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High school students in their chemistry class putting a sample onto a flame
Students posing with a sign that says Latinas Unidas
Students cheering at Senior Night
Three students holding college pennants to Harvard, UPenn, and Yale.
Students posing at the club fair for their Red Cross Club
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Students in graduation cap and gowns facing forward.

ICA Cristo Rey Academy is a vibrant Dominican Catholic college preparatory high school in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District that transforms girls into confident young women empowered to realize their full potential; intellectually, professionally, and spiritually.

ABOUT US

Mission & Philosophy

For 141 years, ICA Cristo Rey Academy has educated young women in San Francisco to become people of prayer, study, community, and service. We prepare the next generation of young women leaders by offering an excellent academic curriculum, a unique corporate work-study experience, and the support of our spiritual community.

 

 

100%

OF THE CLASS OF 2024 ARE ATTENDING COLLEGE.

89%

OF THE CLASS OF 2024 ARE FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS.

 

$10 million

in grants & scholarships earned by the class of 2024.

 

114

earned admissions to college & universities by the class of 2024.

 

17%

of the class of 2024 are attending a uc.

Brief case icon

1,360

hours OF WORK STUDY EXPERIENCE EARNED BY THE CLASS OF 2024.

 

Where are our Spartans now?

Taking our students to and through college.

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From Our Community

Patty Torres '23

"Being on the ICA's swim team helped me develop my leadership skills and gain the confidence I once lacked as an athlete. From teaching my teammates how to dive to executing a flip turn during a race, I loved every moment of being on the team because it reassured me that what I was teaching them truly made a difference."

Ariana Chacon '15

"Being an athlete and team captain at ICA wasn't just about leading during games; it extended to how we carried ourselves at school, at away games, and in other team settings. I took that responsibility seriously, and I think it helped me not only gain confidence in myself as a player but also as a leader.”

High school alumnae photo

"Because ICA is an all-girls school, I was able to be more comfortable in my own skin. I had a small class of 54 students and we were all so close. Coming from a really big co-ed middle school, it can be hard to figure out who you are. But ICA helped me grow in confidence and discover my strengths."

Angelina Brand '13

"ICA taught me that girls truly are powerful. I was definitely really shy before I went to ICA and put a lot of worth on what boys thought of me. Going to ICA I was able to fully be myself, a little weirdo. I could be silly, just be with my girlfriends, and not worry about guys, which was really good for me. So I don't think I would have been the person that I am today if I weren't given a safe space to just be myself."

Alex Perez '09

"The benefits of an all-girls education is having a high level of self-confidence and leadership. At ICA, we were allowed to find strength in feminism and embrace female empowered learning through the curriculum. This allowed me to be my authentic self without the constant fear of being judged or bullied. At ICA, everyone was so comfortable with themselves and with each other."

Gloria Ruiz '13

"It was a great opportunity to have all the jobs that we were offered through the Corporate Work Study program. I knew early on what it was like being in the business sector and working for different companies. There is this learning curve that most people experience in their first few years of being in the corporate world. Since I went through that learning period in high school, it definitely eased the transition into my career."

 

 

News & Events

Single Featured Item

ICA Alumnae Spotlight: Graduation Edition — Dr. Nina Caton Banda ‘16

As we wrap up celebrations for ICA Cristo Rey’s Class of 2025, we’re excited to spotlight an ICA alumna who also graduated this May—Dr. Nina Caton Banda ’16, who earned a dual M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology!

 
 
 

As we wrap up celebrations for ICA Cristo Rey’s Class of 2025, we’re excited to spotlight an ICA alumna who also graduated this May—Dr. Nina Caton Banda ’16, who earned a dual M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology!

Reflecting on her time at ICA Cristo Rey, Nina recalls a moment of personal transformation. She entered as a shy, quiet student struggling with low self-esteem. “I barely spoke up for myself, wasn’t social, and didn’t know where I fit in,” she shares. But that began to change the moment she walked through ICA’s doors.

