Search Results

Learn more about Pathways High's innovative approach to education. Explore how Project-Based Learning and a focus on diversity empower students to thrive. ABOUT PATHWAYS HIGH ABOUT PATHWAYS HIGH SCHOOL . Learn more about Pathways High School: January 2025 PUMA Times Feb. 14, 2025 PUMA Times Feb. 21, 2025 PUMA Times Feb. 28, 2025 March 2025 PUMA Times March 21, 2025 PUMA Times April 11, 2025 PUMA Times April 21, 2025 1 2 1 1/2

Press Release Pathways High Announces Expansion to Middle School and Joins National New Tech Network Pathways High School, an education innovator and leader in project-based learning since 2016, has reached two significant milestones that expand learning opportunities for students and families across the region. Beginning in fall 2026, Pathways High will expand its personalized, project-based learning model to serve students in grades 6–8, extending its proven approach to teaching and learning into the middle school years. In addition, the school has officially joined the New Tech Network, a nationally recognized network of innovative project-based learning schools. Pathways High is the first school in Wisconsin to join the New Tech Network, adding to its growing list of firsts as a parent-founded charter school. "This is an incredibly exciting time for Pathways High and for students in and around Milwaukee,” said the school’s Lead Administrator Amy Kern. “Our team is honored to launch Pathways High into a new chapter. We are energized to leverage New Tech Network’s curriculum resources, professional development, and collective expertise to expand our strong project-based learning foundation. These changes create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for long-term success.” Founded on the belief that students learn best by doing meaningful, real-world work, Pathways High has built a strong reputation for student-centered learning, interdisciplinary projects, and authentic assessment. The expansion to middle school allows PH to intentionally support students earlier in their academic journey, building strong foundations in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. The New Tech Network is a leading project-based learning design partner for K–12 schools and has successfully supported more than 200 schools and districts across 28 states using a whole-school, systemic approach to PBL. NTN provides professional development and coaching for teachers and school leaders to inspire and engage all students through authentic and challenging work. “I was really excited to meet the Pathways High leadership team, and I am even more excited to welcome Pathways High Middle School and High School to our network,” said Jim May, CEO of New Tech Network. “Their journey, from seeing an inspiring documentary to becoming an XQ semifinalist to creating Pathways High as a parent-founded charter school exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to the service of young people that has built the New Tech Network.” May added, “New Tech Network is a national network of innovative schools built on the assumption that our young people are filled with brilliance. We endeavor to help communities bring schools to life where teaching is joyful and learning is marked by doing work that is meaningful to your community. Pathways High is already such a wonderful place, and we look forward to supporting the Pathways High team as they expand this footprint of opportunity and energy into the middle school years. Welcome to the New Tech Network!” Enrollment for Pathways High Middle School (grades 6–8) open now! Priority enrollment is given to siblings of current Pathways High students. Middle school students will attend classes in a dedicated space within the current Pathways High school building, allowing for age-appropriate learning environments while maintaining connection to the broader PH community. Families interested in learning more about the middle school program and enrollment process can visit: pathwayshigh.org or call 414-943-2891. Enrollment space is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

Welcome Pathways High Students and Families! This page is your hub for essential resources to keep you up-to-date and moving towards your goals. CURRENT STUDENTS RESOURCES FOR PATHWAYS STUDENTS . Resources and links for students at Pathway's High School: SCHOOL CALENDAR DAILY STRUCTURES LUNCH MENU POLICY & HANDBOOKS PURCHASE & PAYMENTS Welcome Pathways High Students and Families! This page is your hub for essential resources to keep you up-to-date and moving towards your goals. LUNCH MENU SCHOOL CALENDAR

Manage finances at Pathways High! Secure online portal for easy payments; school & technology fees, field trip fees, and graduation/IMPACT promotion fees. CURRENT STUDENTS PURHCASE & PAYMENTS

