Pathway Project is designed to be a teen centered space that supports highschool aged students in the Austin area on their unique path to launch! This program is perfect for teens who are homeschooled/unschooled/worldschooled and seeking a resource space with peers.

Our year is broken into 6 blocks, intentionally designed to build upon one another throughout the academic year (Sept-April). We do have some flexibility to bring on new folks throughout the year, but will be careful about timing and make sure to maintain our usual flow and access to facilitator time and individualized support. 

One on one support is offered at Pathway, our cohort also works together on projects and emergent activities like preparing food, using public transit together, discussion based activities and anything else that comes up in our time together. We are building intentional community at Pathway project. 

We are using a unique online tool, built by a colleague and powered by AI; to capture authentic learning, document our year, build portfolios with a parent interface and provide insight on the richness of our learning environment. 

Our schedule has us meeting for 28 Fridays from September 5 to May 1st with our final Friday reserved for Family Symposium.

Throughout the year, young people are asked to spend at least 4 hours in the space each week, 2 hours of which are dedicated individual work time and an 1 hour one on One guidance from Pathway Facilitator(s). Open Hours 12-7pm 

A one of a kind, Austin program open to teens (14+) to transition into their desired adulthood path, outside of the conventional school system.
Pathway Project is designed to empower Austin area teens through Self-Directed Education and Youth Rights by providing resources, mentorship, and a supportive community to facilitate their transition into adulthood—whether through college, workforce, or adventure!

Our cohort will have access to a variety of materials and ample time to be be in community with their peers while they dive deep into study, prep for college, learn or refine a new skill, prepare for travel… and have access to supportive adults and an environment that is rooted in the values of Self-Directed Education and youth rights.

We are using a unique online tool, built by a colleague and powered by AI; to capture authentic learning, document our year, build portfolios with a parent interface and provide insight on the richness of our learning environment.  There is no other program like Pathway in Austin.

TUITION
Pathway offers a sliding scale annual tuition of $4,500 with our minimum tuition of $2,750

tuition can be paid as a single installment, two equal installments or equal monthly installments for the year

FRIDAY FLOW
12pm-12:30pm Flexible Arrival Time

12:30pm Set the Day - we meet as a group to discuss activities and offerings for the day and record them on our set the month board. This tool is adapted from Agile Learning Centers “Set the Week (StW)” Board

1:00pm-3:00pm Breakout Time

Individual Work Time

Recreation, Creative Pursuits/Hobby Time

Planned or Emergent Group Activities, Mentors/Speakers

3:00pm Regroup 

3:30pm-5:30pm Breakout Time

Rotating One-on-One Mentorship

Individual Work Time

Recreation, Creative Pursuits/Hobby Time

Planned or Emergent Group Activities 

5:30-6:30 Open Kitchen - teens are encouraged to utilize the shared space to prepare food for dinner. Pathway participants will build important life skills in the kitchen and in community. Sharing meals is encouraged! 

6:30pm Reset the Space - the last half hour of Pathway we will collectively reset the space before heading out for the night. On Family Dinner nights, this will be when participants prep the space for a shared meal.

7:00pm ATXPathway Project closes

1. Respect for Self and Others

Treat everyone with dignity, empathy, and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, age, religion, or immigration status.

Use people’s chosen names and pronouns. If you make a mistake, correct yourself and move forward respectfully.

No teasing, name-calling, bullying, or exclusion will be tolerated—online or in person.

2. Speak Up, Listen Up

Practice active listening—give your full attention, honor others’ voices, and be open to perspectives that are different from your own.

Share your story, not someone else's. Only speak on your own experiences unless given permission.

Call people in, not out: If harm is caused, we respond with accountability, not shame.

3. Safety & Boundaries

Respect physical, emotional, and personal boundaries. Consent always comes first.

If someone sets a boundary or says “no,” honor it—every time.

Violence, harassment, or threats of any kind—verbal, physical, or digital—are strictly prohibited.

4. Care for the Collective

Show up for yourself and others. This is a space of collective responsibility and mutual support.

Practice community care—offer help, check in on peers, and contribute to a positive environment.

Take responsibility for your actions. If harm is done, you are expected to listen, reflect, and make amends.

5. Honor All Abilities and Ways of Being

Embrace and support different ways of learning, expressing, and moving through the world.

Don’t assume what someone can or cannot do. Ask, don’t guess. Include, don’t isolate.

Accessibility is everyone’s job—speak clearly, slow down when needed, and offer help respectfully.

6. Protect Our Space

This is a confidential and consent-centered space. What is shared here stays here unless someone is at risk of serious harm.

We do not allow hate speech, discriminatory language, or microaggressions.

We challenge systems of oppression—racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and all forms of marginalization—at every level.

7. Learn, Unlearn, Grow

Growth is ongoing. Be willing to unlearn harmful ideas, ask questions, and take feedback.

Mistakes are part of learning. Own them, apologize when necessary, and stay committed to doing better.

Be curious, be courageous, and stay rooted in compassion.

8. Celebrate Each Other

Celebrate everyone’s wins, efforts, and progress—big or small.

Uplift joy, creativity, culture, and liberation. This is a space where you get to be your full self.

Accountability PracticeWe are accountable to each other—not through punishment, but through transformation. If someone violates the Community Commitment 

We approach with a spirit of repair.

The process may include listening sessions, peer mediation, or reflection assignments.

Continued or serious violations may lead to a pause or dismissal from the program.

By participating in the Pathway Project, we agree to uphold these values and commit to co-creating a space where everyone is seen, valued, and safe to be.