We believe that all students are capable of learning. We believe that this learning best occurs when there is an active partnership with the student, the parent/guardian, our staff, school districts and outside agencies.

Our mission is to actively promote our students’ independence and increase their quality of life.

This is accomplished by:

• Creating and adapting customized individual educational plans.
• Having an array of on-site prevocational training opportunities.
• Using the community-based instruction to advance practical applications of skills.
• Providing a sense of community which encourages active participation.
• Building positive community partnerships.

Our Framework for Independent Living (FIL) blends state standard-based academics with functional skill areas while focusing on bridging school experiences with adult life. We provide instructions such as:

• Adaptive physical education
• Art
• Community-based instruction
• Center for theatre arts
• Consumer sciences
• Industrial arts
• Music therapy
• Food service training
• Science lab
• Computer lab
• Building and grounds
• Sensory room
• Functional academics
• Self-help skills

The Pathfinder School serves 5- to 21-year old students throughout Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Greene and Washington counties. Our school offers numerous specialized classrooms, such as:

• Autistic support
• Multiple disabilities support
• Life skills support
• Personal care assistant
• Vocational program

We also offer unique programs such as PRIDE and PAES.

• The PRIDE program is designed to help 18- to 21-year old students transition to life after school with the proper skills and knowledge to work or live indepently.
• The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) helps students and teachers identify the student’s strengths, abilities and career interest.