Not all alternative schools are the same—and that’s a good thing. If you're looking for a flexible, student-centered education, you might be comparing Pathways In Education (PIE) with other online options like Primavera or ASU Prep. But did you know that PIE actually offers both a hybrid learning model and a fully online program?
Pathways In Education–Arizona’s fully online program gives you the flexibility you need—without compromising the support you deserve.
For students who prefer to learn from home, our online program offers the same personalized support and resources as our blended learning program — the only difference is that students don’t need to attend classes at our centers.
Online students still receive:
✅ One-on-one guidance from teachers and counselors
✅ Access to engaging course materials
✅ Opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and social events
If online students want to visit a center to connect with peers, attend workshops, or join a club, they’re always welcome! Our goal is to provide flexible learning options without sacrificing support or community.
At PIE, flexible learning doesn’t mean going it alone. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes our blended learning model at PIE different and why a flexible learning program might be the best fit for you.
|
Feature |
Pathways In Education (PIE) |
100% Online School |
|
Classroom Setup |
Small, distraction-free learning spaces with a blended learning model (a mix of online and in-person learning)
|
100% online |
|
In-Person Support |
Available at local learning centers |
No physical locations |
|
One-on-One Help |
Personalized teacher and counselor support |
Only virtual teacher support |
Why This Matters: If you struggle to stay motivated in an online setting or need a quiet, focused space, PIE offers in-person support that online-only schools can’t provide.
|
Feature |
Pathways In Education (PIE) |
100% Online School |
|
Schedule |
Flexible, customized plans |
Fully self-paced |
|
Teacher Interaction |
Face-to-face + virtual check-ins |
Varies and mostly virtual |
|
Accountability & Structure |
Structured support while allowing flexibility |
Requires self-discipline & time management |
Why This Matters: PIE provides the flexibility students need without losing structure—great for students who want support AND independence.
|
Feature |
Pathways In Education (PIE) |
100% Online School |
|
Travel Opportunities |
Yes! Travel internationally and domestically for school credit (Think: Traveling to Rome and that’s getting me closer to graduation!) |
None to limited travel programs |
|
Career & College Support |
In-person guidance for jobs, internships, and college, along with dual-enrollment (earn college credit while in high school) |
Varies and virtual only |
Why This Matters: PIE helps students connect learning to real life—whether that’s through travel, career exploration, or hands-on experiences.
|
Feature |
Pathways In Education (PIE) |
100% Online School |
|
Sense of Community |
Small class sizes, teachers who know you |
Independent learning, fully remote |
|
Student Clubs, Sports, and Events |
In-person gatherings such as student clubs, sports (and compete against other schools), and fun events like prom! |
Limited social interactions |
|
Teacher Accessibility |
Easy access to teachers in person |
Virtual teacher interaction only |
Why This Matters: PIE prioritizes relationships—you’re not just a name on a screen or a number to be collected. Our blended learning with in-person and online program offers opportunities for our students to make friends, build a community, and gain more connections with the people around them.
Switching schools can feel like a big step, but PIE makes it easy.
From your first questions to your first day, our team is ready to walk you through every step of the process. We’ll help you gather the right documents, build a personalized learning plan, and connect you with teachers and counselors who are ready to support you from day one.
About Pathways in Education
Pathways in Education is a network of public charter schools with locations in
We are dedicated to helping students succeed through personalized learning, flexible schedules, and one-on-one support. Our programs are designed to meet students where they are and empower them to achieve their academic and personal goals. Learn more about enrolling at one of our Pathways in Educations schools here.