic college-prep high school in Chicago area without a mandatory work-study program but targeting similar prospective families. Comparable in mission and regional competition but distinct operating model.
• De La Salle Institute: Catholic college-prep high school in Chicago serving a similar student demographic. Comparable in mission and regional competition but a traditional model without CWSP.
• Marist High School: Catholic college-prep high school in the Chicago area. Comparable in faith-based mission and college-prep curriculum but operates without the corporate work-study tuition offset.
• Loyola Academy: Catholic, Jesuit college-prep high school in Wilmette, Illinois. Comparable in college-prep rigor and regional market but serves a more affluent demographic and lacks CWSP.

Direct peers

• Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School: Cristo Rey Network school in Atlanta using the same college-prep + CWSP model. Direct peer in educational approach and scalable operating model.
• Cristo Rey Boston High School: Cristo Rey Network school serving low-income students with the same integrated work-study program and college-prep curriculum. Direct peer in educational model and mission.
• Cristo Rey New York High School: Original Cristo Rey Network school implementing the college-prep + CWSP model founded by the national network. Most established peer and benchmark for CWSP execution.
• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Chicago: Chicago Cristo Rey Network school operating the same college-prep + mandatory Corporate Work Study Program model for students of limited economic means. Most direct functional peer given shared mission, network affiliation, and geographic overlap.
• Cristo Rey High School Sacramento: Sister Cristo Rey Network school implementing the same CWSP-plus-college-prep model for low-income students. Comparable in scale, mission, and operating model despite different geography.
• Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School: Cristo Rey Network school in Philadelphia operating the same integrated work-study and college-prep model. Direct peer for benchmarking CWSP outcomes and partner-ecosystem development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CristoReySM
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCT9B65IeQ0VAj7lS5zTRPgQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/CristoReyStMartin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cristo-rey-st-martin
• Instagraminstagram.com/WeAreCRSM

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep