Innovative Pathways Online School Pilot Program From HCPSS Has Aug. 1 Application Deadline

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Innovative Pathways virtual public school pilot program has seen more than 70 students apply for spots so far. There is room for up to 90 students to enroll in the no-cost, full-time program for students entering or repeating ninth grade for the 2023-2024 school year.

Applications for the remaining few spots with Innovative Pathways virtual public school pilot program will be accepted through Aug. 1.

Adminstered by the Howard County Public School System, applicant criteria includes, but is not limited to, students who:

• Are current 8th grade HCPSS students
• Are current 9th grade HCPSS students who will repeat the grade due to extenuating circumstances
• Are unable to regularly attend school due to medical reasons but who do not qualify for Home & Hospital Instruction
• Are unable to regularly attend school due to a social-emotional diagnosis

HCPSS noted that the full-time virtual program is best suited for students who:

• Demonstrate consistent academic performance
• Have a commitment to attend classes daily and actively participate
• Are able to complete assignments independently
• Create and maintain a schedule of tasks and due dates
• Can organize their learning materials and work space
• May have previous experience/success with virtual learning

The program offers eight full-time staff members including one special education teacher. If the pilot program sees success in it's first year, it could be expanded to include other grades, Bob Cole, the school system's digital education coordinator, told the Baltimore Sun.

Classes will meet four days per week via Google Meet. Students also can work on assignments outside of virtual class time and have individual conferences with a teacher one day per week.
Students enrolled in the full-time virtual program will continue to be enrolled in their assigned home school and have access to the same programs, services and extracurricular activities at those schools as those who attend in person.