Mission

Catalyst Schools are values-based, college-preparatory K-8 charter schools with graduate and family support programs.
We are passionate educators who collaborate with urban communities to promote justice and peace by teaching children to form respectful relationships, experience academic, social and emotional success, and become agents of change in their communities.

  • Rigor
  • Results
  • Relationships
  • Hope

 

Renaissance 2010

Catalyst schools are tuition free public schools committed to providing quality educational choices for students and families in low-income communities of Chicago.

In December 2005, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) awarded Catalyst Schools the opportunity to open a charter school and a contract school as part of Renaissance 2010.  Renaissance 2010 is a Chicago initiative to create 100 high-performing schools in communities of need by the year 2010.  All Renaissance 2010 schools are held accountable for performance while being given autonomy to create innovative learning environments.

Catalyst schools were designed by the founders of San Miguel Schools Chicago, a not-for-profit corporation that currently runs two successful middle schools in the Chicago inner-city neighborhoods of Back of the Yards and Austin.

Recent News

  • September 9, 2009

    Nearly 200 students convened outside Austin's Catalyst School-Circle Rock to celebrate both the start of a new academic year and the opening of their new affiliate school.

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  • July 13, 2009
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  • May 19, 2009

    Friends of Catalyst schools often bring creative programs to our students. Recently, art teacher Jessica Censotti brought her friend, Leah Sopiato, to Catalyst School - Circle Rock, to teach the ancient art of batik (commonly known as tie-dying.

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