CURRICULUM
Welcome to our dynamic curriculum, the cornerstone of the educational experience at Pathfinder at North End. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to empower students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
Curriculum Spotlights
1
Illuminating History Through a Multifaceted Lens
Our history curriculum peels back the layers of time to reveal the unseen narratives and untold perspectives often absent in traditional education. We adopt a Critical Race Theory approach, illuminating the contributions and struggles of Afro-American history within the broader context of world history and state standards. In this vibrant cross-pollination of cultures, students become architects of history, exploring, questioning, and reshaping their understanding of the past to foster a more inclusive future.
2
Nature's Classroom
Science at Pathfinder is not confined to textbooks and laboratories. It's a hands-on exploration of the world, with our lush campus serving as an open-air laboratory. Sustainability education is the heartbeat of our science curriculum. Students cultivate gardens, analyze ecosystems, and unravel the secrets of nature, nurturing a deep respect for our planet and its delicate balance. This tangible experience of science fosters a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
3
The Language of the Universe
Our mathematics curriculum tears down the traditional walls of fear and frustration. Inspired by the Montessori approach, we infuse learning with purposeful, hands-on experiences. From algebraic expressions to geometric shapes, students explore mathematics in real-world contexts, experiencing its practical applications and universal beauty. Here, we unravel the language of the universe, fostering a deep, intuitive understanding of math.
Grading & Projects
Grading at Pathfinder is a holistic symphony, harmonizing the notes of academic rigor, social-emotional growth, and individual progress. We blend state curriculum standards, college preparatory benchmarks, and whole-child grading methods into a comprehensive measure of student growth. In this ecosystem, students are not reduced to numbers or ranks but recognized as unique learners charting their distinctive paths to success.
Our curriculum is a passport to global engagement. We weave study-abroad programs and internships into the fabric of our curriculum, offering students the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and apply their knowledge in diverse cultural contexts.
The curriculum at Pathfinder at North End is an intricate tapestry of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and social-emotional growth. It's more than a path to graduation - it's a launchpad for life. Unleash your intellectual curiosity, cultivate your passions, and step boldly into a world of limitless potential. Welcome to education reimagined.
Educational Journey
K-8 Students
Our K-8 learners thrive within flexible grade bands, cultivating a spirit of collaboration and fostering differentiation in learning. As students ascend to our high school division, we disrupt the traditional grade-level system. Education evolves with the learner, offering instruction tailored to their developmental stage. It's a dynamic, fluid approach that molds to the learner, not the other way around.
High School Age Students
At the high school level, students delve into customizable focus areas, an exciting medley of Humanities, STEM, Arts, and other fields. These intellectual pathways converge in a personalized portfolio, a testament to the student's academic journey. This immersive exploration culminates in a final project, a magnum opus of their academic artistry.
All Students
At Pathfinder, we recognize that education of the mind is incomplete without the education of the heart. Our curriculum integrates social and emotional learning at every turn, nurturing empathy, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility. Our disciplinary policies echo this philosophy, turning moments of conflict into opportunities for growth and understanding.
Standardized Testing
Testing, as traditional as it may be, is an essential facet of our forward-thinking curriculum at Pathfinder at North End. It provides vital checkpoints in our learners' academic journeys, enabling us to assess the efficacy of our teaching methods and fine-tune our approach for each student.
Mandatory State Testing:
Pathfinder students participate fully in all required state testing programs. These assessments, aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, offer valuable insights into our learners' comprehension and mastery of key concepts across the curriculum. Importantly, these test scores not only reflect the academic progress of our students but also help us tailor our teaching methods to ensure optimal understanding and application of knowledge.
Preparing for the Future - The ACT:
In addition to mandatory state testing, Pathfinder offers all high school students the opportunity to take the ACT. This college readiness assessment is a critical component of college applications across the United States. However, at Pathfinder, we see it as more than just a test. It's an opportunity for our learners to display their academic prowess and potential. Our rigorous curriculum, coupled with dedicated ACT preparation, equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in this crucial examination.
In essence, while testing is only one measure of a learner's academic journey, it plays an integral role in our comprehensive evaluation approach. Rest assured, at Pathfinder, we turn the often daunting experience of testing into an empowering journey of growth, self-assessment, and future readiness.
Our academic vision at Pathfinder at North End cherishes individuality and honors the diverse passions of our students. To this end, we offer five comprehensive Diploma Specialization Tracks for our Upper-School-Age students that allow them to dive deep into their fields of interest, offering a rich and detailed exploration that complements our broad-based general studies curriculum.
1 / Specialization in the Humanities
Our Humanities Specialization is an intellectual odyssey through the vast landscape of human civilization. This track immerses students in the richness of global cultures, historical epochs, legal structures, and the powerful medium of the English language. From analyzing ancient texts to debating modern constitutional issues, learners navigate the labyrinth of human expression, philosophy, and societal constructs. This track enhances critical thinking, develops articulate expression, and inspires empathetic global citizenship.
Courses include Global History, Comparative Literature, Constitutional Law, Ethical Philosophy, and Creative Writing, among others. The culmination of the Humanities Specialization is a capstone project that can range from a comprehensive research paper to a multi-media presentation on a chosen historical, societal, or literary theme.
2 / Specialization in the Arts
The Arts Specialization Track is a vibrant palette of creative exploration. Designed for our artistically inclined students, this pathway delves deep into various art forms, from visual and performing arts to literary and digital expressions. Whether they're sculpting clay, choreographing a dance, composing a symphony, or crafting a compelling narrative, students explore the depths of their creativity and learn to communicate in the universal language of art.
Students may sub-specialize in Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, or Dance. Courses may include Advanced Painting & Sculpture, Digital Design, Music Theory, Dramatic Writing, Film Studies, and more. The culmination of this track is a comprehensive portfolio or performance showcasing the student's artistic journey and personal style.
3 / Specialization in Environmental or Anatomical Sciences
The Science Specialization Track unravels the mysteries of the universe, one hypothesis at a time. Designed for students with a profound curiosity about the natural world, this track dives into the dynamic realm of scientific inquiry. From the microcosm of cellular biology to the vastness of astrophysics, students engage in rigorous investigation and hands-on experimentation.
Courses such as Advanced Environmental Science, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Anatomy, Physics, and Marine Biology expand scientific knowledge and skills. The capstone project might involve designing and conducting an original experiment or research study, the results of which could contribute to the broader scientific community.
4 / Specialization in Technology & Computer Science
Our Technology Specialization Track propels students into the digital age, where creativity and logic converge. This track navigates the multifaceted domains of computer science, software engineering, data analysis, digital design, and more. As students delve into algorithms, robotics, and virtual realities, they not only become proficient in technical skills but also learn to leverage technology for innovative problem-solving.
Courses such as Machine Learning, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Game Design, and Data Analytics lay the foundation for a future-oriented skill set. The culmination of this track could be a software development project, a cybersecurity solution, or a detailed analysis of a complex dataset.
5 / Specialization in Foreign Studies
The Foreign Studies Specialization Track invites students to traverse the borders of their familiar world and delve into the cultural richness of global societies. As students master new languages, explore foreign literatures, and study diverse social structures, they develop a global mindset and intercultural competence.
Courses could include Advanced Spanish, French, or Mandarin, Global Literature, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. The capstone project might be a comprehensive cultural analysis, a linguistic research study, or a study-abroad experience with a detailed reflective journal.