Catalyst Schools are Kindergarten through 8th grade elementary schools, in the North Lawndale and Austin neighborhoods. The schools were designed and proposed to CPS by San Miguel Febres Cordero School Inc. (DBA San Miguel Schools Chicago), a not-for-profit, 501 c (3) corporation that currently runs two successful alternative middle schools in Chicago inner-city neighborhoods (Back of the Yards and Austin).

These schools were born out of the belief that character, zeal and opportunity, rather than social class or environment, are the determining factors for achieving one's goals in life.

A not-for-profit with its own board, Catalyst Schools, through Renaissance 2010, will capture the essence of the actual results that San Miguel has achieved and expand what we offer to a broader community of need.

The schools have a small student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1, allowing for plenty of individualized attention and support. We will also collaborate with other organizations inside and outside of the community to ensure that there are options for our graduates at both the high school and post-secondary levels.


Mission
Catalyst Schools Chicago serve as a catalyst for transforming inner-city communities by developing highly educated, concerned, committed citizens of character who understand their role as agents for change within their communities. Catalyst Schools will transform lives and neighborhoods by providing quality educational opportunities built on commitment, collaboration, and community.