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.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 258 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Circle-Rock Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1995
School Calendar
Campus Size
2 acres
Student Body
Total Students
258 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: Teaching minds and touching hearts
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Circle-Rock Preparatory School's ranking?
Circle-Rock Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Circle-Rock Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Circle-Rock Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Circle-Rock Preparatory School located?
Circle-Rock Preparatory School is located in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other private schools located in Austin.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Circle-Rock Preparatory School also viewed these schools: St. Catherine Siena-st Lucy School, St. Paul Lutheran School, St. Angela School and Providence St. Mel School.
The nearest high school to Circle-Rock Preparatory School is Christ The King Jesuit College Preparatory School (0.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Catherine Siena-st Lucy School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Little Folks Cottage Daycare & Nursery (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
27 Washington Blvd
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 386-5286
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 386-5286
0.6 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 208 students Avg. class size: 15 students
St. Paul Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
846 N Menard Ave
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 378-6644
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 378-6644
1 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 67 students Avg. class size: 9 students
St. Angela School
(Catholic)
1332 N Massasoit Ave
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 626-2655
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 626-2655
1.5 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 203 students
119 S Central Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 265-2204
Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 265-2204
2.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 317 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Reviews
Endorse Circle-Rock Preparatory School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
What Private School Alumni Say a Decade Later
Ten years after graduation, private school alumni reflect on advantages, regrets, career impact, and life lessons—unearthing truths families need to know.
Can Private School Help with College Admissions?
Explore how private schools influence college admissions—advantages, limitations, and what families should expect.
Inside the Daily Life of a Private School Student
Discover what daily life is like for private school students in 2025, from classes and athletics to dining, dorms, and extracurriculars.
