Redefining Upper School at Mount Vernon

At Mount Vernon, we’re driven by a bold vision: to empower students to thrive as innovators, leaders, and change-makers so they may design a better world. The launch of Pathways in the Upper School next fall is a powerful step forward in delivering our brand promise. Introduced to rising Grade 9 students and their families in December 2024, these pathways are a game-changer—designed to transform how students learn, grow, and discover their purpose. Grounded in our strategic plan, The Impact Ready Project, these pathways represent Mount Vernon’s relentless commitment to fostering student agency so they may act on what is meaningful to self and consequential to others.

Upper School Pathways build on Mount Vernon’s approach of empowering students through inquiry-based learning and real-world problem-solving. Starting in Grade 9, students can choose from three distinct pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations, all while being supported by dedicated advisors and the entire Upper School community.

Three Distinct Pathways

Trish Bogdanchik, Head of Upper School, emphasizes the range of possibilities: “Whether a student is passionate about STEM, the arts, global citizenship, or entrepreneurship, our pathways allow them to dive deeply into their interests while gaining the skills and experiences needed for success beyond Mount Vernon.”

The three Upper School Pathways— Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact—are designed to engage students through purpose-driven projects, teamwork, and hands-on learning. While each pathway offers an opportunity to have a deep concentration in certain areas, all pathways provide core foundational literacies and meaningful project-based learning experiences through a competency-based approach:

Inquiry Pathway: The Upper School’s flagship program allows students to dive deeper into topics in Humanities, Numeracy, Scientific Inquiry, and Maker, Arts, and Design. It also features iProject coursework, which empowers students to explore, design, and deliver impactful solutions to real-world problems. No additional fee is required for this pathway.

Innovation Pathway: Students on the Innovation Path follow the Innovation Diploma coursework and solve authentic problems for clients across diverse sectors by applying human-centered design. The program is ideal for students who thrive in collaborative, group-based environments. An additional fee is required for this pathway, reflecting its specialized offerings and unique opportunities.

Impact Pathway: Upper School students on the Impact Path participate in the Global Impact Diploma coursework, designed for students eager to analyze the geopolitical landscape, global economy, and cultural dynamics of the world they’ll graduate into. This pathway includes international travel and emphasizes firsthand global experiences. An additional application and fee are required, covering the program’s extensive opportunities and travel expenses.

The Future of Learning
The Upper School Pathways are a testament to Mount Vernon’s bold ambition and purposeful leadership in shaping the future of education. By fostering a culture of inquiry, innovation, and impact, these pathways ensure that every student is equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

“This initiative is a promise,” Bogdanchik reflects. “A promise to walk alongside each student and their family as they explore, design, and deliver on their unique journey of purpose. Together, we are preparing them not just for the next step but for a lifetime of meaningful contributions.”