Community Partnerships

 

At Catalyst Circle Rock, we recognize the crucial role that partnerships play in our mission to provide a holistic education. Our collaborations with arts-based organizations, local service providers, and community neighbors help us create a well-rounded environment where scholars can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. These partnerships are vital members of the Catalyst family, helping us serve the diverse needs of our students and families.
Arts & Enrichment Partnerships
At Catalyst Circle Rock, we believe exposure expands opportunity. Our arts and enrichment partners provide scholars with creative outlets, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities to explore new interests and career pathways beyond the classroom.

El Sistema Ravinia

Our partnership with Ravinia is a cornerstone of the Renaissance Enrichment Program, offering students a unique musical outlet through the Sistema Ravinia Orchestra Program. Since 2012, Ravinia’s Women's Board has sponsored the Circle Rockets Orchestra at Catalyst Circle Rock, making it one of the largest elementary school African-American symphony orchestra in the country. This program provides students with the opportunity to engage in composition, instrument creation, and performance, using their feelings, dreams, and experiences as artistic inspiration.
Under the El Sistema model of music education, over 50 students participate in the orchestra, practicing 8-10 hours per week, completely free for 4th to 8th grade families. Catalyst has also become the hub of the west side orchestra program with three other elementary schools joining us weekly to practice in our space. Through this transformative partnership, students not only develop musical skills and discipline but also build teamwork, self-confidence, and an appreciation for classical music and the arts. This high-quality music education fosters creativity, personal growth, and a deep connection to the arts.

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance

Celebrates cultural heritage through visual arts, music, and performance experiences. Scholars engage in culturally rich programming that deepens artistic appreciation and  broadens global awareness.

​

​

Purifyed Dance

Introduces scholars to the art of hip hop dance, building rhythm, confidence, and collaboration skills. Through movement and performance, students strengthen self-expression, teamwork, and dedication.

​

​

Joffrey Ballet

Provides high-quality, in-school dance instruction during the academic day, exposing scholars to classical ballet technique while building discipline, confidence, and artistic expression.
Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Offers African and tap dance classes that celebrate rhythm, culture, and movement, helping scholars develop coordination, musicality, and performance skills.
Chicago Opera Theater
Guides scholars through the creative process of writing and performing their own original opera, fostering collaboration, storytelling, and confidence through the performing arts.

 

Uniting Voices

Engages scholars in choir programming that strengthens vocal technique, teamwork, and stage presence while providing opportunities to perform on prominent stages across the city.

Tumbling4Success

Develops strength, flexibility, and coordination through foundational gymnastics and tumbling skills. Scholars build confidence, perseverance, and resilience while achieving new physical milestones in a fun, high-energy environment.

Friday Night Place

Offers safe, structured evening programming that promotes community engagement, recreation, and positive social interaction in a supportive environment.
True Lacrosse Foundation
Expands access to lacrosse by providing skill development, athletic training, and mentorship opportunities, helping scholars grow both on and off the field.

 

GOYA Cooking Program

Introduces culinary skills, nutrition education, and cultural appreciation through hands-on cooking experiences that promote healthy habits and creativity.

 

Project Exploration

Engages scholars in hands-on STEM learning experiences that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in science-based career pathways.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Engages scholars in arts-integrated learning experiences that blend music, movement, and drama with core academics. Teaching artists partner with classroom teachers to increase engagement, deepen understanding, and foster creativity and confidence through the performing arts.
These partnerships, along with our strong community connections, broaden our scholars’ horizons and provide meaningful exposure to the arts, athletics, leadership, and future career opportunities.

Mentorship & Empowerment Partnerships

Our mentorship and empowerment partners provide scholars with guidance, leadership development, and consistent support that extends beyond the classroom. Through structured mentorship, academic assistance, and character development programming, these partnerships help scholars build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

Towers of Excellence

 Provides quality mentorship, academic guidance, and life skills development to help young men navigate challenges and achieve success. Scholars remain in the program through high school and receive continued support throughout their collegiate journey.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps

 Offers one-to-one and small-group tutoring through dedicated volunteers who provide personalized academic support and mentorship to enhance scholar growth.

We Who Create & Ladies of Virtue

 Empowers young women through leadership development, mentorship, and creative expression programs that build confidence, voice, and community engagement.

The Roots Initiative

 Delivers mentorship and empowerment programming focused on personal growth, leadership development, and positive identity formation.

Girls on the Run / Heart & Sole

Empowers girls through a research-based program that combines running with social-emotional learning. Scholars build confidence, goal-setting skills, and healthy habits while developing strong peer relationships and completing a celebratory community 5K.

Wellness & Family Support Partnerships:

Circle Urban Ministries

For over 40 years, Circle Urban Ministries has served the Austin community. As a shared campus partner, they provide wrap-around supports that complement our academic program, including after-school programming, mentoring, a food pantry, and family support services.

Rock Church

Rock Church partners with Catalyst Circle Rock to provide mentorship and outreach services for scholars and families, helping strengthen relationships and build community support.

Sit, Stay, Read

Sit, Stay, Read supports early literacy development by pairing young readers with trained volunteers and certified therapy dogs to create a comfortable, encouraging reading environment. This program helps scholars build confidence, improve fluency, and develop a positive relationship with reading in a low-pressure, supportive setting that nurtures both academic growth and emotional well-being.

The Neighborhood Bridge

The Neighborhood Bridge connects Austin families to essential resources through the Advocate Program and Essentials Pantry. The Advocate Program pairs families with trained volunteers who help navigate community services. The Essentials Pantry provides critical household items not covered by SNAP, including toiletries and cleaning supplies. An adult education program will launch in Fall 2026.

Thrive Counseling Center

Through our partnership with Thrive, two licensed therapists are on-site twice weekly to provide mental health services to scholars. Thrive offers affordable, high-quality counseling to support students experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and other life transitions, ensuring mental health care is accessible within our school community.