Graduation Pathways are designed to provide students with structured guidance as they explore academic interests, career goals, and postsecondary opportunities. These pathways outline recommended coursework and experiences that support student readiness for college, career, and workforce entry. While Graduation Pathways offer a clear roadmap, they are intended to be flexible and may be adapted to meet individual student needs, interests, and goals.
Students and families should understand the following:
- Pathways Are Guides, Not Guarantees: Successful completion of a Graduation Pathway supports academic and career preparation; however, it does not guarantee admission to postsecondary programs, eligibility for certifications, or placement in employment or internships.
- Course Availability May Vary: All pathway courses are subject to staffing, enrollment, facility availability, and scheduling constraints. Pathway offerings may change from year to year based on district resources or college partner updates.
- Student Responsibility in Planning: Students should review their Graduation Pathway annually and work closely with their school counselor to ensure that course selections align with graduation requirements, postsecondary plans, and any specialized program entrance requirements.
- Prerequisites and Requirements Apply: Some pathways include courses with specific prerequisites, eligibility requirements, or application processes. Meeting all criteria is the responsibility of the student.
- Pathway Changes: Students may change Graduation Pathways during designated enrollment periods; however, changing pathways may affect the timeline for completing pathway-specific coursework or experiences.
Individualized Graduation Pathways
Students who have specialized goals may choose to develop their own individualized pathway that differs from the pathways outlined in the course catalog. In these cases:
- Communication is Essential: Students must work directly with their counselor, staff, and district administration to develop a customized plan that supports both high school graduation and postsecondary ambitions.
- Student-Led Planning: Students wishing to pursue an associate’s degree or postsecondary program not currently offered within the catalog must come prepared with a clear, structured plan outlining their desired courses, timelines, and institution requirements for discussion with the district.
- Graduation Requirements Take Priority: Alignment to Neosho School District graduation requirements will take precedence over external program requirements. The district cannot guarantee that students will have the schedule availability necessary to complete all requirements for outside postsecondary programs.
- Financial Responsibility: Any tuition, fees, textbooks, or materials associated with courses outside the district-approved offerings listed in the course catalog will be the responsibility of the student and family.
External Factors
Transferability of credits, credential availability, scholarship eligibility, and program acceptance are determined by external colleges, universities, and industry partners. Students should consult directly with these institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.