Application Process

| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2026 | Application for admissions open |
| September 2026 - February 2027 | Shadow Day VisitsShadow Days are open to any student considering applying to Cristo Rey High School. This program allows student applicants to experience school life at Cristo Rey first-hand. Click here to register for Shadow Day.Dates: 09/29, 10/01, 10/06, 10/07, 10/28, 10/29, 11/03, 11/10, 11/18, 12/01, 12/03, 01/13, 01/26, 01/28, 02/04, 02/09, 02/11, 02/17. (subject to availability) Start Time: 8:30am , End Time: 11:45am Shadows to be dropped off in the lobby area for check-in. Online registration is required a week in advance for any visit. Spaces fill quickly! Open the online registration form and select any date to check for live updates on availability. |
| October 25, 2026 | Open HouseJoin us Sunday, October 25th, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
| November 6, 2026 | Priority Applications DueAll new student applications who wish to be considered Priority (evaluated first) must have all Financial Aid application materials submitted by 4:00p.m. to determine income eligibility and begin the review process. Note: In order to be registered for the priority placement exam and interview held in January, families must first complete this step by the deadline. |
| December 18, 2026 | Priority Registration Applications Closed All new student applications who submitted their Financial Aid application materials by the Nov. 6 deadline must have all academic and personal records, in addition to the application fee, submitted by 4:00p.m. to finalize the evaluation process AND still be considered priority. |
| December 18, 2026 | General Applications Financial Aid Applications DUE All other new student applications who missed the Dec. 18 Priority deadline who are still interested in enrolling must have all Financial Aid application materials received by 4:00p.m. to determine income eligibility and begin the review process for all other applications. Note: In order to be registered for the placement exam and interview held in March, families must first complete this step by the deadline |
| January 23, 2027 | Priority Placement Test8th grade students who made the Priority deadline are required to take the two-part Placement Test in January: Work-Study & MAP Test. Please be advised: Doors will close at the start of the exam; late students will not be admitted. Priority Transfers (current 9th graders & +): are exempt from taking this exam but are still required to show for their interview |
| January 30, 2027 | Priority InterviewsAll Priority Application students & their families will be interviewed. Family Interviews are required. Held on a first come first serve basis, ticketed by parent/guardian language preference. All students will be interviewed in English regardless of parent/guardian language preference. |
| February 5, 2027 | General Applications Closed All new student applications who submitted their Financial Aid application materials by the Dec. 18 deadline must have all academic and personal records, in addition to the application fee, submitted by 4:00p.m. to finalize the evaluation process AND still be considered for 2027-28 |
| February & March 2027 | Priority Application Decision Letters Mailed |
| March 6, 2027 | Placement Test #28th grade students who made the General Apps deadline are required to take the two-part Placement Test in March: Work-Study & MAP Test. Please be advised: Doors will close at the start of the exam; late students will not be admitted. Transfers (current 9th graders & +): are exempt from taking this exam but are still required to show for their interview. |
| March 13, 2027 | Interviews #2All General Application students & their families will be interviewed. Family Interviews are required. Held on a first come first serve basis, ticketed by parent/guardian language preference. All students will be interviewed in English regardless of parent/guardian language preference. |
| March & April 2027 | Admissions decision letters mailed |
| April 17, 2027 | Spanish Placement Exam Exam Schedule TBD for all accepted students |
| June 6, 2027 | WELCOME DAY Letters mailed in advanced with details |
| July 6 - July 22, 2027 | MANDATORY SUMMER INSTITUTESummer Institute is an introduction to basic business skills and principles in the workplace. Students will engage in different courses to prepare them for the workforce. They will take courses in hard skill training and develop their soft skills. |
Eligibility for Admissions
Academic Criteria
Cristo Rey High School Sacramento considers various factors during the application process.
- Good discipline and attendance record
- GPA 2.5 or better
- Openness to religious growth- Our Catholic faith guides our curriculum and practices. While it is not a requirement to be Catholic to attend, students should be open to faith-based education.
- Motivation and Maturity
Financial Aid / Income
Because of our mission, the student's family must be financially eligible. A copy of the most recent tax return (2025), W-2, or any state/federal aid documents must be submitted. If you do not file taxes, you must submit an employment letter and any aid document to show all income earned in the last calendar year. No family is turned away because of financial need but you must qualify under our network guidelines to attend. Please see the graph below to determine if you qualify.
Contact the Admissions Office if you would like more information or have any questions.
| Family size | Income Cap |
| Based on 2024 Taxes | |
| 1 | $ 47,880 |
| 2 | $ 64,920 |
| 3 | $ 81,960 |
| 4 | $ 99,000 |
| 5 | $ 116,040 |
| 6 | $ 133,080 |
| 7 | $ 150,120 |
| 8 | $ 167,160 |
| 9 | $ 184,200 |
| 10 | $ 201,240 |
| 11 | $ 218,280 |
| 12 | $ 235,320 |
Work Study Employability
- Students must be 14 years old by September 1st, 2027 (Late /Oct./ Nov. Students will be placed on a waiting list)
- Have legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Students must commit to working five full days a month.
Apply Now!
Welcome prospective Cristo Rey families. You can now apply online by following the steps below.
We have the application forms available to be downloaded at the bottom of the page for your preference. Or you can call our office at 916-400-3478 and request an application. Thank you
Step 2
Student Essay
Step 3
Supporting Documents
Step 4
Letters of Recommendations
Step 5
Placement Test & Interviews Registration
Step 6
Financial Aid
- English-Application for Admission
- Spanish-Application
- Admission Essay
- Curriculum Guide
- English Teacher Recommendation
- Math Teacher Recommendation
- School Administrator Recommendation
- Placement Test & Interview Registration
- Record Request EN
- Record Request SP
- Shadow Day Information
- Shadow Day Permission
- Admissions Calendar 26-27 EN
- Admissions Calendar 26-27 SP