Charter schools are public schools that excel where traditional public schools and private schools can’t. Catalyst Academy Charter School is the first new charter school in Pittsburgh in six years! We are in our founding year. It’s a very special time and we would love to share it with you and your child.
Charter schools are public schools and are tuition-free
Charter schools get funding from the state. A charter school’s “charter” serves as a performance contract between the school and its state government. Catalyst public charter school must fulfill its mission and realize student success in order to satisfy the state of Pennsylvania and renew our contract.
Our curriculum is anchored in rigorous math, English language arts, and culturally-affirming humanities lessons. Our educational model is carefully designed to close achievement & opportunity gaps with:
- High Expectations: We push ourselves and our scholars to always pursue excellence.
- Academic Rigor: College prep, culturally affirming curriculum, longer school day and year.
- Quality Teaching: Small group instruction, instructional coaches, up to two hours daily for planning and practice.
- Strong Relationships: Smaller classes enhancing student and teacher relationships, frequent teacher-parent communication and home visits.
- Innovation & Personalization: Catalyst Expeditions – Week-long project-based learning expeditions, scholar flextime for enrichment and tutoring, and personalized learning tools.
- Holistic Development: Scholar goal circles, social-emotional learning curriculum, dedicated Catalyst Community Time.
Charter schools are public schools, open to ALL students
Charter schools have lottery systems for enrollment and Catalyst is no exception. In-person private tours, online virtual tours, and open houses are a fantastic way to learn more about openings and see our Catalyst campus with your own eyes.
Charter school teachers can innovate
Catalyst’s public charter school teachers are experienced and innovative — often more so than instructors in other public or private environments. Catalysts’s team of educators is incredibly talented and dedicated to serving the K-8 community of Pittsburgh’s east end and beyond.
We instill growth mindsets and unlock an awareness of opportunities — for every one of our scholars — in college, career, and life. With Art (music, theater, visual art) four days a week and STEM five days a week, we enrich our students by introducing and exposing them to important subjects and vital life skills. And we develop our scholars in a holistic manner — including SEL (social emotional learning) and physical education, also four days a week.
Charter schools have smaller classes
Public charter schools love small class sizes. By design. Not only will every Catalyst charter school student bloom with individualized attention – every student is known and recognized by name – by faculty, staff, and fellow students.
As a public charter school, Catalyst Academy is a tuition-free, open-enrollment school for any student, including students with special needs and English-language learners.
Charter schools have 1:1 technology
At Catalyst our students have digital backpacks that include iPads for our K-1 students. As our scholars age, they’ll begin to work on Chromebooks as well.
We are COVID ready. We have a plan for in-person school 5 days/week — fully socially-distanced and safe — and at home learning, too. We’re nimble and prepared.
Charter schools have strong core values
Our core values are incorporated into everything we do — Belong. Grow. Achieve.
Belong — All community scholars, families, teachers, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported.
Grow — Every Catalyst Academy scholar, teacher, and staff member is committed to growing every day in alignment with our mission.
Achieve — A great education should be a catalyst for each scholar to define and achieve their dreams.
Charter schools are safe
At Catalyst, our smaller classes, caring teachers and friendly staff partner daily to personalize every student’s experience. Even if we need to shift to an online learning environment, no student goes unnoticed; and each student is seen and heard.
We are pioneering in our approach to each student yet reliable and trusted in our commitment to educate and operate for the future.
Charter schools are free, friendly, flexible public schools
Public charter schools are free and open to every student. Catalyst commits to keeping class sizes small and students actively recognized as the individual they are. We will open as a K-1 school in the fall of 2020, and then grow a grade each year to eventually serve kindergarten through 8th grade. Come grow with us!
About Catalyst
Catalyst Academy Charter School’s mission is to prepare all students for college, career, and life. Catalyst Academy Charter School’s core values of Belong. Grow. Achieve. reflect the school’s deep commitment to cultivating an inclusive supportive school community where everyone – children and adults – is focused on learning every day, in order for all students to define and achieve their dreams. Catalyst Academy Charter School’s education model is designed to close both the achievement and opportunity gap. The approach couples rigorous core academics with a broad offering in the arts and sciences. Students will experience STEM learning daily and arts programming four days per week. Enroll your Kinder or first grader today!
