The Catalyst Schools is a system of Chicago-based K-8 and high school charter schools operating in the city's Austin and Chicago Lawn neighborhoods. The two schools in the system are the Catalyst Circle Rock Elementary School and the Catalyst Maria Elementary School and High School.
Serving 512 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 512 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School's student population of 512 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
512 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
2006
School Rankings
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3127 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
1%
29%
Black
98%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
50%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wolves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School's ranking?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School is ranked #3127 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School often compared to?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Depriest Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School?
512 students attend Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School students are Black, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School offer ?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School part of?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School located?
Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School is located in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 21 other public schools located in Austin.
School Calendar
View the Catalyst Charter-circle Rock Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Juneteenth- Catalyst Schools Closed
June 19, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
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