9th Grade

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Today’s high school students have grown up in the digital age and use online technology to connect and learn. They respond to innovative and engaging curricula. We offer an array of online public high school courses for them to choose from, including core subjects, honors and AP classes, and career readiness courses tailored to prepare them for life after high school.

In addition to general education courses, students will enroll in career-focused academies aligned to their college and career goals. With multiple paths to success, students can gain a competitive advantage against their peers, whether that includes college, career, or both.

Within each Learning Community, students can specialize in a program of study that connects with their interests, skills, and talents. No matter which academy a student chooses, they will develop essential workplace skills and have the opportunity to gain industry-recognized credentials related to their program concentration.

Students will specialize in their pathway and strive to earn industry credentials relevant to current, in-demand careers. Pathfinder offers Lean Six Sigma, Rise Up, Microsoft Office, and OSHA credentials.

* Course offerings are subject to change and may vary based on school staffing.

Foundations of Success Academy

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Today’s high school students have grown up in the digital age and use online technology to connect and learn. They respond to innovative and engaging curricula. We offer them online public high school courses, including core subjects, honors and AP classes, and career readiness courses that prepare them for life after high school.

Within each Learning Community, students can specialize in a program of study that connects with their interests, skills, and talents. No matter which academy a student chooses, they will develop essential workplace skills and gain industry-recognized credentials for their program concentration.

* Course offerings are subject to change and may vary based on school staffing.

Foundations of Success Academy

As students begin their journey with Pathfinder Career Academy, each student will spend their first two years of high school in the Foundations of Success Academy. We focus on helping individuals identify their strengths, interests, and passions to establish a strong foundation for their college and career paths. Within the academy, one-on-one support with a success coach allows students to explore their major upon completion.

Career Discovery Academy

Are you not sure what careers you are interested in yet? In the Career Discovery Academy, students learn strategies and skills for lifelong learning and success. They will learn about career paths, industries, and job functions that will help clarify interests, goals, and aspirations. Students will develop interview skills and learn professionalism, communication, team building, networking, and negotiation topics.

Career Exploration

Career exploration involves actively investigating and researching potential career paths in more depth. It goes beyond basic awareness and includes conducting informational interviews with professionals, job shadowing, internships, volunteering, and taking on projects that provide hands-on experience in a specific field.

Career Tech Club Participation

Participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) clubs holds several notable benefits for students. These clubs provide students with opportunities for skill development, networking, and practical application of knowledge, enhancing the overall educational experience. During the student’s 8th and 9th grade school years, students will be encouraged to participate in club meetings, ensuring they are exposed to several CTE pathways. During a student’s 10th grade year, students solely participate in club meetings related to their desired pathway. Lastly, during a student’s 11th grade year, they will have chosen their CTE pathway. They will continue participating in the associated club throughout their journey at Pathfinder.

Career-Based Intervention

Career Based Intervention (CBI) is a systematic approach or program designed to assist students in making informed career decisions and effectively transitioning into the workforce. These interventions provide guidance, support, and resources to help individuals explore, plan, and pursue their desired career paths.

Key Components of CBI:

Assessment
Exploration
Education
Goal Setting
Training and Soft Skill Development
Counseling and Guidance

Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach that focuses on active and collaborative learning through the completion of real-world projects. In PBL, students engage in an in-depth exploration of a complex question, problem, or challenge relevant to their interests or the curriculum. They work together to investigate, research, plan, design, and create solutions, often culminating in a tangible product, presentation, or outcome. PBL also allows for cross-collaboration opportunities between academic and CTE courses.

Future Fridays

Future Friday is a comprehensive idea aimed at preparing students for their future careers by offering a variety of resources and opportunities that focus on career exploration, skill development, and industry exposure. Future Fridays will give students time to engage in activities beyond traditional classroom learning. Future Fridays aims to help students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, connect with professionals, and gain practical insights into different industries. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the following:

Videos: Live and recorded video presentations or documentaries that showcase different careers, industries, and success stories. These videos give students a visual and informative introduction to various career paths.
Guest Speakers: Bringing in guest speakers from various industries allows students to hear firsthand professional experiences and insights. These speakers may discuss their career journeys, share industry trends, and offer advice to students.
Sessions: Workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions focus on skill development, resume building, interview preparation, and other practical aspects of career readiness.
Events: Future Fridays may host job fairs, industry panels, and workshops highlighting specific fields of interest. These events allow students to ask questions, network, and gather information.

