•Pathways utilizes a Neurodevelopmental approach to education; this means that we individualize supports and teaching methods for each student and work to meet their needs, as opposed to expecting they alter their learning styles to fit the way we teach.

•We recognize that students may have a limited amount of internal resources with which to use throughout the day; we incorporate this understanding into our teaching methodology and are flexible with our expectations.

•Students are able to develop an increased repertoire of coping strategies and build their inner resources for coping with frustration in our low stress, therapeutic setting. This is accomplished through direct teaching and support of strategies and coping techniques.

•Pathways Academy interprets all behavior as a form of communication. Students are not penalized for lack of appropriate communication (i.e. slamming a door instead of saying, “I am frustrated”); the focus is on helping students develop appropriate communication skills.

•Social pragmatics is integrated throughout the school day and is taught directly in classes three times a week. All school staff members are trained to work with students on developing social pragmatic skills.

•Sensory integration is integrated through the day; all school staff members are trained to work with students to help them utilize sensory integration techniques and access sensory diets.

•Sensory integration breaks are schedule for 15 minutes out of every hour; staff members work with students to structure the breaks according to student needs and interests

•Teachers utilize student interests whenever possible as a vehicle for developing curriculum related skills and concept understanding.

•The school day is highly structured with a staff to student ratio of 1:2.

•Group activity classes foster teamwork, sport skill development, and motor skill development in a non-competitive environment.