Ask The Pathway School

Question 1

What is The Pathway School?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School is a nonprofit, approved private special-education school in Jeffersonville, PA, founded in 1961. It serves students ages 5-21 (Kindergarten through 12+) with a range of learning, autism, emotional and neurological needs. Its promise: "It's Not About Forcing a Fit - It's About Finding a Place."

Question 2

Where is Pathway located?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School is on a 12-acre campus at 162 Egypt Road, Jeffersonville, PA 19403. You can reach the school at 610-277-0660.

Question 3

How long has Pathway been around?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School was founded in 1961, giving it more than six decades of experience in special education.

Question 4

What is Pathway's philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Pathway believes in finding the right place for each student rather than forcing a fit. Its registered tagline says it best: "It's Not About Forcing a Fit - It's About Finding a Place." The approach is individualized and strengths-based, building academic, social and life skills for success and independence.

Question 5

Is Pathway accredited or approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Pathway School is a Pennsylvania-approved private school, approved by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education, and it operates as a nonprofit.

Question 6

Who leads The Pathway School?

Accepted Answer

David J. Schultheis is President and CEO of The Pathway School, a role he has held since 2014. The school is also guided by a Leadership Team and a Board of Directors.

Question 7

How many school districts send students to Pathway?

Accepted Answer

More than 70 school districts across the region refer students to The Pathway School.

Question 8

Who does Pathway serve?

Accepted Answer

Pathway serves students ages 5-21 (Kindergarten through 12+) with mild-to-moderate autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and significant learning disabilities, emotional challenges, and neurological needs such as ADHD, mood and anxiety. The focus is on each student's strengths.

Question 9

What ages and grades does Pathway serve?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School serves students ages 5-21, from Kindergarten through grade 12 and beyond (12+).

Question 10

Does Pathway serve students with autism?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pathway's Autistic Support program is designed for students on the autism spectrum, with specialized, structured support built around each student's strengths and needs.

Question 11

Does Pathway help students with ADHD, anxiety or mood challenges?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pathway supports students with neurological needs such as ADHD and with mood and anxiety challenges, including through its Emotional Support program and related services.

Question 12

Is my child a fit for Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Every student is different, and Pathway's whole philosophy is about finding the right place rather than forcing a fit. The best next step is to talk with the admissions team, who can walk through your child's needs with you, or leave your details here and they'll reach out.

Question 13

What programs does Pathway offer?

Accepted Answer

Pathway offers a Lower School and an Upper School, along with specialized programs: Emotional Support, Autistic Support and Integrated Services, plus an Extended School Year. Related therapeutic services are woven into the school day.

Question 14

What is the Lower School?

Accepted Answer

Pathway's Lower School serves its younger students (roughly Kindergarten through grade 8), building foundational academic, social and life skills in a structured, supportive setting.

Question 15

What is the Upper School?

Accepted Answer

Pathway's Upper School serves older students (roughly grades 9 through 12+), continuing academics while building independence and skills for life after Pathway.

Question 16

What is the Autistic Support program?

Accepted Answer

Autistic Support is a specialized program for students on the autism spectrum, offering structured, individualized instruction and support built around each student's strengths.

Question 17

What is the Emotional Support program?

Accepted Answer

Emotional Support is a program for students who need help with emotional and behavioral needs, pairing academics with social-emotional and behavioral support.

Question 18

What are Integrated Services?

Accepted Answer

Integrated Services bring related therapeutic supports, such as speech, occupational and counseling services, into the school day so students get help where and when they need it.

Question 19

Does Pathway offer a summer or Extended School Year program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pathway offers an Extended School Year (ESY), a summer program that helps students maintain and build on their progress.

Question 20

Does Pathway provide therapeutic or related services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Related therapeutic services are integrated into the school day through Pathway's Integrated Services, supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.

Question 21

What is PBIS at Pathway?

Accepted Answer

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, a schoolwide framework for teaching and encouraging positive behavior. Pathway is recognized as the only school in Montgomery County honored at all three PBIS tiers.

Question 22

What is the RISE Team?

Accepted Answer

RISE reflects Pathway's values of Respect, Inclusion, Support and Empowerment. The RISE Team helps build a positive, welcoming school culture for every student.

Question 23

What is student life like at Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Student life at Pathway is small, structured and supportive, with a strengths-based culture, athletics (the Pathway Patriots), hands-on learning and community events that bring students and staff together.

Question 24

Does Pathway have athletics or sports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pathway's teams are the Patriots, giving students a chance to be part of a team and build confidence and belonging.

Question 25

What is Safe2Say Something?

Accepted Answer

Safe2Say Something is a statewide program Pathway takes part in that lets students and families confidentially report safety concerns so they can be addressed.

Question 26

What is the Innovation Center?

Accepted Answer

The Innovation Center is Pathway's hands-on STEM space, opened in 2019, where students explore science, technology, engineering and math through real projects.

Question 27

Tell me about Pathway's robotics team.

Accepted Answer

Pathway's robotics team, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 9027, is known as "PATH To Domination." It gives students a chance to design, build and compete while building STEM and teamwork skills.

Question 28

Does Pathway offer STEM learning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through the Innovation Center and the robotics team, Pathway makes STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, a hands-on part of learning for its students.

Question 29

How do I apply or refer my child to Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Most students come to Pathway through a referral from their home school district, and private placements are welcome too. You can start with the inquiry form at pathwayschool.org, call 610-277-0660, or leave your details here and the admissions team will reach out.

Question 30

What is the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

Pathway's team guides families through each step, learning about your child, reviewing records, arranging a visit, and coordinating placement with your district or privately. The admissions team at pathwayschool.org is the best place to begin.

Question 31

Can my child attend Pathway if we pay privately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While many students are placed through their home school district, Pathway also welcomes private placements. The admissions team can explain the options for your family.

Question 32

How is a Pathway placement funded?

Accepted Answer

For most students, placement at Pathway is arranged and funded through their home school district. Private placements are also welcome. For specifics about costs and options for your family, please contact the admissions team.

Question 33

Does Pathway accept students throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Pathway works with families and districts on referrals throughout the school year. Reach out to the admissions team to talk about timing for your child.

Question 34

How can I support The Pathway School?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to support Pathway, including annual giving, the Pathway School Campaign, EITC and corporate giving, planned gifts and volunteering. See the Giving section at pathwayschool.org.

Question 35

What is The Pathway School Campaign?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School Campaign is a multi-year effort to revitalize the campus, with a goal of raising at least $2.5 million to enhance the spaces where students learn and grow.

Question 36

What is EITC giving?

Accepted Answer

EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) lets eligible Pennsylvania businesses support Pathway while receiving a state tax credit. Details are in the Giving section at pathwayschool.org.

Question 37

How do I contact The Pathway School?

Accepted Answer

You can call The Pathway School at 610-277-0660 or visit pathwayschool.org. You can also leave your name and email here and the team will follow up.

Question 38

Where can I follow Pathway?

Accepted Answer

The Pathway School is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Links are at pathwayschool.org.

Question 39

Does Pathway have a newsletter, events or a store?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pathway shares news and a school calendar, hosts annual events, and has a Swag Store, all linked from pathwayschool.org.

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