21stCenturyLearners

Catalyst Maria Receives AdvancEd Accreditation!

After months of rigorous preparation and a successful site visit this week, Catalyst Maria has received AdvancEd accreditation!  With this accreditation, Catalyst Maria now can offer Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes, as well as start a National Honor Society!  Accreditation is a national recognition that Catalyst Maria is preforming at- or above-expectations on five main standards that define excellent schools.  Colleges and other institutions will recognize accreditation as a symbol that Catalyst Maria scholars come from a school where rigor is a focus and results are occurring.

While there were numerous contributors to this effort, the charge was led by the accreditation team of Mrs. Ahrens, Mrs. Sandoval, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Zamora, Mr. Tolisano, Ms. Smith and Ms. Dore! CONGRATULATIONS Catalyst Maria on this REMARKABLE achievement! 

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Catalyst Howland parent advocates in Washington DC!

Catalyst Howland parent Darlene Williams traveled to Washington DC with the organization Stand for Children Illinois to advocate on behalf of Illinois children! Check out a picture of Ms. Williams and other advocates below!

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Circle Rockets perform with the Civic Orchestra in Orchestra Hall!

The Circle Rockets, a 90 scholar Orchestra formed in partnership with Ravinia and Catalyst,  are privileged to work with the Civic Orchestra this week!  After being mentored and coached by Civic Orchestra musicians each day after school, the Circle Rockets will then play with the Civic in a side-by-side performance - along with students from three other Sistema based programs - at Symphony Center on Saturday, February 7 at 12:00 PM! The press release from Ravinia can be found here.  Many thanks to the CSO and Ravinia for making this opportunity a reality for our scholars!

Circle Rockets Drum

Catalyst Maria Hosts INCS Parent Leadership Forum 2/5/14

Catalyst parents, staff and supporters are invited to celebrate the advocacy efforts of charter school parents at the INCS Parent Leadership Forum! This year’s forum will be held on February 5, 2014 from 5:30-7pm at Catalyst Maria!  Charter school community members are encouraged to celebrate the success of charter school parent advocates who have completed the INCS Parent Leadership Training, learn more about charter-wide advocacy efforts, and sign up for upcoming opportunities!

Please contact INCS Parent Engagement Manager Jasma Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 314-630-8843 to confirm your attendance and number of people in your group.  Childcare and a dinner will be provided at the forum- please let parents and members of your school community know about this exciting event!

Support Catalyst    

Please join our efforts as a champion for changing lives at The Catalyst Schools. If you would like to speak with a Catalyst staff member about your donation, please call us at 773-295-7001.