About The Pathway School
A nonprofit special education school, Pathway builds academic, social, and life skills
The Pathway School is a nonprofit special education school licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Founded in 1961, Pathway serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, emotional disturbances, and other neurological impairments. Pathway’s programs are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools and approved by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education to serve students ages 6–21.
Mission: Promote Success and Independence
The mission of The Pathway School is to build academic, social, and life skills in students with special needs to promote their success and independence after Pathway.
Watch the video below to meet our students and learn why they love The Pathway School!
Video from Pathway’s fall fundraiser, The Pathway Experience
History: Among the first schools of its kind
At its founding in 1961, Pathway was among very few schools in the Greater Philadelphia area designed exclusively for children with special education needs by merging clinical and behavioral services with education. Since then, Pathway has increased enrollment and staff who support the students, developed a vibrant learning environment on a 12-acre campus in Montgomery County, and solidified its reputation as a leader in innovative, high-quality programs and services.
A Message from Pathway's President & CEO
Dear Pathway School Community:
Our school year has gotten off to a great start! In September we welcomed around 170 students to our campus. This autumn, we were able to take advantage of the warm, dry weather and engaged our students in learning outside. Most around the school have commented on the positive start to our school year.
In mid-October, The Pathway School made the decision to become a cell-phone free campus during the school day. It wasn’t always easy, but our students place their smart devices in a locking pouch in the morning. The pouches are unlocked during dismissal, so our students have access to communicate with their families on the ride to and from The Pathway School.
I’m sure this transition was not easy for many of our students and their families, but it has been a success thus far! Students are interacting with one another more, and I have even seen groups playing board games at lunch! We will begin the process to quantify how successful this initiative has been, but thus far it appears that student behaviors are down this year, and we expect to see an increase in student engagement in their learning!
For what it is worth, I also place my mobile phone in a locked pouch each morning, and have it unlocked after 2pm. I figure if we are asking our students to comply (and they have—overwhelmingly!), then I should do it too.
I look forward to the coming months: our Robotics team will begin competing in tournaments, we will begin fielding an eSports team this year, and there is talk of interscholastic basketball games with other local Approved Private Schools. Very exciting school events to look forward to!
We are proud of what we have accomplished at The Pathway School, and look to continue the 60+ year tradition of innovating learning for our students.
Thank you for you interest in and your support of The Pathway School.
Sincerely,
David J. Schultheis
President & CEO
By the Numbers
Students
Ages
Ratio
School Districts & Charter Schools Served
Annual Donors
RELATED ARTICLES
Summer Splash: Another Pathway ESY Program in the Books
We just wrapped up another unforgettable Extended School Year (ESY) program at The Pathway School! From academic fun and exciting assemblies to community adventures, our students soaked up every moment while building important skills. The energy...
National Make-A-Will Month: Create Your Legacy with Pathway
August is National Make-A-Will Month, and it's the perfect time to consider how you can protect your family and loved ones and create a lasting impact through planned giving. Each year, Make-A-Will Month inspires millions of Americans to take this...
A School Year Full of Wins: Pathway’s Year in Review
What. A. Year. From the classroom to the basketball court to the stage, The Pathway School was buzzing with energy and unforgettable moments. We added new activities, celebrated big wins, and watched our students shine in every direction. Let’s...