Since 2002, Pathway School has been educating and equipping students that struggle in a traditional classroom by providing them with skills and strategies to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. During the past 2 years of the pandemic, quarantines, and economic uncertainty, our commitment to that mission and serving our students has never been stronger. Most Pathway students have learning differences such as ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, and processing disorders which made remote learning very difficult for both the students and their parents so we have had an increase in student enrollment due to the lack of education provided to our unique student population.
This year, I would like to share Evan’s story with you. Evan is a handsome, intelligent, and outgoing 7th grader that has flourished academically at Pathway School. Evan has the following diagnosis: ADHD, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Initially, Evan loved being a part of their neighborhood school but it quickly became evident that the public school system was not set up to support students like Evan. He was constantly being pulled out of class for reading interventions and not making much progress. The class size was large and didn’t provide the teachers much time to help kids who were struggling. It was a constant battle with the IEP team to get services provided. Evan would come home exhausted and meltdown every day after school. He tried so hard to pay attention and learn in the public school setting, but would fall apart by the end of each and every day. He was in after-school therapies for dyslexia and nothing was helping him succeed academically.
Lindsay, Evan’s mother, realized that his school was not working in the best interest of Evan. Lindsay was taking him to tutoring after school and after a year the tutor recommended taking a look at Pathway School for a more immersive educational experience. Lindsay toured the school, had Evan assessed and scheduled a 3-day trial at Pathway. At the end of the trial, Lindsay and Evan immediately knew Pathway would be a great fit. Evan finally saw other kids who learned like he did and knew this was the school for him. Lindsay saw how the School Director, teachers, and staff spoke to the students and explained how they tailor their teaching methods to how each child learns, and that gave her hope for Evan’s future. Evan started 3rd grade at Pathway School and is now a completely different person. It took some time for him to feel safe and relaxed enough to learn but once he did, his entire personality shifted. Friends and neighbors noticed! He was so much happier to be in an environment that was encouraging and patient. His independence soared. Lindsay says, ”He self advocates and positively self-talks so much more about himself and his future. Evan is a creative and empathetic kid who is going to do amazing things in this world. He is a generous, compassionate, and loyal friend. I’m proud of his leadership skills not only in the classroom, but by serving on Student Council as Photographer and Class Representative.”
Six years ago, Evan came to Pathway an anxious, and a stressed-out young boy that did not like school. Now he confidently self-advocates, is positive about life, and has hopes and ambitions for his future. He has learned to utilize the academic tools he needs to navigate his learning challenges, makes school a priority, and is thriving in all aspects of his life.
With all the changes that have happened in our world in the past 2 years, more students like Evan need access to the educational experience and life-changing skills that Pathway provides. This year, our goal is to raise $175,000 in tuition assistance for Pathway students so we need your support more than ever.
Can you help ensure that Pathway continues to equip students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually? Your gift, today, helps Pathway assist students, like Evan, that may be struggling in a traditional classroom and ensures that they can get the strategies that they need to succeed in life.
Gratefully,
Randa Fletcher
randa.fletcher@pathwayschool.net
Donations can be made by going online:
https://pathwayschool.charityproud.org/Donate
Or by mailing payment to:
Pathway School
31103 Rancho Viejo Rd. #350
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
Remember to ask your employer if they have a matching gift program.
