Catalyst Alternative Private High School Boulder, CO
I think I’ve told everyone but you how much Catalyst impresses me. Thirty years ago I thought I’d become a teacher. I said that I didn’t think I had it in me to reach students who weren’t already motivated. You’ve taken a big leap, far past where I thought I’d have trouble. You work with kids who already have problems with motivation and find a way to get them to want to learn and to graduate. It’s a really great thing you’re doing.
Another thing that I truly admire about your efforts is that you’re tackling problems that weren’t so apparent thirty years ago. Too many people (myself included) might be inclined to throw up their hands and say, “Well, that’s just the way it is! Where are these kids’ parents?” You, on the other hand, get in there and do something about it. I don’t know the correct superlatives to compliment you for doing that.

Karen B.

Your program is a God send. My child feels whole again, and our family has regained its sanity.

David R.

We couldn’t be more thrilled! He’s working hard and learning to manage his time better than ever before. Thank you for all you’ve done to bring this opportunity to us.

Renee J.

What a different school experience this is from her past. What a difference this makes in her life.

Amy W.

Not only is this the first and only high school that worked for S, it’s the most focused I’ve seen her in twelve years of education.

Chris C.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for M and us over the last year. I am sure you can understand that I so hope he keeps his stuff together and excels in school and finds more personal stability in the upcoming year.

Maria S.

I’ve told everyone how much Catalyst impresses me. You work with wonderful kids with personal problems and help them rediscover a love of learning, so they can graduate. It’s a really great thing you’re doing. Perhaps when the dust settles and I collect some funds I can put some money where my admiration is. K mentioned to me about playing on the Catalyst softball team. I’m so happy that she wants to get out and do something physical again! She is doing very well these days, and she and I both credit Catalyst for her improvements.

Mary H.

Thank you for the note and the observations you and others at Catalyst have made. It is greatly appreciated and comforting to know that finally, J is in an environment where people have the caring and are taking the time to read the queues. I can’t begin to tell you how welcome your e-mail is. These months at Catalyst have proven to be very beneficial for him. It is good to know that we have a sound baseline from which we are making a decision about his future.

Gabriel S.

I am happy to report that A is off to University on the 19th of August, thanks to all of you at Catalyst High School! I am always raving about your program to other people! Congratulations on all the new programs!

Nana J.

I cannot tell you what it meant to me to hear what you had to say about H
today. I told her therapist in a phone conversation before I took H over to see her today and she was thrilled. I am so thankful that you are so in tune with what was going on in the group and so gently and skillfully holding the space for their process and allowing it all but also not letting it go down the tubes. It was amazing to watch the whole thing happen, especially in light of H’s comments in her log and her struggles through it all. I cannot say what it means to know that you both saw everything and held everything and could so specifically know and support and affirm H for who she is. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I want you to hear my praise and thanks for who you are for my daughter at this point in her life.
Thanks a million.

Lynn K.

Our daughter began attending Catalyst as a junior. She had dropped out of high school and had gotten into trouble with drugs and running away. We were at our wits end about how to keep her in school. Catalyst was the perfect solution.
Catalyst has several features that worked for our daughter: First, she was able to tailor her classes to her interests, needs and unique creativity. That really suited her independent personality, and gave her a chance to express herself in positive ways. Second, there is a strong focus on inclusiveness. Kids at Catalyst are discouraged from getting too “cliquey.” My daughter told me many times what a relief it was to be away from public high school with all the pressure to conform. Third, because the instructors know your child, they don’t slip through the cracks as they do in a huge public high school. There were many times when my daughter was supported by staff to make wiser choices in her life. Having other concerned, caring adults in her life is worth its weight in gold!
Despite her sophomore year being a complete wash because of her dropping out, she graduated one semester early. She is planning to go to CU after one semester at Front Range. We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome for our daughter.

Emily M.

The boys are both very happy at your school. Thanks for creating such a great place for high school kids. You really have something special!

Jennifer A.

S continues to amaze us all with her fortitude and drive to succeed in life. So much of her ability to move forward is the result of your belief in her and the support she received at your wonderful school. We are all huge fans of Catalyst! You have made a profound difference in S’s life and we are so very grateful.

Mikhy R.

Catalyst is awesome. J loves it there and all the staff. I credit you all for helping her get through each day. Not always easy for her. But we look forward to the growth and maturity ahead of her academically and personally. Our accreditation is great news for everyone!

Jessica and Richard K.

Congratulations on receiving the recommendation for Accredited Status and the many, many positive ways in which you accomplished it in such a short time. Your dedication to exemplary accomplishment has paid off in spades! Here’s to your vision and getting after it! We are very proud of you and thank you for all you have provided our family and many others in our community.

Jim and Mary R.

Congratulations to Ed and Catalyst Staff for your dedication to this effort! Your commitment to the school and students is tremendous and we are so fortunate to be part of the Catalyst community.

Dianne K.

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