NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls High School launched its Pathways Program for students in need of an alternative route to graduation.

What You Need To Know

  • Niagara Falls High School launched its Pathways Program this school year

  • The goal is to give at-risk students more skills and resources to get to graduation and beyond

  • The program has 90 students and five teachers so far

“I really believe that every kid wants to learn and do their best. So if they’re not, that is an indication that there may be a need for approaching things differently,” said Cheryl Vilardo, the school’s chief education administrator.

She said 90 students are enrolled from ninth to 12th grade. Five teachers engage students in skill-building activities that help them set goals and utilize other resources for success.

The program is a new way of addressing educational disruptions for students.

“We understand that if a child is dealing with trauma or food insecurities, that they are going to come to school and not feel fully engaged in any activity,” said program director Tony Riley, ES.D.

“We know in most cases that children prefer to work in an environment that is structured, so that is one of the key components of our program,” he said.

As of the first week of school, administrators said the classes, which are significantly smaller than the average class size, are going well.