For more than two decades, Pathways Innovative Education School (PIES) has provided an alternative learning environment for students in Nye County. What started in 2000-2001 as a small program for homeschooling families has grown into a comprehensive online and distance learning school serving over 260 students across the district. Today, Pathways supports students who thrive in a self-paced, flexible education model, proving that alternative learning is not just for those struggling in traditional settings but also for highly motivated students looking for personalized educational opportunities.
For Jessicca Zimmerle, an interventionist and teacher at Pathways, uncovering the history of the school was an eye-opening experience. “When I started in this position, I had the opportunity to go to a conference in Georgia, and when people asked me about our school, I realized I didn’t know the full history,” she explained. “That led me to dig deeper, and I discovered just how far Pathways has come since its creation. It’s an amazing program that serves an incredible group of students, and I wanted to highlight its success.”
Unlike traditional schools, Pathways is designed to meet students where they are, both academically and geographically. The program was originally established to support homeschooling families but quickly expanded to assist students who faced barriers to attending a physical school, such as credit deficiencies, behavioral challenges, or personal circumstances requiring an alternative learning environment.
Today, Pathways continues to evolve. With three teachers plus an interventionist, each staff member manages a caseload of approximately 90 students, working closely with them to ensure they stay engaged and succeed. “Students here have to be self-motivated,” Zimmerle said. “They don’t have a teacher standing in front of them every day checking assignments. Instead, they log into their school accounts, and our teachers monitor their screens during working hours, maintaining constant communication.”
Pathways Innovative Education School is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of their students. Angela Rhodes, the school’s social worker, plays a key role in ensuring students’ basic, social, and emotional needs are addressed by connecting them and their families with essential community resources. Alison Young, the school counselor since 2018, works closely with students and families to ensure proper course enrollment, keeping students on track for graduation. She also provides scholarship information and guidance to help students plan for life beyond high school.
Teachers Sara Colucci, Amy Hillenbrand-Myers, and Joe Clayton are known for going above and beyond to understand and support each student’s individual learning journey. Their commitment makes a significant impact on student success. Selena Testa, the school secretary, serves as the welcoming first point of contact for families. Her organization and attentiveness help the school operate smoothly and efficiently. At the helm, Principal Holly Riggs fosters a culture of trust and collaboration by actively listening to staff and student concerns, creating a strong sense of community that extends to every corner of the school.
Pathways offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. While students don’t have to attend in person regularly, they are required to come in for final exams and state-mandated tests. Additionally, middle school students can attend in person on Mondays and Wednesdays, while high school students have designated days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
One of the biggest misconceptions Zimmerle wants to challenge is the idea that alternative education is only for students with disciplinary issues. “Pathways is often seen as a place for ‘bad kids,’ but that’s not true at all,” she emphasized. “We have incredible students who are enrolled in dual credit programs with Great Basin College, taking college courses alongside their high school curriculum. The students who succeed here are independent, self-motivated learners who take charge of their education.”
Even for students who struggle initially, the program offers multiple pathways to success. “Some students realize they need a more structured environment and return to traditional school. Others find their stride and continue in Pathways, or they transition into the adult education program,” Zimmerle explained. “No matter their journey, the staff and district are here to support them.”
Pathways has embraced online learning platforms to enhance student success. Recently, the school adopted Imagine Edgenuity, a digital system that allows for personalized learning experiences and real-time analytics to track student progress. In addition, students have access to a Virtual Calming Room, a digital wellness space designed to help them manage stress and anxiety.
With dual credit courses and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs available, students can explore career paths and earn college credits while completing their high school education.
The growth of Pathways has been remarkable. From its early days of struggling with multiple relocations and limited internet access, it has expanded into a well-established institution serving students from Amargosa, Beatty, Gabbs, Tonopah, Round Mountain, and beyond.
Currently, 267 students are enrolled. The school also saw a record-high number of students achieve perfect attendance (67), showing that distance learning doesn’t mean disengagement. “One of our students with a medical condition just received a perfect attendance award for Semester 1,” Zimmerle shared. “She’s thriving in this environment, proving that online learning can be a great fit for a variety of students.”
Pathways also emphasizes community involvement. Local businesses, such as Pizza Hut, have partnered with the school to reward students who achieve perfect attendance and passing grades. “Celebrating student success with their families is important to us,” Zimmerle said. “These students work hard, and we want to make sure they feel recognized and appreciated.”
Looking ahead, Pathways continues to refine its programs and expand student support. The school has implemented a full-time interventionist to work with at-risk students, a truancy policy to encourage engagement, and enhanced family communication tools to keep parents involved.
For Zimmerle, the story of Pathways is one of resilience and innovation. “This school started as a small program for homeschoolers, and now we’re serving hundreds of students with diverse needs,” she said. “It’s proof that alternative education isn’t just a backup option—it’s a place where students can truly thrive.”
For more information about Pathways Innovative Education School, visit the Nye County School District website or contact the school’s administration.
