| Great Path Academy is a middle college high school for students in grades 10-12 that offers many special features for high school students – from the opportunity to earn college credits tuition-free to internships at local companies. Learn more below. For information on school policies and procedures, click to open a PDF of the Student and Parent Handbook.
Opportunities for College Credit Tuition-Free
Students at Great Path Academy are able to earn college credits while still in high school. All GPA students have an opportunity to enroll in direct college classes or in articulated courses through the Tech Prep Program. These are high school courses taught at a college level and offer students an opportunity to earn dual credit. GPA students in good academic standing may enroll in up to two MCC courses each semester and earn eight credits. In both articulated coursework and MCC coursework, students are able to earn these college credits tuition-free.
Innovative Course Offerings
The college courses available to students at Great Path Academy complement a rigorous and innovative high school program that meets the high school graduation requirements as prescribed by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Cutting-Edge Learning Environment
Students at Great Path have access to the state-of-the-art facilities at Manchester Community College, including the science labs, art studios, technology-rich classrooms and the college’s library. As GPA graduates, students will have demonstrated their ability to handle the freedoms of a college campus and the demands of college coursework through the Great Path program.
Academic Calendar
In college classes, Great Path Academy follows the academic calendar of Manchester Community College, exposing students to the fall and spring semester schedule typical of most colleges. For high school classes, students follow the traditional high school calendar. During each semester students may participate in an off-campus work setting to develop employment skills and to explore career opportunities.
Academic Advisement
Academic Advisement is a required class for all students. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who meets with his or her advisees twice per week to provide planned and systematic academic support. The faculty advisor is a point of contact for parents and is responsible for monitoring each advisee’s overall academic progress. Academic Advisement supports GPA’s mission to offer a more personalized learning environment. Individualized tutoring services are also available.
Physical Education
GPA is committed to offering an innovative physical education program. In an effort to offer an experience that differs from the traditional P.E. class, Great Path students have the opportunity to participate in a martial arts program. In addition to a focus on personal wellness and physical fitness, the martial arts curriculum places a heavy emphasis on character development, personal empowerment and reflective thinking skills. Students may also enroll in specialized fitness classes through MCC.
Work Experience
Great Path is committed to nurturing the career aspirations of students and strives to assist them in developing the skills needed to be effective in the workplace. A work experience program gives students the opportunity to participate in on-campus internships and off-campus work experiences as part of a student’s overall academic program at GPA.
Partnerships
Great Path Academy is strengthened by its many partnerships with Manchester Community College, the nine sending school districts and the State Department of Education. In addition, the Capitol Region Education Council delivers a host of educational resources to Great Path and its students. Partnerships with local businesses support student internships. GPA’s Parent Advisory Council ensures that parents have an opportunity to actively participate in their child’s education. |
