More than 20 sixth-grade students lined the back wall of Cristo Rey Columbus High School’s gymnasium Wednesday with scissors in hand. On a count of three, they cut into a ceremonial ribbon, commemorating the opening of The Middle School at Cristo Rey.
It was a celebratory day for the school, part of the Cristo Rey Network, which includes 41 career-focused, college preparatory schools across 24 U.S. states.
Cristo Rey Columbus welcomed a class of 27 sixth-grade students this year. It plans to add an additional middle-school grade level each year until high school.
“The goal of the middle school is to introduce students to Christian-based culture, high standards at a younger age, helping them grow academically and preparing them for more challenging concepts,” principal Ryan Michelle Pettit said in her remarks at the ceremony.
“It also provides a more intentional runway into high school, a cohesive transition that allows students to enter ninth grade already immersed in Cristo Rey’s expectation, culture and community.”
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The Cristo Rey Network is designed to help students of limited economic means and various faith backgrounds grow spiritually, academically and professionally. A Professional Work-Study Program allows businesses to invest in student workers, which in turn, gives students access to an affordable, college-preparatory education.
Cristo Rey Columbus is the first nationwide to expand by adding a middle school.
“The fact that we’re a first is special, but what really matters is the fact that we’re able to open this middle school,” Pettit reflected. “I’m so thankful for the supporters and the faculty and staff who said, ‘Yes’ and said, ‘Let’s give this a shot.’”
Children in the inaugural class of The Middle School come from 22 different schools. Cristo Rey primarily draws from the Columbus City Schools district.
All students in the inaugural class at The Middle School are eligible for the state’s EdChoice program, which provides students from designated public schools the opportunity to attend participating private schools, covering the cost of their tuition.
Cristo Rey enables inner-city Columbus families to choose a Catholic education for their children. Families with middle-school students now have access to that opportunity at an earlier age.
“Cristo Rey Columbus High School is an excellent example of what it means to approach Catholic education with creativity and courage. As Bishop Fernandes reminds us in his pastoral letter, Catholic education is an act of hope,” superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Adam Dufault affirmed.
“This new middle school is a concrete investment in the future of our students. The Diocese of Columbus is proud to support Cristo Rey as it finds innovative ways to serve more students and to help them flourish.”
Cristo Rey Columbus hired two sixth-grade teachers for its inaugural class. The teachers, Maddy Abels, who is in her 12th year at the school, and Alex Snyder, who is in her first year at Cristo Rey, share a classroom, which is split for math and language arts instruction.
“The sixth graders have done such an amazing job transitioning,” Abels said.
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“Knowing that almost all of them are coming from different schools and don’t really know each other, we’ve already formed this really great class community. They’ve done such a good job diving into the Cristo Rey culture.”
In the past, Cristo Rey Columbus High School, which opened in 2013, noticed incoming freshmen struggle to adjust to the school’s college preparatory curriculum. Some students lacked academic stamina, organization and important skills.
The Middle School will help students develop necessary skills sooner.
“We’re able to establish those good study habits, work on those important foundational skills in math and in English and then introduce them to the Cristo Rey culture. Having three additional years with students is such a fantastic opportunity,” Pettit said.
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Several organizations supported the opening of The Middle School: the Diocese of Columbus, which sponsors Cristo Rey Columbus; the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools and the Cristo Rey Network.
Carson O’Brien, a sixth-grade student at Cristo Rey, expressed feeling positive about his new school. “It’s good,” he said. “The students are super helpful and kind.”
A Positive Impact Program composed of sophomore students was created to provide guidance, support and friendship to middle school students.
The program helps sixth grade students adjust to the Cristo Rey experience. Sophomore students, in turn, act as role models and build leadership skills.
Tzuriel Pichardo, a sophomore at Cristo Rey Columbus, is serving as a mentor in the Positive Impact Program. Pichardo will help the sixth-grade class acclimate to Cristo Rey.
She was inspired to serve after being mentored during her freshman year at the school.
“I was like, ‘I really want to do this for other students,’” she reflected, “and know that it’s middle school – it’s going to be harder. I think I would help them a lot.
“What I plan on doing is help the sixth graders get comfortable … and knowing more of Cristo Rey.”