While an ICA Cristo Rey student, Nina gained early professional experience through the Corporate Work Study program, working at Kaiser Permanente, BCLP Law Firm, and marketing company, Thismoment. These diverse roles helped her build confidence, communication skills, and a strong work ethic.

 

“ICA taught me that my voice matters—that I deserve to be heard and shouldn’t feel intimidated in professional spaces. Others will respect you as you respect yourself.”

Dr. Nina Caton Banda ‘16

 

After graduating from ICA Cristo Rey in 2016, Nina earned her B.S. in Psychology and Clinical Counseling from Dominican University of California. She went on to pursue a dual M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in Emeryville, CA. “My Ph.D. program was a journey of self-persistence and self-discovery,” she shares. “It tested not just my knowledge, but also my confidence and perseverance. Through the long nights and internal battles, I realized—I can do this.” Nina graduated from her program in May 2025 with determination and a clear vision for the next step in her career.

Currently, Nina works as a School Psychologist in the Tri-Valley School District in the East Bay and as a Clinical Psychologist at the Portia Bell Hume Center in Pleasanton, CA. She hopes to one day open a private family therapy practice. “I want to be an advocate for those who need it and a voice for children and teens who just want to be heard, she says. “I want to support parents on their journey to heal themselves in order to better understand their children. There’s a deep reward in helping my clients heal from the trauma they’ve experienced.”

Congratulations, Nina!

Read More about ICA Alumnae Spotlight: Graduation Edition — Dr. Nina Caton Banda ‘16
A group of ICA graduates celebrating with their diploma in hand.

On May 30, 2025, ICA Cristo Rey held its 131st Graduation Commencement at St. Ignatius Church. Family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate the 62 graduates in a joyful and vibrant ceremony filled with pride, tradition, and love.

 
 

On Friday, May 30, 2025, ICA Cristo Rey celebrated its 131st Graduation Commencement Ceremony at St. Ignatius Church on the University of San Francisco campus. Teachers, staff, family, friends, partners, and donors gathered to honor the 62 graduates as they concluded one chapter of their lives and prepare to begin a new one. The church overflowed with proud families, ready to adorn their graduates with intricate leis, lush bouquets, cultural stoles, and more. It was a vibrant and joyous celebration that will be cherished for years to come.

 
 

This year, two valedictorians were honored: Gabriela Clemente Cerritos and Judy Tang. These two Spartans exemplified the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Service and consistently showcased academic excellence throughout high school. They also excelled in ICA's Corporate Work Study program, serving as Student Associates at the Archdiocese of San Francisco and UCSF Health in their senior years, respectively. Their dedication and accomplishments set a high standard for future graduates. Both graduates will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall.

 
 
 

Our Student Graduation Speaker, Makayla Marin-Valencia, inspired the audience with her words and her example. As captain of our varsity soccer team and this year’s All-City Most Valuable Player, Makayla has led with heart, hustle, and humility. This school year, through the Corporate Work Study program, Makayla also demonstrated her leadership skills as a Student Associate at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club. This fall, she’ll attend the University of the Pacific, where she’ll play Division I soccer and study Business Analytics and Finance.

We were also honored to welcome Ms. Suzanne McCormick, Senior Director of Global Fragrance at SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands and ICA board member, who delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of Ms. Renata Ferraiolo, CEO of SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands. Although Ms. Ferraiolo could not attend due to illness, her words offered encouragement and wisdom to the Class of 2025.

 
 

The Class of 2025 achieved a remarkable milestone: 100% of graduates were accepted to college, with 97% being first-generation college students. Collectively, they earned admission to over 136 colleges and universities nationwide, including Cornell University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Loyola University Chicago, and more. This outstanding achievement reflects not only the hard work and determination of our graduates but also the unwavering support of the entire ICA Cristo Rey community—our families, administration, teachers, staff, corporate partners, donors, alumnae, and friends. By working together in love and mission, we ensure that the Class of 2025 steps confidently into a future filled with promise.

