Academics
High expectations and high accountability are the earmarks of the Catalyst academic curriculum.
Each of our campuses adheres to a “back-to-the-basics” approach that focuses on reading and mathematics. Our classrooms are highlighted by low student-to-teacher ratios, interactive lesson plans, and access to innovative technology. The Catalyst calendar incorporates longer school days and extended school years, providing us with expanded opportunities to educate our students and open them up to a range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities.
Catalyst strives to ensure that by graduation from eighth grade each student has achieved the following goals:
- Reading at or above grade level.
- Achieving grade-level (or better) mastery of basic mathematical processes.
- Speaking and writing the English language fluently.
- Comprehending basic scientific principles.
- Understanding U.S. history and his or her place in it.
- Forming a strong and positive relationship with Catalyst — a relationship that extends to each student’s family and support network.
80 + 80
Each day, students practice reading for at least 80 minutes and study math for at least 80 minutes.
181 Days
Students attend school 181 days per year for an average of 7.5 hours each day, totaling 1,358 instructional hours each year.
26 to 1
Each class of 26 students will have one teacher and one aide, in addition to specialized staff such as curriculum coordinators and social workers.
One Laptop
Each Catalyst classroom has access to a COW (computer on wheels), which holds one laptop for each student — an educational vehicle that allows enhanced group learning and individualized lesson plans.
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