Academic Pathways
Academic Pathways offer Upper School students the opportunity to identify and focus on an area of study or thematic concentration that closely aligns with the Northwest School's mission and core values. Pathways is an optional program that can be layered on top of the Upper School’s liberal arts diploma requirements.
Beginning Spring 2027, Upper School students may declare a pathway at the conclusion of their tenth-grade year. While foundational coursework may be undertaken prior to grade 10, pathways primarily serve to inform and shape students’ academic decisions during the eleventh and twelfth grades.
Pathways students will assemble a portfolio of scholarly work, experiences, and reflections. Students who successfully complete requirements within a certain pathway will have a distinction in that pathway recorded on their Northwest School diploma.
Six Academic Pathways, Three Unifying Components
- FOUNDATIONS Required coursework that demonstrates proficiency in foundational skills and methods necessary for the area of study.
- SCHOLARLY CONNECTIONS An intentional and student-driven portfolio of work connecting to the essential questions and skills of the chosen pathway. Academic activity that demonstrates critical and interdisciplinary thinking about chosen topics and areas of focus.
- EXPERIENCE Out-of-classroom learning to provide firsthand, practical experience in an area of study or thematic concentration, in contexts beyond required coursework.
Academic Pathway Options
- Technology & Society
- Environmental Sustainability
- Excellence in the Visual Arts
- Excellence in the Performing Arts
- Social Justice
- Global Perspective
Sample Pathway
Sample Coursework in Foundations
- Climate Action* (10 or 11)
- Literature & the Environment* (12)
- Advanced Biology (12)
* Proposed course under development
Sample Scholarly Connections:
- Visual art final project: Climate Change
- Humanities 11 research project: Indigenous Conceptions of Nature
- Computer science project that focuses on the mining industry, powered by digital tech demands
Sample Experience
- Internship with local organization (e.g., Tilth Alliance)
- Student manager of Northwest School farm + garden
- Participation in the school's Climate Action Team
- Organizing school-wide clothing swap
