E-Pathways is a unique alternative for students to reach their maximum potential. It allows students to take virtual classes during and after school hours, permitting students to have a more flexible schedule and giving them opportunities that regular classes can’t. Teachers can also have the opportunity to teach later in the day. Another added bonus is that students can dual enroll using E-Pathways.

Principal Mike Gaudreau explained, “E-pathways is virtual school. We don’t have students doing this after school but it will probably expand over the years. We have students in the virtual school [E-Pathways] on campus. We offer them periods throughout the day that they can do their classes; we probably have somebody [in] every period.”

E-pathways is available not just in high school but also in middle and elementary schools, too. E-pathways allow students to advance in their studies during any age and possibly graduate early due to increased credits. Winter Springs High school was the first to dive into E-Pathways’ evening classes by extending their art class from 6-8pm two nights a week.

Executive Director Michael Blasewitz stated, “E-pathways is about us being flexible and competitive. High school has a lot of flexibility. I foresee high schools in the near future being like community colleges used to be.”

E-pathways allow Seminole County Public Schools to compete with other counties in education and provide the best options for students. E-pathways is all about flexibility in scheduling and classes. Students also have the option for a ‘Hybrid Schedule’ with this program. A Hybrid Schedule is where a student can take a mixture of both virtual classes and regular classes.

One issue that Gaudreau believed was, “Finding space for students, since they need labs. So, during testing it can be hard to find the space.”

Another issue that can be brought is that fact that E-Pathways can interfere with sports and other after school activities. While, Seminole High School doesn’t have to worry about it interfering with extracurricular activities right now, it can be an added problem if our school were to adopt later classes.

E-pathways would not change the bus routes or times, so students would have to provide their own transportation if they were to stay after school, and it won’t cost the school extra maintenance fees (i.e. electricity, extra time, etc).

Any students who are interested in signing up for e-Pathways should talk to their counselor and find the best education pathway for them.