The program’s unique approach to student-centered, accelerated teaching and learning allows for the nurturing of students while engaging them in thoughtful math and language arts courses. Courses are designed for student intellectual growth and to use those experiences to expand their deeper understanding of advanced academics. 

Hope College and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District began this inclusion program in 1986 by partnering with 25 area public, private and charter schools (including home school students). Today, there are 100 students enrolled from schools across Ottawa County.

“I wanted school to be challenging again; I wanted to have to work hard. PATH gave this to me. Not only is it challenging, but I can FEEL my brain growing and expanding in weird ways… I was happier in my PATH classes than I was around some of my other friends… Being surrounded by many others of similar mind, many others with similar curiosity, is refreshing… Those people are my people. They make me laugh. They make me feel welcomed. We are all from different schools, but we understand each other.”
—Eleanor M.

Pictured above: Jake Conway, PATH alumnus ’98–99, with daughter Addelyn, PATH math student 2022–2023