The school was established in 2004 as a collaborative effort between the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and the Jesuits.

There are 37 Cristo Rey schools in the United States, all of which exclusively serve students from low-income families.

The school's building at 112 East 106th Street is part of St. Cecilia's Church and Convent, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After financial aid, the average amount paid per student is $1,185, which covers around ten percent of their education.

[8] A major focus of the school is raising standardized test scores and preparing students for a rigorous college education.

The Corporate Work Study Program is a distinguishing component of all Cristo Rey schools.

[2] The goal is for students to acquire job experience and marketable skills, develop a network of business contacts, gain exposure to a wide variety of career opportunities, and improve in their work ethic and self-esteem.

[1] Each student earns about $6,500 per year through their Corporate Work Study Program job, which goes directly towards their education costs.

These volunteers help the school in various ways through assistant teaching, fundraising, moderating extra-curricular activities, coaching, and training and chaperoning students for the Corporate Work Study Program.