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Average

#2150 of 3,813 schools in IL

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES

School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

6727 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Charter

Enrollment

1,102

Student-Teacher

11.8:1

Score

5.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Illinois schools

#2,150 of 3,813

In Chicago

#332 of 630

public schools

In district

#326 of 621

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

Academic growth

9.3 / 10

Excellent

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Catalyst Charter - Maria ES

5.9/10

School in Chicago · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Ace Amandla Charter School

7.8/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Mckay Elem School

6.2/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Catalyst Charter - Maria ES

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES is a public school in Chicago, IL, part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Catalyst Charter - Maria ES serves approximately 1,102 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Catalyst Charter - Maria ES has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,150 of 3,813 schools in IL.

Structured state assessment records for Catalyst Charter - Maria ES show 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021) and 19% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • IL avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

31% of students at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-2.39 pts/yr
Data Period2012–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency6% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)5% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+1.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
College Readiness2.2Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,699
Chronic Absenteeism31.1%

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES — Students at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES score 6% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 5%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

96.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 13.6% (multi-year average, 2012-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 18.9% (multi-year average, 2012-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 21 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2012
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2013
Math
26%
ELA
36%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
19%
2015
Math
15%
ELA
17%
2016
Math
10%
ELA
15%
2017
Math
11%
ELA
16%
2018
Math
14%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
14%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
2%
ELA
7%
2021*
Math
2%
ELA
7%
2022
ELA
10%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.3/10.

How Catalyst Charter - Maria ES Compares

See how Catalyst Charter - Maria ES performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
44th percentile in IL
Academic
4.8/10
Below Average
Growth
9.3/10
Excellent
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Sports
2
1 boys' · 1 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
93 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.1%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics2sports offered
1 boys'·1 girls'·10 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

6727 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Catalyst Charter - Maria ES may also want to explore other schools in the area. ACE Amandla Charter School (rated 7.8/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lindblom Math & Science Acad HS (rated 7.7/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Marquette Elem School (rated 6.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
ACE Amandla Charter School Chicago 0.1 mi 7.8
McKay Elem School Chicago 0.2 mi 6.2
Marquette Elem School Chicago 0.3 mi 6.9
Fairfield Elem Academy Chicago 0.7 mi 6.7
Claremont Academy Elem School Chicago 0.7 mi 4.2
Morrill Elem Math & Sci School Chicago 0.9 mi 5.3
Tarkington Elem School Chicago 0.8 mi 5.1
Eberhart Elem School Chicago 0.9 mi 4.9
OToole Elem School Chicago 0.9 mi 5.3
Randolph Elem School Chicago 1.1 mi 5.4
Earle Elem School Chicago 1.1 mi 6.3
Gage Park High School Chicago 1.4 mi 4.9
Goode STEM Academy HS Chicago 1.4 mi 4.6
Monarcas Academy Chicago 1.4 mi 6.5
Carson Elem School Chicago 1.6 mi 6.1
Lindblom Math & Science Acad HS Chicago 1.3 mi 7.7
Talman Elem School Chicago 1.6 mi 6.0
Hampton Elem Fine & Perf Arts Sch Chicago 1.5 mi 4.5
Montessori of Englewood Chtr ES Chicago 1.3 mi 6.8
ST GALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago 1.6 mi 5.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60629 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,813

Median Home Value

$236,300

Median Rent

$1,106/mo

Population

109,292

College Educated

14.3%

Homeownership

61.2%

Avg Commute

36.1 min

Poverty Rate

18.2%

Median Age

34.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Horizon Sci Acad - Southwest Chtr Chicago, IL 6.2
CICS - Longwood Campus Chicago, IL 5.6
ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Rockford, IL 5.4
UNIVERSAL SCHOOL Bridgeview, IL 5.4
SCHAUMBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Schaumburg, IL 5.1
ROCKFORD LUTHERAN SCHOOL - JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Rockford, IL 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Catalyst Charter - Maria ES

What grades does Catalyst Charter - Maria ES serve?

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Catalyst Charter - Maria ES?

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES has an enrollment of approximately 1,102 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES?

The student-teacher ratio at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Catalyst Charter - Maria ES rank in IL?

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES ranks #2,150 of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Catalyst Charter - Maria ES's MySchoolScout rating?

Catalyst Charter - Maria ES has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Catalyst Charter - Maria ES has 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021) and 19% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

Is Catalyst Charter - Maria ES a charter school?

Yes, Catalyst Charter - Maria ES is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Catalyst Charter - Maria ES a Title I school?

No, Catalyst Charter - Maria ES is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Catalyst Charter - Maria ES?

96.6% of students at Catalyst Charter - Maria ES qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
59 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
58 Good Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
1,102
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
93
Free/Reduced Lunch
96.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Cook County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.1%

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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