In 2003, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Cassin Educational Initiative Foundation announced plans to create a total of 16 small urban college-preparatory high schools modeled called Cristo Rey across the country. In the fall of 2005, the Cristo Rey Network of Schools accepted Holy  Family Catholic High School into their program.

     The Cristo Rey Network is a national association of private high schools that makes a high-quality, college preparatory education affordabe to more young people whose families otherwise could not afford such an opportunity. Member schools utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance, counseling, and smaller class sizes to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college.

      At Cristo Rey schools, part-time internships with local businesses help cover the cost of tuition and provide students hands-on experience, marketable skills, mentoring and career guidance, contacts for the future, and a business-oriented work ethic.