Pathways, introduced in 2003 as Dublin’s alternative elementary education program, has enjoyed great success over the years. Based at Murray Elementary School, Pathways is open to all students Kindergarten through 5th grade. Pathways mixed age classes support a diversity of learning styles and rates of learning. Teachers differentiate instruction and offer choice; students collaborate in small groups as well as work independently. Children have the opportunity to nurture and to be nurtured while learning to mentor one another and respect each other for their unique strengths and skills. All children are expected to meet or exceed grade-level outcomes as defined by the Dublin Unified School District. In addition to its academic focus, Pathways is concerned with the growth of the whole child. Therefore, children are encouraged to contribute to the curriculum by pursuing their own interests and those of their peers. Their existing curiosity is a logical starting point for developing skills and knowledge. We also view the world as our classroom and, as such, go on many field trips to learn through hands-on experiences. Pathways students run their own garden, newspaper and science experiments, learn Spanish or Chinese weekly, cook, sing, dance and perform, too! Research has shown that parental involvement is a key factor in student success at school; a partnership between teacher, student, and parent is vital to this program. A unique requirement of Pathways is that a parent or guardian must commit to working an hour and a half each week in the classroom as well as driving on field trips.