The Pathfinders Alternative and Adult Education program is available for students over 16 who want to work toward earning a high school diploma or GED.

• Provide a non-traditional educational program to meet the unique needs of our students

• Increase the number of students who successfully complete their high school diploma or earn their GED

• Promote the development of respect and tolerance of others

• Assist students in developing personal accountability, global thinking, problem-solving, and other important life skills

• Provide knowledge and experience to function successfully in the world of work through career development activities

• Help students identify and access needed public/social services

Students age 16 and above can work toward completing a high school diploma. Students may receive credit for prior credits earned in high school, work experience, and military experience. Course work is done in our labs with our online curriculum (Edmentum), along with blended learning opportunities. Students receive instruction from certified teacher on campus.

This program is designed to allow students an opportunity to prepare to pass the High School Equivalency Examination. The GED assesses five areas – reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Students must meet the State of Michigan requirements for taking the GED. Dowagiac Pathfinders Adult Education is a State of Michigan GED Test Center.

Requirements for Dowagiac Pathfinder Alternative students are the same for students at Union High School, who must meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements.

A time to celebrate the achievement in earning a high school diploma/GED takes place each June. A Dowagiac Pathfinder student who earns a high school diploma can walk at Union High School’s ceremony ONLY when his/her graduation class is graduating that same year and as long as the student has successfully met all the requirements prior to graduation ceremony. All Pathfinders students can walk at a ceremony held specifically for our Pathfinders graduates.

The Dowagiac Union School District participates in Schools of Choice.