About the Application Process

The Pathways Academy at Maple Shade will receive a placement request form from the student's home school which will highlight the result of... 

• disciplinary action that requires an alternative placement, 

• the student not age-appropriate for the current level, 

• the student requiring more support than the current placement can provide, 

• and/or specific social/emotional or academic challenge. 

Upon receiving the form, the Care Team will carefully review the application. If the student meets the program’s initial criteria, an intake meeting will be scheduled with the student and their family to further assess enrollment eligibility. 

Intake Meeting and ILP Creation:

Upon receiving the application or referral, the Director of Pathways Academy will schedule a meeting with the Care Team to determine if we move forward with an intake meeting with the student and their home support network. If the Care Team approves to a screening of the student, an intake meeting will be scheduled and serve as a collaborative platform to discuss the student’s academic, social, and behavioral history. It is an opportunity for open dialogue where we listen to the student’s aspirations and past challenges. 

If the Care Team approves of the student joining the Pathways Academy, we will begin the process of creating the student's Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) based on information gathered at the intake meeting. The ILP is a personalized roadmap that outlines measurable goals, short-term objectives, and a tailored curriculum to optimize the student’s success within our learning community. The following procedures are to be used to create the initial ILP.

• Review the high school transcript for completed coursework and credits earned.

• Review of students IEP or 504 Plan.

• Determine the student’s skills through a file review.

• Discussion from intake meeting with Care Team, student, parent/guardian, and other relevant parties the student’s current academic standing, personal interest, and career aspirations.

• Determine academic coursework based on the above information.

A meeting of the Care Team and the student will be scheduled for 2 weeks following admission to the program to finalize the working ILP. This ILP is a fluid document that can be revisited and altered at any time for what is best for the student's learning process. After a 30-day trial period, a determination will be made to continue the student through the program or return the student to their home school.

At Pathways Academy, we believe in a team approach where collaboration and trust between our educators, the students, and their families ensures a comprehensive and effective educational plan. We are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where each student can thrive, embracing their unique pathway to success.