…and so much more! We welcome our students’ ideas and suggestions for Future Fridays at Pathfinder!

Certifications

Leadership Excellence: The Student Leadership Excellence Certificate focuses on providing participants with an experience with a proven structure for breakthrough problem-solving while developing leadership skills at the individual, team, and organizational levels. Students will have the opportunity to earn this specific certification during their 9th grade year.

9TH GRADE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

9th grade is a critical year for students to begin exploring career pathways, building foundational academic skills, and developing employability skills. Academic coursework is connected to real-world applications and career readiness, ensuring students are prepared for future success. Listed are some examples of how Pathfinder’s academic and CTE teachers will incorporate real-world applications in your student’s coursework.

💡 English Language Arts (ELA) – Career Communication & Research

🧮 Mathematics – Financial Literacy & Career Applications

🔬 Science – Career Connections in STEM & Technical Fields

🌎 Social Studies – Economic & Business Awareness

🚀 Career Exploration & Readiness

✔ Naviance Plan of Study & Career Counseling

Students will work with the CTE Coordinator & School Counselors to develop a Personalized Plan of Study based on career interests.
CTE pathway selection, elective options, and available industry-recognized credentials.

✔ Naviance Career Interest Surveys & Pathful Connect Activities

Students will complete career interest surveys to discover potential careers.
Participation in live virtual career fairs, guest speaker events, and interactive industry experiences.

✔ Introduction to CTE Pathways & Industry-Recognized Credentials: Opportunity to select specific program and start required CTE elective courses associated!

Overview of the five Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways:

Construction Pathway
Health Science Pathway
Teaching Professions Pathway
Business Administration Pathway
Career Based Intervention (Seniors-only)

Students will be introduced to available further certifications they can begin working toward in 10th grade.

Job Shadowing & Real-World Experience
- Students will explore job shadowing opportunities related to their career interests.
- The CTE Coordinator will assist in finding local opportunities for students based on where they reside in Ohio.
Ohio Means Jobs Work-Readiness Seal Introduction
- Students will learn about the Ohio Means Jobs Work-Readiness Seal, which validates essential workplace skills such as:
  - Professionalism & work ethic
  - Collaboration & teamwork
  - Critical thinking & problem-solving
  - Digital literacy & adaptability

Employability Skills & Professional Development: students will build workplace skills essential for career success.

By the end of 9th grade, students will have:

A well-developed career plan and pathway focus
Explored job shadowing and real-world learning experiences
Built a resume, cover letter, and job interview skills
Discovered industry-recognized credential opportunities
Started working toward the Ohio Means Jobs Work-Readiness Seal
Strengthened essential workplace and soft skills

Core Curriculum: Grade 9

9th Grade: Discovering Possibilities and Mapping Futures with Naviance

As our 9th-grade students embark on their high school journey, Pathfinder Career Academy supports them in discovering new possibilities and mapping out their futures. Naviance, our all-encompassing online platform, serves as a guiding light, empowering our 9th graders to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

Through Naviance, our 9th-grade students can explore myriad career options, gaining insights into their interests, strengths, and potential career pathways. They can delve into college research, access information about admission requirements, and even connect with college representatives to gather valuable information for their plans.

With Naviance, our 9th-grade students can set goals, track their progress, and identify the courses and activities that align with their aspirations. They can also utilize the platform to explore internship opportunities and engage in experiential learning, gaining practical skills and experiences that enhance their college and career readiness.

At Pathfinder Career Academy, we understand the importance of equipping our 9th-grade students with the skills to gain a competitive advantage against their peers, whether that includes college, career, or both.