Pathways to Global Citizenship

Pathways to Global Citizenship

The Pathways to Global Citizenship Program includes 5 academic houses and 15 pathways. Academic pathways are intended to ensure that all students have a rigorous academic experience commensurate with their interests and academic goals. Each pathway encourages students to identify and engage with topics of global significance while developing and refining skills in performance, research, critical thinking, evaluation, and synthesis of ideas. All students in the Pathways to Global Citizenship Program will have the opportunity to complete a pathway with Distinction by completing an Extended Learning Experience (ELE) capstone project, which can include original academic research, portfolio development, artistic or performance-based work, prototype design and creation, internships, or other authentic learning experiences.

Students may apply for transfer into the Pathways to Global Citizenship Program at Gainesville High School through the Mathematics, Engineering Design & Construction, and Biomedical Science programs.

To complete the Biomedical Science and Engineering, Design, & Construction pathways students will take at least four Project Lead the Way courses in that discipline. To complete the Mathematics Pathway students should complete at least six math courses at least two of which should be Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment level. To be eligible for the Mathematics Pathway candidates should be working to complete at least Algebra I in 8th grade.

Application Information

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026-February 1, 2027.

Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.

Who can apply?

Eligibility for the Pathways to Global Citizenship Program are based on a student’s grade level and their base zone high school.

Students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply:

• Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Pathway Program
  • Rising 9th graders only
  • Base zone high schools are Battlefield High School, Brentsville District High School, Gainesville High School, Patriot High School, or Unity Reed High School.
• Engineering, Design, & Construction Pathway Program
  • Rising 9th and 10th graders
  • Base zone high schools are Battlefield High School, Brentsville District High School, Gainesville High School, Patriot High School, or Unity Reed High School.
• Math Pathway Program
  • Rising 9th and 10th graders
  • Base zone schools are Battlefield High School, Brentsville District High School, Gainesville High School, Patriot High School, or Unity Reed High School.
  • Current math level:
    • Rising 9th graders- must be in Algebra I or a higher-level math course
    • Rising 10th graders- must be in Geometry or higher-level math course

What are the acceptance requirements?

In good academic standing

• Definition: passing all classes with Cs or higher at Semester 1 of the current school year.

In good attendance standing

• Definition: not chronically absent - i.e., not missing 10% or more of the school year.

In good discipline standing

• Have had no discipline record for the past 12 months for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Bullying and Cyberbullying, Fighting, Disruptive Behavior, Hazing, Prohibited Substances (Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping), Vandalism or Other Damage to School or Personal Property. Have had no discipline record ever for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Alcohol Use and Possession, Arson, Assault and Battery, Bomb Threat, Gang or Gang-Related Activity, Harassment - Including Sex-Based Harassment, Prohibited Substances (Drugs, Alcohol, Marijuana), Theft, Threats Against Students and Staff, Weapons.

Additional program requirements for the Mathematics Pathway:

• Rising 9th graders- must be in Algebra I or a higher-level math course
• Rising 10th graders- must be in Geometry or higher-level math course
• Students should have a “B” or higher at the end of the first semester in their current math course

Program Information

Transfer Program

Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities.

Express bus transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.