Prove your knowledge at Pathways High! The Junior Defense challenges students to showcase mastery in a chosen subject. Public presentations, real-world evaluation - earn credit and gain valuable experience. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING JUNIOR DEFENSE JUNIOR DEFENSE . This Mastery Credit Defense Process usually occurs in a student's junior year and culminates with a public presentation in which students demonstrate their mastery of learning in a specific credit area. Students present their defense to a committee composed of a Pathways High content area specialist, two students, and two guest evaluators from outside the school. These guests work in a wide-variety of settings in both for profit and nonprofit organizations, providing students with a real-world evaluation of their work. Mastery Credit: Students identify a subject area for which they wish to pursue a mastery credit. They may refine an existing project or undertake a completely new project. Their evidence is included on their final mastery transcript. Student Selected Project: Students produce evidence of mastery learning via projects and work products they have completed over the course of one or more trimesters. Defense Presentation/Evaluation: Using a rigorous defense rubric, a panel of evaluators reviews all elements of the defense presentation and supporting work products and comes to consensus on an overall defense score. The evaluation panel is not a rubber stamp as the average pass rate is 65%. LEARN MORE ABOUT PATHWAYS . I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited to participate as a guest evaluator on the junior defense panel, but I said yes anyway. The matrix for evaluation seemed kind of intimidating and I wasn’t sure just what I was expected to contribute to the student experience. However, the actual experience blew me away. There was a teacher that gave us some background on the process and the student, but the best part of the panel was a student on the panel with us who was absolutely invested in the process and lead our way with their thoughts and comments. The students that presented their work were interesting, invested, passionate, and impressive. I’d do it again in a heartbeat and if you are invited – say yes! Junior Defense Panelist, AEM BECOME A PANELIST FOR STUDENTS . Join us at Pathways High as we connect our students with the Milwaukee community for real-world learning experiences. We're seeking diverse talent to review our students. Submit the form below to participate in Trimester 3 Defense on June 3rd and 4th from 9 am to 12 pm. Help shape the future of education with us. WHY BECOME A PANELIST ? Get first-hand experience with the level of work our students produce. Provide feedback to allow the student to grow and dive deeper into their projects. Influence the next generation of college students and workforce employees. First name Email Last name Phone Current Employer/Company Current Job Title Thanks for submitting! Submit Miles Meaux's defense project

Build resilience and promote mental health at Pathways High! Explore healthy relationships, anxiety management & trauma awareness. Create impactful awareness projects & contribute to a supportive school community. INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS MENTAL HEALTH PUMA Mental Health PUMA Course Description: Students in this PUMA will build their knowledge about healthy relationships, managing anxiety, and the effects of trauma on the brain through reading and discussion. They will complete at least one creative and reflective project, as well as contribute to school-wide mental health awareness through various forms of public awareness campaigns. Standards Offered: Communication Arts: Information Integration Future Readiness Effects on Health from the Community Mental Health Promotion Responsible Decision-Making INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS PAGE MENTAL HEALTH PUMA .

Have questions about Pathways High's unique Project-Based Learning approach? Find answers to our frequently asked questions here. CURRENT STUDENTS FAQS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . General Middle School Donors What is Pathways High? We are a free, public UW-Milwaukee charter high school serving 9th-12th grade students around the greater Milwaukee region, including but not limited to students from Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Racine counties. We offer innovative and personalized education through a Project-Based learning model. Who attends Pathways High? At Pathway High, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds, embracing unique abilities, religions, identities, and creeds. An ideal Pathway High student is someone who is curious, driven, and dedicated to exploring their future college or career path. We create a community where everyone's individuality is valued and hold space for students to pursue their dreams actively with passion and commitment. Who can apply to Pathways High? As a tuition-free, public charter school, any student can apply to Pathways High's middle and high school. What are the main differences between Pathways High and conventional schools? 1) Project based Learning Model 2) Personalized Education 3) IMPACT experiences in every Seminar: Field trip, frequent guest speakers, networking, and internship opportunities. 4) Real-World Curriculum 5) IMPACT Year: This is an optional additional year where Pathways High will pay for 12 credits of a college, and provide support.. Students can choose to attend UW-Milwaukee or MATC. How many students attend Pathways High? Pathways High was designed to be small school where every student is known and valued. Personalized, project-based learning thrives in schools with 100 - 200 students so Pathways High stays within that range. Does Pathways High provide transportation? Pathways High Middle School does not provide transportation. However, the school is conveniently located on Wisconsin Avenue, a major public bus corridor, making it accessible to students across the city. Families are responsible for arranging daily transportation to and from school. Does Pathways High provide special education services? Yes, as a public school, Pathways High provides special education services by a certified special education teacher. What is the New Tech Network and what benefits does it provide Pathways High to be in this network? The New Tech Network (NTN) is a national network of innovative public schools focused on high-quality project-based learning (PBL), student engagement, and strong school culture. NTN supports more than 200 schools across 28 states and partners with schools to implement a whole-school approach to teaching and learning. As a member of the New Tech Network, Pathways High Middle School benefits from ongoing professional development and coaching for educators, access to high-quality PBL curriculum resources and assessment tools, and collaboration with a national community of schools committed to continuous improvement. NTN’s approach closely aligns with Pathways High’s mission and EMPOWER skills, strengthening our ability to create meaningful, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Does Pathways High prepare students for college? Yes, Pathways High prepares students for college and beyond through our curricula with additional future readiness credits that students can obtain. Student may earn college credits before graduation by participating in dual and concurrent enrollment options directly through UW-Milwaukee or MATC. Do Pathways High students take state tests? ACT? Pathways High complies with all state-mandated testing, including the Forward exam, ACT ASPIRE, and ACT. What is a mastery transcript? Similar to a resume, a mastery transcript is a high school transcript that provides a holistic picture of a student’s experiences, academic knowledge, and future-readiness skills acquired throughout high school and the IMPACT Year, if the student pursued an IMPACT Year. Students select the evidence that best demonstrates their diverse capabilities. Please click on this link to view a sample mastery transcript. Does Pathways High have uniforms? We do not have uniforms. You can find our dress code listed in the student and parent handbook. Does Pathways High have sports? As a small school, Pathways High partners with outside organizations, such as the Milwaukee Rowing Club, to provide opportunities for participation in competitive sports. If a student is interested in a sport, they are encouraged to recruit other students to form a recreational sports team. What extracurriculars or clubs does Pathways High have? Clubs are student-driven and created, only to be assisted by staff at Pathways High. Examples of clubs students have started are Art Club, Weight Lifting Club, LGBTQA+ Alliance Club, Writing Club, ESports Club, and Anime Club. LEARN ABOUT PATHWAYS HIGH VISION & MISSION. VISION, MISSION & HISTORY DONATE TO PATHWAYS HIGH

