The typical Catalyst student starts their experience with a six-week Discovery class. Discovery serves as an orientation to the program with the goal of skill building in the area of working in a group, communication, anger management, conflict resolution, problem solving, and assertiveness. We focus on how to treat each other with dignity and respect and form a healthy community. This program is the ‘gate-way’ for Real World Catalyst and has high attendance and participation requirements. Students earn a .75 credit for Discovery if they finish the 6-week course with passing marks.
After students graduate from Discovery, they are scheduled into a full-time, five-period school day from 9:00am-2:40pm. These classes cover all of the requirements for a high school diploma. We also offer extended hours and additional ways for super motivated students to earn additional credit. Full-time, regularly scheduled students will earn between 7.625 and 8.25 credits in a year.
In addition to face to face, we offer online classes for students in our Real World program. These can be integrated into their five classes or take the place of one of those classes. We call these, “blended learning” classes. Course instruction is online through the Edgenuity program and assistance is available as needed from a licensed teacher who is scheduled in the computer lab for that period.
We offer classes in a smaller setting, with average class sizes under 20, staff who pays careful attention to healthy, assertive relationships and a culture marked by dignity and respect for all.
For the self-motivated, academically talented student, online learning can be a great program. High school COA students work on online classes daily from home with regular progress monitoring and goal-setting. These students are accountable to report weekly face-to-face and access for instruction as needed. Good communication via email and telephone is also a key element to success in this program.
AM Extension is from 8-11, M-F. Instruction is online with the Blended Learning model. This is for students who have not had behavioral issues but have been unsuccessful in Discovery or Real World Catalyst or are waiting to be accepted or earn their way back into one of those programs.
PM Extensions is from 2:45-4:45pm. This is for students who have been unsuccessful behaviorally in Discovery, Real World or AM Extension. Also students who have a need of a later school hour are welcome in this program. Promptness and productivity is strictly enforced. Instruction is online with the Blended Learning model.
