Serving 1,107 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Catalyst Charter - Maria 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 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,107 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School's student population of 1,107 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 78 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Total Students
1,107 students
Total Classroom Teachers
78 teachers
Year Founded
2012
School Calendar
School Rankings
Catalyst Charter - Maria 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 - Maria Elementary School is 0.52, 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)
10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
55%
29%
Black
43%
16%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
19%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wolves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School's ranking?
Catalyst Charter - Maria 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 - Maria Elementary School often compared to?
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Grove Jr High School, Chicago Academy High School, Chicago Collegiate Charter 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).
What is the graduation rate of Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School?
The graduation rate of Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School is 75-79%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School?
1,107 students attend Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School students are Hispanic, 43% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School?
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School offer ?
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12
What school district is Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School part of?
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School located?
Catalyst Charter - Maria Elementary School is located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in Chicago Lawn.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
It's a very good school my daughter has been in attendance there since it has opened in 2010. Unfortunately the teachers are spending too much time yelling at troubled/disrespectful students instead of sending then to the Dean's office. Therefore students who want to learn can't because there are a lot of parents who just don't give a crap about their child's education. It stated in the student handbook that they will get demerits and detentions or even kicked out because of bad behavior. But it hasn't happened. Yes my daughter is a minority in the school. she is one of approximately 3 Caucasian students who attend.
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