Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School, better known as CTK, is a private Catholic high school in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), the school operates under the Cristo Rey model, which uniquely integrates a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a mandatory Corporate Work Study Program. This approach makes a high-quality education accessible to low- and middle-income families while fostering professional skills and personal responsibility in every student. In this article on chicago1.one, we explore the school’s history, academic offerings, and vibrant student community.
Founding and the Cristo Rey Model
Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School opened its doors in 2008 as part of the national Cristo Rey Network, which has its roots in Chicago. The school celebrated its first graduating class in 2012, marking a significant milestone in CTK’s development as a premier preparatory institution.
The Cristo Rey model allows students to gain professional experience by working in corporate, non-profit, and healthcare settings alongside their studies. At CTK, students fund nearly three-quarters of their tuition through these work-study placements, made possible by partnerships with 96 official organizations across the city.
Student Community
CTK primarily serves Chicago’s underserved communities. In its early years, the student body was predominantly African American, and a significant portion of families met the criteria for federal free or reduced-price lunch programs. The average freshman family income was less than $20,000 per year, highlighting the school’s deep commitment to its social mission.
Despite these economic challenges, CTK consistently delivers impressive academic results. Every student in the first four graduating classes was accepted into college, and a large majority continued their education years after graduation—a testament to the school’s focus on academic persistence.
Campus and Infrastructure
The CTK campus features modern facilities designed to support both academic and creative growth. The school boasts numerous classrooms, science labs, an innovation center, and hands-on workshops. Dedicated spaces for art and music, along with an educational “green” roof, provide students with a well-rounded environment for exploration.
The school chapel holds a special place in campus life. Its architectural design emphasizes the communal nature of worship, with seating arranged on opposite sides of a central altar. This layout symbolizes dialogue, equality, and the unity of the school community.
Extracurricular Life and Athletics
CTK offers students a wide range of opportunities to excel outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities include spiritual leadership programs, theater, student government, media projects, and academic clubs. These initiatives are designed to build confidence, teamwork, and civic engagement.
Athletics are also a vital part of the student experience. As a member of the Chicago College Prep Conference, CTK offers competitive sports for boys and girls at both Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. The boys’ basketball team, in particular, enjoyed a period of significant success in the mid-2010s.
Spiritual Growth and Service
As a Jesuit school, Christ the King places a heavy emphasis on spiritual formation. Each school year includes retreat programs tailored to the students’ age and developmental stage, focusing on self-discovery, responsibility, and building a healthy relationship with God, family, and society. Seniors participate in the Kairos model—an intensive retreat experience led by trained adult mentors and student leaders that combines reflection and prayer.
Social service is a core requirement of the CTK curriculum. Students choose their own volunteer paths and must complete a set number of service hours each year, with requirements increasing as they approach graduation. This service is integrated into their religious studies courses and evaluated as part of their academic progress. This approach reflects the Jesuit ideal of forming “men and women for others”—conscious citizens ready to serve their communities.
Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School stands as a model of how academic rigor, professional work, and spiritual growth can come together to create an effective, socially oriented education. Through its Jesuit heritage and the Cristo Rey network, the school continues to expand college access and shape motivated, socially conscious graduates.