Catalyst Circle Rock and Catalyst Maria Charter Schools public charter schools authorized by Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. 

Both schools are adminstered by Catalyst Schools, an organization with an ~$30M annual budget and ~250 full-time employees. In FY25, Catalyst had $30,415,833 in budgeted revenue, with $30,023,607 in budgeted expenses. The network's SY23 Financial Scorecard can be accessed here.

Various pieces of administrative compliance are linked below and additional information can be obtained by emailing team employees listed below.

Catalyst Maria Charter School Chicago Lawn- Kindergarten-12th Grade  6727 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60629 Phone: 773-993-1770 Fax: 773-993-1771

Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School Austin- Kindergarten-8th Grade 5608 W. Washington Blvd.  Chicago, IL 60644 Phone: 773-945-5025 Fax: 312-626-2345

Catalyst Schools Administrative/Business Office is:

Catalyst Schools

6727 S. California Ave. 

Chicago, IL, 60629

Business/Administration Phone Number: 773-295-7001

Business/Administration Fax: 773-439-5514

 

Catalyst's Director of Operations is Mr. Philip J. Smith, who can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Catalyst's Director of Finance and Compliance is Ms. Michele Nunez, who can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

To contact the Catalyst Board of Directors, please contact Michael Kasang, Director of Administration- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Board member and external liaison Mr. Claiborne Wade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please find the Catalyst Schools' 2023-2024 policies for various aspects of the school communities below. Copies are also available in the Catalyst Circle Rock and Catalyst Maria Main Offices and Family Engagement Rooms. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Catalyst Circle Rock, Catalyst Maria or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Transportation Policy

Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) Policy 

PII and FERPA

Attendance and Truancy

Code of Conduct (Catalyst Schools follow the Chicago Public Schools' Code of Conduct)

Reporting Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

Wellness Policy

 Anti-Bullying Policy

Illinois State Board of Education sexual abuse response and prevention resources:  https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

Childrens Advocacy Center Notification Procedure Catalyst Schools

Sexual Misconduct Notification Procedure Catalyst Schools

Lottery Policy

In accordance with USDA/ISBE compliance for food service, please find the policies/documents related to food service at Catalyst Schools below:

1. Program Overview
2. Catalyst Schools Wellness Policy 
   1. Latest Wellness Committee meeting agenda
   2. LWP Triennial Assessment – Maria
   3. LWP Triennial Assessment – Circle Rock
   4. Invitation to join our Wellness Committee
3. Accommodating Special Dietary Needs in School Nutrition Programs Flow Chart
4. Fundraiser Approval Form 
5. Medical Diet Prescription Form 
6. Food Program Civil Rights
7. School Breakfast Outreach 
8. School Breakfast Outreach Espanol 1
   
9. School Lunch Outreach
10. School Lunch Outreach Espanol 
11. USDA Summer Meals Program
12. USDA Summer Meals Program Espanol

 

To obtain an Annual Report or fiscal/compliance audit, please email Michael Kasang, Director of Administration- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Per Administrative Code Title77:Public Health Chapter I, the following are are available for inspection by parents in the Catalyst Circle Rock and Catalyst Maria Facilities Offices. Please call the schools to make an appointment to view these items if desired:

• Catalyst Schools Asbestos Management Plans
• 6-Month Asbetos Surveys