Any input on Pathfinder K-8

[blessedmama]

Hello everyone,

I was just hoping to get some input on Pathfinder K-8. The good, the bad, and why you feel that way. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. I have gone on a walk-thru, and I’ve talked to the school employees, but I would like to know what fellow parents think, and why they would/would not recommend this school.

Thank you!!

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[manhattan93]

We are very happy with Pathfinder. My son attends Pathfinder for 2 years and he is happy with the school. It’s warm community, friendly staffs and other fellow parents, great leadership, a lot of fantastic events, and fun PE !! The only thing that he’s been complain is the food at the cafetaria, too bad his momma hardly could wake up early in the morning, but we are rarely been tardy though :)

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[kayo]

We are another happy Pathfinder family. My 2nd grader is learning a ton and thriving. I love the expeditions with their emphasis on hands on, experiential learning. I also love the outdoor programs (wonderful gardening teacher, camping, hiking, field trips). We also have very good specialist programs (PE, Chinese, art, music) and after school programs. All in all, I feel like my kid is getting a great education and not just academically. She is learning to really care about the world around her and others. She still talks about the field trip her first grade class took to Nickelsville last year when the kids were studying what the definition of “home” means. It was a very powerful experience. As a parent, I am also very happy at the school. I think the parents just want what’s best for their kids and the parents are welcoming and open. It helps if you are willing to jump in and get involved (in whatever capacity you can manage). That is true at any school. Another thing to consider is the fact that we are an option school instead of a neighborhood school. This means that many kids ride the bus so you really don’t see as many parents at school as you might at a neighborhood school (except at the fun community events we have throughout the year which tend to be well attended). If you are looking for more of a neighborhood school experience where everyone is dropping off and picking up or playing on the playground after school this does not happen as much as it might at other, more walkable schools. One more thing is that like all schools in SPS, Pathfinder is working hard to align with the Common Core. This has changed the landscape a bit as far as the “alternative” nature of Pathfinder. I know the teachers work incredibly hard to balance that with the “hands on” stuff. I think there is a place for both (with some caveats) and I hope we can find a good balance going forward. Certainly, my child is thriving academically, so what they are doing is working for her and we are happy with that. Just keep in mind that it is a public school and as such, there are challenges that go along with that. Also, keep in mind that one family might have a great experience at one school while another family is not as happy. You have to go with your gut in the end and know that you can always make a change if it is not working. You are also your child’s best teacher and if you are an involved parent, that counts for more than almost anything else. Good luck.

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[pocketzena]

I had two kids attend Pathfinder. We were lucky and ended up with some of the most dedicated and solid teachers there. The community is very inclusive, and the school has the most warm and welcoming feel to it. I thought the art, music and PE enrichment classes were great. There are a lot of highly involved parent volunteers (some might argue TOO involved). The camping outings in the upper grades are well organized (depending on the teacher), and I loved the fact that some of the teachers are really into getting the kids out hiking in the elements!

If your kid is really motivated to learn math, science or social studies on a deeper or more rigorous level, they might not get that here. My kid was somewhat frustrated with not feeling challenged in that regard, and chose to switch schools in the upper grades. However, despite the choice to try something different in the end, we had a very positive experience at Pathfinder and I am happy my kids were able to go to a place where you can still be a “kid”.

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[w]

Both of our kids attended from kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s good for a kid who is self-motivated. The staff, particularly for the lower grades, is very dedicated. They encourage critical thinking and creativity. The school is not, unfortunately, the best place for a kid with special needs (not that any school in the district is). The community is strong, but also cliquish, so if you fit into it, great, and if not, it might be uncomfortable. The middle school is not as good as K-6, in my opinion, where it is far less “alternative” than in the lower grades. I found some of the social agenda stuff to be a little overbearing. Overall it is a positive environment, but ideal for kids who can work independently without a lot of structure.

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[blessedmama]

I appreciate all of your comments and advice. You all put so much thought into your comments and I am very grateful for such insight to Pathfinder. My daughter will be attending there this year and I am very excited about it. Sounds like the teachers are very nurturing and create a friendly learning environment that encourages the child’s own creativity. After reading all of your comments, I am reassured that my husband and I have made the right choice. I could not thank you enough for all that you guys have said. It really eases my worries! Thank you!!

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