What makes the Catalyst Schools Different?

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What is a charter school?

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Is there a fee for application?

 

How many students are admitted to Catalyst each year?

 

Who is included in the lottery?

 

Is there a deadline for admission to the Catalyst Schools?

 

If my child is not accepted to the Catalyst School of my choice, can I apply to the other Catalyst

School for the same year?

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If my child is not accepted to the Catalyst Schools this year, can I apply again next year?

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Who qualifies for admission to the Catalyst Schools? 

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What makes the Catalyst Schools different?

 

At Catalyst Schools, we find that it is essential to develop not only the mind but also to touch the heart of each child — and all of this can be done through a solid and rigorous educational program. It is essential to educate the whole child and this includes positive relationships for good citizenship and for the growth of positive peer and familial relationships.

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What is a Charter School?

 

Catalyst are charter schools, which are public schools authorized by Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. Charter schools also have the freedom to determine their own calendar, schedule, curriculum, and other elements of their educational philosophy to work towards excellent student results. 
 

Charter schools are held to high-performance standards.  The charter schools are accountable for their academic, financial, and long-term sustainability.

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Is there an application fee?

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Anyone living within the Chicago Public Schools District may apply to Catalyst Schools. There is no application fee. The Catalyst Schools are public charter schools.

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How many students are admitted to Catalyst each year?

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Each year Catalyst Circle Rock admits 60 Kindergarten students. Students in 1st-8th Grade are admitted on a space-available basis and are taken first from the waiting list.
 

Each year Catalyst Maria admits 60 Kindergarten students and 160 9th Grade scholars.  Students in 1st-8th Grade and 10th-12th Grade are admitted on a space-available basis and are taken first from the waiting list.

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Who is included in the lottery?

 

All applications submitted before the annual deadline will be included in the lottery (if there are more applicants than available seats). The purpose of the lottery is to make sure everyone is treated equally and fairly.

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Is there a deadline for admission to the Catalyst Schools?

 

There is a deadline each year for applications to be submitted for the lottery. Please see the ADMISSION tab for more information. Applications that are submitted before the deadline will either be the first admitted or included in the lottery.
 

Applications will be accepted after that date.

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If my child is not accepted to the Catalyst campus of my choice can i apply to another Catalyst campus for the same year?

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Yes, you may apply at multiple Catalyst campuses. Admission at each is allocated on a space-available basis. If the lottery spaces are filled, the child will be placed on the waiting list or will have to apply again in the coming year.

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If my child is not accepted to Catalyst Schools this year, can I apply again next year? 

 

The Catalyst Schools hold a lottery as needed each year. If your child applied but did not get in this year, he or she will be placed on a waiting list. When a vacancy occurs at your child’s grade level, you will be called in the order of your date of application and can choose to move your child to Catalyst at that time.
 

In addition, a family is welcome to apply again the following year if a child was not admitted in the current year.

 

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Who qualifies for admission to the Catalyst Schools?
 

Anyone who lives within the Chicago Public Schools district (the city of Chicago) is eligible to attend Catalyst Schools.

If a family lives outside of the boundaries of the Chicago Public Schools, they are not eligible to apply as a Chicago Public School family. 
 

There are no other impediments to enrolling in the Catalyst Schools.

 

Catalyst serves all students no matter what their race, ethnicity, ancestry, country of origin, language spoken, religion, gender, sexual orientation or academic ability. we believe all children can learn and we rake an individualized approach to each student's development.

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Catalyst Schools Administrative/Business Office is:

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Catalyst Schools

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6727 S. California Ave. 

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Chicago, IL, 60629