Read More about Congratulations Class of 2025!
Engineering Her Future: Discovering a Career Path Through Real-World Experience

This month, we’re spotlighting Jaydy C. ’25, who recently presented her innovative outdoor classroom project at UC Berkeley’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni Banquet! 
 

This month, we’re proud to feature one of our senior student associates who recently presented a remarkable project at UC Berkeley’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni Banquet. Jaydy C. ‘25 shared her experience that captured both her creativity and growing passion for environmental engineering. 

Over the past few months, Jaydy has been working on designing an outdoor classroom located on UC Berekeley’s campus. “I was excited to do this project because I had previously expressed interest in wanting to go into environmental engineering, so I was given an assignment to test my environmentalist skills,” she shared. By reimagining the campus landscape and integrating different methods of green stormwater infrastructures, she transformed a simple landscape into a space where sustainability and education intersect. After interviewing engineering professors and graduate students, she developed her own design and brought it to life as a 3D model.

Jaydy’s internship at UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering has been both inspiring and eye opening. “Meeting the community that surrounds the College of Engineering, hearing their stories and what they want to do with their careers, has been a rewarding experience,” she said. In addition to Jaydy’s community of mentors, her hands-on experience in the field brought clarity to her future. She shared: “When I first started working in this department, I knew I was interested in engineering but didn’t know what kind. The more time I spent at UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, the more I realized I wanted to go into environmental engineering to help preserve the environment in any way I can.”

As Jaydy looks ahead to a future in environmental engineering, her experience reminds us why opportunities like these matter. Experiences that connect our students' passions with purpose help shape future career paths. They empower young leaders to find their voice, build confidence, and take bold steps toward the impact they hope to make in the world. 

 

Read More about Engineering Her Future: Discovering a Career Path Through Real-World Experience
In Remembrance of Beloved ICA English Teacher, Kathleen Hoffman

Dear ICA Community,

We are saddened to announce the passing of ICA Cristo Rey Academy English teacher Kathleen Hoffman on the evening of April 10th, 2025. Ms. Hoffman lived with a rare form of cancer for many years with tremendous grace, dignity, and faith, serving generations of students at ICA and never drawing attention to the heavy cross she carried. Ms. Hoffman has gone to a well-deserved rest in God.

We grieve together and acknowledge and honor her profound impact as a teacher, colleague, and friend in our community for decades. She educated and encouraged generations of young women, including some of our own staff alumnae.

A public Celebration of Life for Kathleen Hoffman will be held on Monday, April 28. Details can be found below.

ICA Cristo Rey will also host a memorial service on campus on Friday, May 2. Additional information is included below, along with a form to let us know if you plan to attend.

Let us hold Ms. Hoffman's family, friends, all who knew and loved her, and our entire ICA community in our intentions and prayers.


Celebration of Life of Kathleen Hoffman

 

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:30am

St. Edward's Catholic Church

5788 Thornton Avenue

Newark, CA 94560

 


Burial to follow:

Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery

26320 Mission Blvd 

Hayward, CA 94544

 

Reception: 

Stonebrae Country Club

202 Country Club Drive

Hayward, CA 94542

 

Memorial Service for Ms. Hoffman

 

Friday, May 2, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 pm

ICA Cristo Rey Academy

3625 24th Street

San Francisco, CA 94110

Entrance: Please enter through the Auditorium entrance on 24th Street. ICA staff will greet you at the entrance.

 

Click here to RSVP

 
Read More about In Remembrance of Beloved ICA English Teacher, Kathleen Hoffman
The 15th Annual Business Lunch was a success!

Thank you for joining us at ICA Cristo Rey’s 15th Annual Business Lunch and for being a part of Team Confidence!

ICA Cristo Rey's Founding Corporate Partners and the Spartan Elite Dance Team.

Thank you for joining us at ICA Cristo Rey’s 15th Annual Business Lunch and for being a part of Team Confidence! More than 675 guests gathered to recognize our students and this year’s honorees.  The event raised a record-breaking amount, including unprecedented Fund-A-Future giving to support our students. 

