Catalyst Schools will be open on Wednesday 1/17/2024. Please stay safe in the winter weather!

Catalyst Schools will be closed to scholars and staff for Winter Break from December 22, 2023- January 7, 2024.

Scholars will return TUESDAY January 9, 2024.

Staff will return Monday January 8, 2024 for Professional Development.

Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to an incredible year in 2024!

All members of our school community are invited to attend and participate in Catalyst Schools' Wellness Committee meetings. The committee meets annually each year to review our current policy and discuss any updates or policy changes. This year, the Wellness Committee will meet via conference call on December 15, 2023 at 10:45 am.  

To participate in School Wellness meetings please contact: Philip Smith – Director of Operations. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Catalyst Schools Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for December 4, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Catalyst Maria Charter School has been cancelled due to lack of quorum. This meeting will be rescheduled. Please contact Catalyst’s Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-897-5816 if you have any questions or would like further information.

Every Wednesday, 86 students from the Austin and North Lawndale neighborhoods meet and rehearse on stage as one Sistema Ravinia Orchestra at the Kehrein Center for the Arts at Catalyst Circle Rock.  Along with Catalyst Circle Rock, the CPS schools participating are George Rogers Clark, Frazier, and Gregory.  The other days of the week students rehearse at their own schools with teachers supported by Ravinia.  Earlier this month, 200 students and parents were treated to a performance in the KCA by scholars that have participated in this partnership for several years from Catalyst Circle Rock and George Rogers Clark. Ravinia’s *Reach*Teach*Play* and Sistema Ravinia programs are designed to educate, foster diverse audience involvement, and provide live music experiences in schools, communities, and at Ravinia.  We are grateful for the Ravinia Women’s Board and Ravinia leadership for their support of this program over the last 10 years and for the incredible partnership we have developed with CPS schools!