Learn more about Pathways High's innovative approach to education. Explore how Project-Based Learning and a focus on diversity empower students to thrive. ABOUT PATHWAYS HIGH - MIDDLE SCHOOL ABOUT PATHWAYS HIGH MIDDLE SCHOOL . Learn more about Pathways High School: MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER MISSION, VISION & HISTORY PROJECT BASED LEARNING ENROLL - MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL - FAQ'S Pathways High is a small public charter school with a distinctive educational approach, Project-Based Learning within a diverse high school environment. Our academic model, Project-Based Learning, fosters a student's ability to see the real-world impact of their education while accommodating diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Integrating the real world beyond the classroom offers students more opportunities to engage and retain content while receiving personalized education. We pride ourselves on our diverse and small student body and our ability to create well-rounded adults ready for college and beyond. Evidence of Positive Impact of NTN on Agency, Engagement, and Rigorous Learning in Middle School In the words of our students... Pathways High School, an education innovator and leader in project-based learning since 2016, has reached two significant milestones that expand learning opportunities for students and families across the region. Beginning in fall 2026, Pathways High will expand its personalized, project-based learning model to serve students in grades 6–8, extending its proven approach to teaching and learning into the middle school years. In addition, the school has officially joined the New Tech Network, a nationally recognized network of innovative project-based learning schools. Pathways High is the first school in Wisconsin to join the New Tech Network, adding to its growing list of firsts as a parent-founded charter school. "This is an incredibly exciting time for Pathways High and for students in and around Milwaukee,” said the school’s Lead Administrator Amy Kern. “Our team is honored to launch Pathways High into a new chapter. We are energized to leverage New Tech Network’s curriculum resources, professional development, and collective expertise to expand our strong project-based learning foundation. These changes create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for long-term success.” Founded on the belief that students learn best by doing meaningful, real-world work, Pathways High has built a strong reputation for student-centered learning, interdisciplinary projects, and authentic assessment. The expansion to middle school allows PH to intentionally support students earlier in their academic journey, building strong foundations in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. The New Tech Network is a leading project-based learning design partner for K–12 schools and has successfully supported more than 200 schools and districts across 28 states using a whole-school, systemic approach to PBL. NTN provides professional development and coaching for teachers and school leaders to inspire and engage all students through authentic and challenging work. “I was really excited to meet the Pathways High leadership team, and I am even more excited to welcome Pathways High Middle School and High School to our network,” said Jim May, CEO of New Tech Network. “Their journey, from seeing an inspiring documentary to becoming an XQ semifinalist to creating Pathways High as a parent-founded charter school exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to the service of young people that has built the New Tech Network.” May added, “New Tech Network is a national network of innovative schools built on the assumption that our young people are filled with brilliance. We endeavor to help communities bring schools to life where teaching is joyful and learning is marked by doing work that is meaningful to your community. Pathways High is already such a wonderful place, and we look forward to supporting the Pathways High team as they expand this footprint of opportunity and energy into the middle school years. Welcome to the New Tech Network!” Enrollment for Pathways High Middle School (grades 6–8) open now! Priority enrollment is given to siblings of current Pathways High students. Middle school students will attend classes in a dedicated space within the current Pathways High school building, allowing for age-appropriate learning environments while maintaining connection to the broader PH community. Families interested in learning more about the middle school program and enrollment process can visit: pathwayshigh.org or call 414-943-2891. Enrollment space is limited and is on a first come first served basis. 2026-2027 MIDDLE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT APPLICATION PROJECT-BASED LEARNING . Our Real World Learning Model is comprised of three mutually reinforcing components: Interdisciplinary Seminars LEARN MORE Daily Advisory LEARN MORE IMPACT Experiences LEARN MORE Academic and Future Readiness (EMPOWER) standards are accomplished in a real world context. The challenges facing us today demand more from us than ever before -- more creativity, more diversity of perspectives, more intersection of concepts and ideas, more productive collisions, more collaboration. We believe that students can be taught and assessed in 21st century skills we call EMPOWER skills. Across all mastery standards EMPOWER skills are intertwined and assessed for credit upon graduation. We reinforce the use of these critical skills during Advisory. Relationships are built and create a supportive environment to spur growth and cultural competence across the school. Students benefit from 1-1 mentoring and are held accountable for their academic progress towards graduation. During our weekly town hall staff have the opportunity to call out students and award EMPOWER awards for excellence.

