Invited to launch its first two locations by the Chicago Public Schools in 2007, Catalyst Charter Schools supports a rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum in partnership with the national Project Lead The Way initiative. Key elements of this STEM curriculum include a series of inquiry and project-based learning experiences designed to build critical thinking skills. Catalyst Charter Schools also takes a balanced literacy approach to language arts that ranges from word study and writing workshops, to reading comprehension strategy instruction in both fiction and non-fiction genres.

To better serve the comprehensive needs of every student, Catalyst supports lasting relationships with community partners and organizations throughout the greater Chicago area. Its current partners include Circle Urban Ministries, Rock Church, and Maria Kaupas Center, and Ignatian Volunteer Corps. It also receives after-school program and mentoring support from multiple arts and non-profit organizations including Ravinia, Chicago Children's Choir, May I Have This Dance? Horizons-for-Youth, and Towers of Excellence.