Tiger Open Pathway

Research indicates that as society and technology rapidly change, 21st Century students must be able to collaborate effectively, engage creatively, and apply critical thinking skills to be successful candidates for the jobs of the future. Collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking are at the heart of the Tiger Open Pathway (TOP). Students who are accepted into the TOP program will enjoy a dynamic, flexible learning environment that values their unique interests and abilities, and develops 21st Century skills.

TOP learning is driven by personalization, relevance, and real-world community connections. Within the TOP program, advisors place a strong emphasis on assisting students in the development of personal responsibility and fortitude, social awareness, and intellectual growth. CCHS and TOP staff believe that “learning happens everywhere, and the world is our classroom.” In the TOP program, students enjoy diverse, on-site learning experiences at authentic sites outside of the traditional four-wall classroom.

Students in the TOP program have the advantage of blending online curriculum, project-based learning, and outdoor and community adventures with CCHS courses and programs. Students map out an individualized educational pathway that highlights their interests and challenges their strengths while being supported and guided by their teachers, advisor, and peers.

In traditional high school, a student’s progress toward meeting graduation requirements is typically measured by the successful completion of a given number of course credits. In the TOP, students demonstrate learning growth and progression toward meeting graduation requirements through the collection of Core Competencies mastery evidence and submission of Personal Progress Portfolios. TOP Core Competencies are demonstrated through the completion of graded and ungraded “courses” of study or designed learning experiences. Students within the TOP are not expected to graduate in a specified time but are expected to remain within the program until sufficient personal, social, and intellectual growth and mastery of Core competencies have been demonstrated through documented evidence and portfolio reviews.

Useful Links

• Tiger Open Pathway Handbook
• Tiger Open Pathway Graduation Requirements

TOP Advisors