What We Do

Graduate Great

Graduate Great logo

Ready to Graduate, Ready for Life

Although students from families with limited economic resources are less likely to attend and graduate from college than those from higher-resourced high schools, college graduates earn 66% more and are far less likely to face unemployment.

About Graduate Great

Graduate Great is an educational collaboration that brings local private and charter schools together to create clear and unobstructed paths to graduation and higher education for every student, especially those from families with limited economic resources. By working collectively from preschool through high school, partner schools help students build the confidence, competence and character necessary to succeed beyond high school and in life. As graduates return to their communities with advanced skills and a service mindset, they will continue to transform our communities for good.

Current Graduate Great partners include:

  • Academy Prep Center of Tampa
  • Nativity Catholic School
  • RCMA
  • St. Joseph’s Catholic School
  • Cristo Rey Tampa

2022-23 Graduate Great Highlights

Graduate Great results suggest that when local schools work together from preschool through high school, students may achieve greater academic and long-term success. Additionally, the program is increasing access to a college preparatory education for more students from limited economic resources.

  • In fall 2022, 61% of all ninth graders at Cristo Rey came from partner schools. Half of all students represent partner schools.
  • Cristo Rey students from partner schools had an average GPA of 3.02, meeting the program objective.
  • 98% of Cristo Rey seniors graduated in May 2023. The graduation rate for students from partner schools was 94%.
  • 91% of Cristo Rey seniors attended college after graduation.
  • 88% of students from partner schools had $3,000 or less in out-of-pocket expenses per year to attend college.

While the initiative has met some of its academic objectives, more work is necessary to achieve standards in reading and on the PSAT and SAT. Partners will continue to focus on these areas during the upcoming school year.