A special highlight of the event was the participation of more than 80 students. Our inspiring student speakers, Zari M. ‘25, Kaylie G. ‘25, and Doll H. ’26, shared powerful stories of how ICA’s community and opportunities have shaped their confidence and aspirations. Our incredible student MCs, Toni Z. ‘26 and Daisy C. ‘25, led the event with undeniable Spartan Spirit, while another 25 students showcased student-led dance choreography.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also spoke, highlighting the hope and promise embodied by the young women of ICA Cristo Rey.

We are deeply grateful to our event MVPs, our honorees. Congratulations to our Leader in Mission Award recipients, Elizabeth and the Honorable Robert Dondero, and our 16 Founding Corporate Partners.

Photo collage of the Business Lunch

 

Read More about The 15th Annual Business Lunch was a success!
Alumna

ICA alumna Becky Apolinario, is a former Spartan athlete from the Class of 2011. Discover how Becky gained confidence through her experiences as a student, leader, and athlete—and how she’s now making a difference in the community as a public health professional.

 

Becky Apolinario, an ICA alumnae from the Class of 2011, is a testament to how confidence can be nurtured through the support of inspiring mentors. In a recent interview, she fondly recalls her time as a young student at ICA, learning from exceptional teachers who taught relevant material and recognized her potential. She says, “I've always been this very social person and I appreciate how my teachers leaned into that. They used my social tendencies to help me to learn. I didn't have a teacher like that until I went to ICA, and it made me feel more confident as student.” Becky vividly remembers her statistics teacher, Mrs. Provence, who played a pivotal role in shaping her career aspirations. She credits that class as the spark that ignited her interest in pursuing a career in public health.

Becky was also influenced by her time as a leader in the Filipino American Club. She describes her club moderator and former director of ICA’s Athletic Program, Carolyn “Coach” Sideco, as a role model who helped her embrace her cultural identity“One of the things she instilled in us was to be proud of who we were and to be unapologetically ourselves," Becky recalls. "At our club meetings, she would ask us, ‘Who do you want to be as Filipina ladies in the city? What type of person do you want to be?’ I really appreciated Coach Sideco calling us out and reminding us to hold ourselves with respect wherever we went."

 

While Becky’s academic and leadership experiences shaped her aspirations, her involvement in athletics provided a crucial outlet for personal growth. Becky was an avid athlete, playing basketball and volleyball for four years and softball for two. She remembers the gym as a sanctuary where she and her teammates found comfort during stressful times. “Thinking about it now, I owe a lot to the Athletics Program,” she shares. “When we were stressed, our coaches would open the gym and just let us hang out and rest.” For Becky and her teammates, the ICA gym was more than just a place for practice—it was a safe haven where they could relax and just be high school students.

In 2011, as ICA Cristo Rey fully implemented the Corporate Work Study program, many students faced the challenge of balancing school, work, sports, and other responsibilities. She reflects on how those long, demanding days taught her resilience, conflict management, and leadership“When I was varsity co-captain of the volleyball team, we really had to focus on work ethic. We asked ourselves, ‘How can we make sure we’re giving 100% to everything we do without burning ourselves out?’" Inspired by her time as a Spartan athlete, Becky later became a basketball and volleyball coach for middle schoolers, passing on her skills and wisdom to the next generation.

 
 

Becky's journey as an athlete shows up in her dedication to helping others—a commitment she has carried into her professional life. Becky shares: “I work as the Outreach Supervisor at the Institute on Aging, where I connect with the community to educate them about our services and resources, particularly for seniors and adults with disabilities." She oversees the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, a collaboration of nine non-profits that provide assistance with tasks like translating utility bills or completing applications for programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. In her many roles, Becky also conducts training on accessibility, elder abuse prevention, and culturally competent practices to ensure their services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of San Francisco's diverse community.

Becky has a Bachelor's degree in Health Science and Psychology from Dominican University of California. She also holds two Master's degrees, a Master of Science in Behavioral Health and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of San Francisco.

Read More about 🏀 ICA Alumna Becky Apolinario '11 and Her Story of Confidence 🌟

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