Part of the Cristo Rey Network of schools, CTK opened in 2008 and graduated its first class in 2012. In 2013 there were 302 students, 97% African American, 62% female. In 2017 89% of students were eligible for the federal free/reduced lunch program and the medium family income of freshmen was $19,752. All members of its first four graduating classes were accepted into college and 80% of graduates remained in college in 2015. There are 46 full-time staff plus 7 drivers. CTK has 24 classrooms, 3 computer labs, 3 science labs, art and music/band rooms, environmental "green" roof, and award-winning chapel with all seating facing each other from two sides of the central sanctuary. Extracurricular activities include Daughters of Imani, Drama Club, National Honor Society, Peer Ministry, Student Action Leadership Team, Student Council, Video Game Club, and Yearbook. Christ the King, a member of the Chicago College Prep Conference, offers both boys and girls 8 different sports at the varsity and JV level. Boys' basketball completed the 2015-2016 season with fourteen wins and only one loss.
Christian formation
Each year includes a retreat experience for all the students. Freshmen have an all-day retreat that helps them become comfortable with the changes, challenges, and new commitment that many of them face. The sophomore retreat is off-campus, an all-day reflection on building and maintaining positive relationships with friends, family, and God. The junior retreat is overnight, two full days, boys and girls separately participating in faith-based discussions and activities that touch the spirit, lead to reflection, and foster deeper relationships. The Kairos model is employed for the senior, three-day retreat, with two nights off campus. Trained adults and student leaders direct the retreat. Christ the King offers various service opportunities and it is the students' responsibility to select from these options and fulfill their required hours, rising from freshman to senior year from 15 to 20 to 25 to 30 hours in the year. Service hours count for 10% of the students' Religious Studies grade.