Stand out with a Pathways High Mastery Transcript! Document your skills & learning journeys, not just grades. Real-world evidence & project portfolios prepare you for college & careers. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING MASTERY TRANSCRIPT MASTERY TRANSCRIPT . OUR SAMPLE TRANSCRIPT FAQs Students demonstrate their knowledge during interdisciplinary seminars by submitting evidence into our learning management software. A mastery transcript is a flexible, non-traditional record of a student's achievements that highlights their competencies, skills, and learning experiences instead of using conventional grades. It is designed to provide a more comprehensive and personalized depiction of a student's abilities and readiness for future opportunities. DESIGN PRINCIPLES . How does the Mastery Transcript help learners and readers? Flexible, but Consistent Competencies are defined and certified by members; MTC does not mandate a specific set of skills. At the same time, we provide a consistent format so that readers can review our records with speed and accuracy. Compact, but Layered As digital, interactive documents, the Mastery Transcript and MTC Learning Record provide a compact “top layer” that can be quickly scanned, with additional information layered beneath for readers who want to dive deeper into a learner’s credentials. Equitable These records are created to serve learners from all backgrounds and to support them in a variety of post-high school goals, whether that be admission to a selective four-year university, placement at a community college, or entry into the workforce. No Grades on Mastery Transcripts MTC members don’t reduce learners to single numbers, but they do hold them to high standards. When learners master critical skills and content, they earn competencies which combine to create a clear, succinct visualization of each learner’s strengths. Learner-Centric, but Contextual Learners own their own profile page and can choose to feature particular projects and achievements. The published version remains an official record, and it contains information to help readers understand the learner’s achievements in the context of their school or program. OUR SAMPLE TRANSCRIPT . STUDENT STATEMENT . I use my skills to activate the voices of others and create an empathetic environment while giving back to my community. My drive to learn more about other cultures has sparked conversations and helped me on my journey to self-discovery. Your transcript is a resume; they can see all of the skills that I have because the real world is portfolio-based. Tate G; 12th grader MASTERY TRANSCRIPT CONSORTIUM . For each standard taught a student is required to have at least one piece of evidence in order to demonstrate proficiency or mastery. Students continue to submit evidence until they are consistently showing at least Proficiency (P) of a standard. No credit or partial credit can be given until proficiency, at minimum, is met for a standard. Students are encouraged to seek Mastery (M) prior to their transcript being generated upon graduation. We are a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC) and were the first of four high schools in the nation to issue the mastery transcript in 2021. READ: TURNING THEORY INTO PRACTICE READ: PATHWAYS HIGH PIONEERING

Discover Pathways High's collaborative network! See how our partners empower our Project-Based Learning mission and student success. PARTNERS PARTNERS . BECOME A PARTNER OR DONATE. PARTNER SUBMISSION DONATE TO PATHWAYS Partners & Pathways High Watch how PH students are exploring diverse pathways and developing mutually beneficial relationships with our partners. Pathways is ahead of the curve. They really have packaged a lot of what universities are trying to add on. It's important to give students a set of flexible skills that are going to set them up for being great critical thinkers and great project workers. Nancy Hernandez; Hispanic Collaborative