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Catalyst Alternative High School outlines programs, graduation options and CTE partnerships
Summary
Catalyst Alternative High School staff described the school’s Discovery, Real World, GO and K12 COA programs, CTE Wednesdays and a high graduation rate for seniors. The presentation highlighted attendance and mental‑health challenges, individualized pathways, a new CTE coordinator funded by a private grant and community partnerships.
Catalyst Alternative High School staff presented an overview of the school’s programs, student supports and community partnerships during the Oct. 28 Newberg School District 29J board meeting.
Principal Chris Stevens and counselor Jesse Hanson described three main academic programs: Discovery (a six‑week orientation), Real World (the primary program where students take six classes per day and work in six‑week learning cycles), and GO (a flexible credit‑recovery/individualized program). The district’s K12 COA online program was also discussed as a flexible, self‑paced option for students balancing work, family or health needs. Presenters said students can earn up to nine credits per year in Catalyst programs and that 87% of seniors completed a diploma or GED last year.
Staff highlighted project‑based learning, CTE Wednesdays and a half‑time CTE coordinator funded by a grant from the Austin Family Foundation. Reported partners for career learning included local universities, community colleges, trade schools and businesses; examples mentioned were ARED Manufacturing and Interstate Trucking. Presenters also identified attendance, mental‑health concerns and past trauma as ongoing challenges; the school refers students below 90% attendance to a success coach who develops an attendance plan with parent meetings and daily check‑ins.
The board asked how transitions from the comprehensive high school to Catalyst are managed. Staff said most students start at the high school and move to Catalyst when needed; because of different learning cycle lengths, transitions require planning and occasional use of alternate programs (GO or K12 COA) to smooth movement between calendars. Staff also described arrangements that allow Catalyst students to take at least one elective at the comprehensive high school when space is available.
The presentation included a staff spotlight recognizing custodian Ricky Sellers and a student spotlight for Jake Thomas, who staff said improved attendance and classroom engagement.
