The Pathfinder School

About

The Pathfinder School is an independent day school serving pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Story

Since 1972, Pathfinder's academically vigorous program has been on the cutting edge of education, developing critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity and an unparalleled love of learning through Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences pedagogy

Fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS)

Small classes and personal attention; Individualized instruction with a student:faculty ratio of 8 to 1

Dedicated teachers whose real-life field experience adds relevance to classroom instruction

An engaging and responsive curriculum built on the proven principles of experiential education

A 22-acre wooded campus brimming with learning opportunities nestled on the shores of Cedar Lake and Grand Traverse Bay

Centrally and conveniently located 3 miles from downtown Traverse City at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula

A commitment to stewardship through service, community and the environment

Recognized increasingly as a destination school, attracting families from across the country

Financial Assistance: approximately 22% of the student body receives tuition grants based on ability to pay

A school culture that honors diversity in its many forms and promotes civility: our school admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin

Many opportunities for parental involvement including an active parents’ association, community building activities, and adult education

Founded in 1972, an estimated 3000 individuals (students, faculty and families) have benefited from our school’s philosophy and approach to learning

Music
Music instruction 2 times per week. After-school programming includes beginning and intermediate string ensembles.

Foreign Language
French instruction 2 times per week throughout all grades

Science
Science instruction 2-6 times per week based on grade level provided by science instructors for grades K-8

Library
A3000 volume library overseen by a librarian who provides a developmentally-appropriate library curriculum for all grades

Sports
Physical education 2-3 times per week based on grade level. After-school programming includes TEAM sports for grades 4-6 (cross country, basketball, volleyball and track & field), middle school sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball and track & field), and ski club

Fine Arts
Art instruction 2 times per week, and the arts are integrated through all aspects of our core curriculum throughout all grades

In-Depth: One per semester for grades 6-8
Drama
Design and Production
Video Production
History of Film
Journalism/Creative Writing

Middle School Interdisciplinary Electives: Two MIADS per quarter for grades 6-8
Outdoor Education
Geography
Advanced Technology
Formal Logic
Argumentation
Photshop and Podcasting
Geography
Body Wellness
Chess
Gardening and Ecoliteracy
Math Links

Real World: Quarterly rotations for grades 6-8
Shop
Clinic
University
Bank

Extended day programming until 6:00 PM

Mission

The Pathfinder School's mission is to ensure each student builds a foundation of intellectual facility and self-assurance through immersion in vigorous learning environments that require creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, and responsibility.