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Our Guiding Values are the foundation of our community-
If your family's values align with ours, we invite you
to submit an application & schedule an Interview.
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Ages 9+
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Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Our drop-off learning program is in Mesquite, TX
Our Innovative Approach:
At Pathfinder School, we know that our approach isn’t the right fit for every family—and that’s okay. One of our Guiding Values is that every child deserves the Freedom to Fail, because we know that mistakes are powerful opportunities for growth. We understand how hard it can be to step back, but self-directed learning works best when the adults in a child’s life can embrace that process—supporting them through setbacks, rather than rescuing them from every stumble.
Before submitting an application:
Please take a moment to explore the What We Believe and How We Learn pages. If our Guiding Values and self-directed learning approach resonate with your family, and you’re ready to support our Learning Model—including our Community Agreements and JC Process—then Pathfinder could be a great fit for your family.
Although we are a secular community, Pathfinder School meets at St. Stephen United Methodist Church at 2520 Oates Drive, Mesquite. We are not affiliated with the church; we rent space at their beautiful facility.
Learners attending Pathfinder are homeschool students. While our Guides will support your learner's educational goals, their adults bear the full responsibility for the child's education, in accordance with Texas law.
STEP 2: FAMILY INTERVIEW
The interview is our opportunity to talk together about what your family is looking for and to share more about Pathfinder, so we can see if it feels like a great fit on both sides. If more than one adult is part of your children’s homeschooling journey, we encourage everyone to join in. We’ll connect by phone, and if your child(ren) would like to be part of the conversation, they’re more than welcome! Toward the end, we’ll make sure there’s time for them to ask any questions they may have.
STEP 3: INVITATION TO ENROLL
After your Family Interview, our Executive Director will share their notes with our Advisory Committee. If it feels like a great match, we’ll email you an invitation to join the Pathfinder community within 48 hours. You’ll then have 48 hours to accept. Once you say “yes,” we’ll send you a link to complete your enrollment paperwork, choose a tuition payment plan, and pay the Supply & Technology Fee. This fee is due within 7 days of acceptance to reserve your child(ren)’s spot.
STEP 4: TRIAL PERIOD
In alignment with our intentional growth plan, our learners have voted to welcome new students without requiring a Trial Day, for the 2025–26 school year. Instead, the first two weeks of attendance will serve as an extended trial period. As long as no serious disciplinary concerns arise, your student will be warmly invited to continue as a full member of the Pathfinder community.
STEP 5: COMMUNITY MEETING
Before the Fall Semester begins, we’ll invite new learners and their adults to a mandatory Community Meeting. We encourage any adults who play a key role in your child(ren)’s homeschooling to join, too. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to meet our Pathfinder community, get settled in, and ask any questions you may have—plus, it’s a great way to start the school year feeling connected and excited!
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