Pathways Academy Reaches a Milestone: Final Classroom Opening December 1, 2025!

Peggy McDermott Announces Final Classroom Opening at Pathways Academy.

We’re proud to announce a major milestone for Pathways Academy; our final classroom is opening soon, and we are now accepting referrals!

Expanding to Meet Growing Demand

Over the past year, we’ve experienced a significant increase in demand for our early childhood autism program. This growth has been driven by our unique ability to support Pre-K through 2nd grade students who are non-verbal and have a diagnosis of autism with an approach that combines structure, compassion, and reintegration-focused strategies.

Thanks to this demand, and the trust of school districts and families, we’ve expanded Pathways Academy classroom by classroom. With the opening of this final space, we are completing the next chapter in our growth.

What Makes Pathways Academy Unique

• Pathways Academy is a specialized therapeutic program offering:
• Targeted support for non-verbal learners
• Small classroom sizes and low student-to-staff ratios
• Structured routines and calming, sensory-informed spaces
• Embedded therapies and behavioral interventions
• A strong focus on reintegrating students into less restrictive learning environments when they are ready

The Pathways Academy team also works closely with local elementary schools to help students build tolerance and readiness for public school settings, ensuring the smoothest transition possible when they’re ready. Additionally, our team works closely with families, school districts, and support providers to ensure that each student’s needs are met with precision and care.

Led by Trusted Leadership

The program is led by Peggy McDermott, an experienced leader with a deep understanding of early childhood education and autism support. McDermott states:

Every student's journey is unique. Our dedicated team is here to walk alongside families and districts, creating an education and experience that honor each child's strengths and potential. Our whole team believes in each child's growth every step of the way while they are enrolled at Pathways Academy.

Under her guidance, Pathways Academy has grown into a trusted destination for students needing intensive, individualized support in their earliest academic years.

Final Classroom Opening December 1, 2025

The final classroom will open on December 1,2025 and space is limited. This is the last chance to enroll in our current cohort, and referrals are being accepted now on a rolling basis. 

Ready to Refer? We’re Ready to Support.

We invite district partners to consider whether Pathways Academy is the right fit for students in need of specialized, therapeutic education. You can find out more about our referral process by clicking the link below or contacting Peggy McDermott for a tour of our facilities. ​Let’s create opportunities for success, starting today.

Connect Academy Referral Process

PEGGY McDERMOTT
​Site Administrator, Pathways Academy 
(630) 822-8085 Ext. 2
[email protected]