PATHWAYS ACADEMY OVERVIEW
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Pathways Academy is a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program designed for students who benefit from highly individualized instruction, structured supports, and a functional, hands-on approach to learning.
The program is designed to meet students where they are academically, socially, and developmentally—while supporting meaningful progress in communication, independence, and life skills. Instruction is aligned to Illinois Learning Standards and is delivered in a way that is concrete, engaging, and highly supportive, with an emphasis on real-world application and skill development. At Pathways Academy, learning is not only academic—it is functional, experiential, and designed to help students build confidence and independence in their daily lives. |
WHO WE SUPPORT
Pathways Academy supports students with a range of developmental, cognitive, and health-related needs who benefit from a more structured, therapeutic learning environment.
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This may include students who:
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We focus on each student’s abilities, communication, and potential growth—meeting them where they are and supporting meaningful next steps.
WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL EXPERIENCE
At Pathways Academy, students receive a highly structured, supportive, and individualized learning experience designed to build both academic and life skills.
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Your child will have:
Students are supported through consistent routines, visual supports, and individualized strategies designed to help them feel successful and engaged. |
A TYPICAL DAY AT PATHWAYS ACADEMY
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PROGRAM HOURS
School Hours: 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. Program Hours*:
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A typical day includes:
Each day is intentionally structured to provide predictability, support regulation, and promote meaningful skill development. |
THE PATHWAYS ACADEMY APPROACH
Our approach is individualized, therapeutic, and skills-based.
Teaching functional skills that support independence in daily life
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Integrating academic instruction with real-world application
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Supporting communication in all forms (verbal, AAC, visual supports, etc.)
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Using evidence-based behavioral and instructional strategies
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Embedding social-emotional learning throughout the day
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Supporting regulation and engagement through structured environments and sensory-informed practices
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Students are supported as whole individuals—academically, developmentally, socially, and emotionally.
PATHWAYS ACADEMY OUTCOMES & NEXT STEPS
Pathways Academy is designed to support meaningful growth and help students build skills for increased independence and future learning environments. Each student’s plan is individualized and developed in collaboration with the student’s IEP team
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Next steps may include:
Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure students are supported in a thoughtful and individualized way. |
FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AT PATHWAYS ACADEMY
Families are a central part of each student’s success at Pathways Academy.
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At Connect Academy, families can expect:
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We believe strong partnerships between school and home are essential for student success
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check out some of the most common questions we receive from Pathways Academy parents!
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Pathways Academy serves students ages 5–13. Students receive individualized academic instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, with a strong emphasis on functional, hands-on, and life-skills-based learning. Yes. Students have access to integrated supports including speech, occupational, physical, music, and art therapy as part of their programming. Classrooms are small, with a maximum of 8 students and a low staff-to-student ratio. Behavioral supports are individualized and guided by trained staff, including oversight from a BCBA when appropriate. Strategies focus on teaching skills and supporting positive outcomes. The focus is functional academics, communication, social skills, and independence — taught through hands-on, structured, and engaging methods. Transportation is coordinated through the student's home school district. |
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We have answers! We are more than happy to connect with parents on a variety of topics. Get in touch to learn more.
PATHWAYS ACADEMY LEADERSHIP
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Pathways Academy is part of the Connect Academy system, a network of specialized educational programs focused on individualized student success.
Pathways Principal is Peggy McDermott Our team includes licensed special educators, related service providers, behavior specialists, and trained support staff who work collaboratively to support each student’s needs. We are committed to creating a structured, compassionate, and highly skilled learning environment for every student. 
PEGGY McDERMOTT
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VISIT OR LEARN MORE
We welcome the opportunity to connect with you and answer any questions.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
We welcome families to connect with us, ask questions, and learn more about Pathways Academy. |
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PATHWAYS ACADEMY INFORMATION
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Office Hours*:
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GRADESPre-K - 2nd
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ADDRESS1514 S. Main St., Door 15
Lombard, IL 60148 |
PHONE |
Peggy McDermott
Site Administrator |
