Catalyst Schools CLOSED Wednesday 1/7/15
Due to the extreme temperatures forcasted for Wednesday, January 7, 2015, Catalyst-Circle Rock, Catalyst Howland and Catalyst Maria will be closed to scholars and staff. Please be safe during this weather!
Catalyst Maria hosts Chicago's Deputy of Education Arnie Rivera
Catalyst Maria hosted Mayor Emanuel’s Deputy of Education Arnie Rivera for a campus visit on Thursday December 12, 2014! Deputy Rivera saw the incredible spectrum of education at Maria, visiting Ms. Smith 1st Grade classroom and then walking down the hall to Mr. Ikramullah 11th Grade Project Lead The Way Principles of Engineering classroom! Great work Catalyst Maria team!
FAQs
What makes the Catalyst Schools different?
Is there a fee for application?
How many students are admitted to Catalyst each year?
Who is included in the lottery?
Is there a deadline for admission to the Catalyst Schools?
If my child is not accepted to the Catalyst Schools this year, can I apply again next year?
Who qualifies for admission to the Catalyst Schools?
What makes the Catalyst Schools different?
At Catalyst Schools, we find that it is essential to develop not only the mind but also to touch the heart of each child — and all of this can be done through a solid and rigorous educational program. It is essential to educate the whole child and this includes positive relationships for good citizenship and for the growth of positive peer and familial relationships.
What is a charter school?
Catalyst are charter schools, which are public school authorized by Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. Charter schools also have freedom to determine their own calendar, schedule, curriculum, and other elements of their educational philosophy to work towards excellent student results.
Charter schools are held to high performance standards. The charter schools are accountable for their academic, finances, and long-term sustainability.
Is there a fee for application?
Anyone living within Chicago Public Schools District may apply to Catalyst Schools. There is no application fee. The Catalyst Schools are public charter schools.
How many students are admitted to Catalyst each year?
Each year Catalyst Circle Rock admits 60 Kindergarten students. Students in 1st-8th Grade are admitted on a space-available basis and are taken first from the waiting list.
Each year Catalyst Maria admits 60 Kindergarten students and 160 9th Grade scholars. Students in 1st-8th Grade and 10th-12th Grade are admitted on a space-available basis and are taken first from the waiting list.
Who is included in the lottery?
All applications submitted before the annual deadline will be included in the lottery (if there are more applicants than available seats). The purpose of the lottery is to make sure everyone is treated equally and fairly.
Is there a deadline for admission to The Catalyst Schools?
There is a deadline each year for applications to be submitted for the lottery. Please see the ADMISSION tab for more information. Applications that are submitted before the deadline will either be the first admitted or included in the lottery.
Applications will be accepted after that date.
If my child is not accepted to the Catalyst campus of my choice, can I apply to another Catalyst campus for the same year?
Yes, you may apply at multiple Catalyst campuses. Admission at each is allocated on a space-available basis. If through the lottery spaces are filled, the child will be placed on the waiting list or will have to apply again in the coming year.
If my child is not accepted to Catalyst Schools this year, can I apply again next year?
The Catalyst Schools hold a lottery as needed each year. If your child applied but did not get in this year, he or she will be placed on a waiting list. When a vacancy occurs at your child’s grade level, you will be called in the order of your date of application and can choose to move your child to Catalyst at that time.
In addition, a family is welcome to apply again the following year if a child was not admitted in the current year.
Who qualifies for admission to The Catalyst Schools?
Anyone who lives within the Chicago Public Schools' district (the city of Chicago) is eligible to attend Catalyst Schools.
If a family lives outside of the boundaries of the Chicago Public Schools, they are not eligible to apply as a Chicago Public School family.
There are no other impediments to enrolling in the Catalyst Schools.
Catalyst serves all students no matter what their race, ethnicity, ancestry, country of origin, language spoken, religion, gender, sexual orientation or academic ability. We believe all children can learn and we take an individualized approach to each student’s development.
Catalyst Schools Administrative/Business Office is:
Catalyst Schools
6727 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL, 60629
Get Updates
Get Updates
We appreciate your interest in Catalyst Schools. Please send a quick message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive periodic updates about Catalyst, our events, and our incredible scholars and staff!
Contact Us and Information
Contact Us and Information
If you have general questions about the Catalyst Schools, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Serving Catalyst parents and communities is of the greatest importance at Catalyst Schools. If there is an issue that you need addressed, the first step is contacting the schools' leaders of Community Outreach and Family Support or school leadership at the phone numbers and contact information below. If your issue has not been adequately resolved, please contact the Catalyst network liason at the contact information below. Additionally, a member of the Catalyst Board of Directors is also listed as a contact if the school and network teams have engaged your issue without a sufficent resolution.
Catalyst Schools Administrative/Business Office is:
Catalyst Schools
6727 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL, 60629
Catalyst Business Office Phone Number: 773-295-7001 (Campus phone numbers are listed above)
Business/Administration Fax: 773-439-5514
Catalyst's Finance and HR Coordinator is Ms. Vanessa Aragon, who can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Catalyst Schools FOIA Officer – Michael Kasang, Director of Administration- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To contact the Catalyst network team, please contact Michael Kasang, Director of Administration- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-295-7001
To contact the Catalyst Board of Directors, please contact Board member and external liaison Mr. Claiborne Wade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Catalyst Schools Consolidated Operating Budget is approximately $30M with approximately 230 full time employees.