Pathways ACADEMY

The Staples High School Pathways Academy is a “school-within-a-school,” providing alternative educational opportunities for students experiencing difficulty succeeding in the traditional school setting. Pathways Academy enrolls a maximum of 25 students in grades 11 and 12 with the intent of creating a small, supportive community of students. Pathways Academy is designed to provide a place where all students feel safe and free to explore their academic interests and achieve their personal goals. Within the program, a team of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers teach academic courses in addition to providing opportunities for students to make personal connections with other members of the program. An administrator oversees the program, and student supports such as school mental health staff, the school resource officer, and the student outreach counselor are available to help students. Meetings are held regularly to discuss the holistic needs of the students and develop new programs to enhance student learning and personal growth. 

As for all students at SHS, Pathways Academy students must earn 26 credits to meet their graduation requirements. Pathways Academy students must be enrolled in a minimum of three Pathways courses each semester, regardless of their credit/graduation status. Pathways Academy operates during four periods of the school day. Students may then enroll in electives, Health and Physical Education courses, World Languages, and other opportunities during the other four periods of the school day. The academic expectations of Pathways Academy are the same as traditional core classes, and all Pathways classes are A-level.

Pathways allows for more opportunities for students to earn credit based on non-traditional learning methods such as individualized instruction, peer coaching, project-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, experiential learning, standards-based instruction and learning, and community service. Each week, community meetings are held to allow Pathways Academy teachers the opportunity to check in with students and confirm the plan for the day. There is an expectation that all Pathways Academy students will continue to attend, meet the requirements of, and pass their courses taken outside of the Pathways schedule, as these courses are not offered within the Pathways Academy.

The alternative academic environment and personalized curriculum offered through Pathways Academy comes with certain academic expectations for students. Continual enrollment in the Pathways Academy requires students to take ownership and be responsible for their learning plan, contribute positively to the Pathways community, and demonstrate proficiency in academic areas required for graduation. Our expectation is that students will apply their interests, talents, knowledge, and skills toward developing an academic plan to graduate and, in doing so, gain the confidence and skills in preparation for their post-secondary world. 

For more information, students should see their school counselor.