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Planning the Path

Our priority in School District U-46 is to ensure that every student graduates college and career ready. Two structures that support this work in different ways are Educational Pathways and the Magnet Academies. Students may choose to follow an Educational Pathway at their home high school starting in 9th grade or they may apply to, and if admitted, attend a Magnet Academy for their high school career. 

Educational Pathways

Educational Pathways are clusters of strategically planned sequences of career-oriented courses paired with required general education courses that lead directly to a post-secondary plan. Educational Pathways are designed to give students and their families the information needed to plan for a high wage/ high demand career. Educational Pathways are flexible and do not require an application. They are a framework that helps students plan their future based on current interests and aptitudes. It is anticipated that many students will make changes in their plans and can choose a different Educational Pathway should that time come. 

Each high school will offer the same five broad Educational Pathways. Within each Educational Pathway there are sequences of courses called Programs of Study that vary by high school. Students can participate in Programs of Study hosted in their home high school or work with a counselor to design a schedule that would allow them to travel to another high school should they choose to participate in a Program of Study not offered by their home high school. 

Magnet Academies

Magnet Academies are theme-based schools within a school. Each of the five comprehensive high schools in U-46 features a unique Magnet Academy. Magnet Academies feature course sequences based on their themes. This means that many of the electives in the Magnet Academies are required so that students graduate having met the objectives of that Magnet Academy. 

Students apply to the Magnet Academies in the fall of their 8th grade year. Students are able to apply to any Magnet Academy no matter where they live in the district boundaries and transportation is provided. 

Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework

The PaCE Framework is a statewide initiative that helps Illinois students in grades 6–12 prepare for life after high school. Developed by state education agencies, PaCE outlines key benchmarks in three areas: career exploration, postsecondary education planning, and financial literacy.

By July 1, 2025, all Illinois districts must implement a PaCE-aligned framework. School District U-46 is committed to using PaCE to ensure students have equitable access to resources and experiences that support informed decisions about their futures.

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Notice of Non-Discrimination

Established November 6, 2024

School District U-46 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates. Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of  School District U-46's nondiscrimination policy and is prohibited.

School District U-46 has designated the following individuals to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out its nondiscrimination responsibilities, and questions regarding the school district's nondiscrimination commitments, as well as related laws, regulations, and district policies, may be referred to the designated employee.

Non-Discrimination & Title IX Coordinator: Trisha Olson

Title: Chief Legal Officer

Office Address: 355 E. Chicago Street Elgin, IL 60120

Telephone: 847-888-5000, x: 5305

Email: trishaolson@u-46.org

Complaint Manager: Mark Moore

Title: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Office Address: 355 E. Chicago Street Elgin, IL 60120

Telephone: 847-888-5000, x: 4071

Email: markmoore@u-46.org

504 Coordinator: Trisha Olson

Title: Chief Legal Officer

Office Address: 355 E. Chicago Street Elgin, IL 60120

Telephone: 847-888-5000, x: 5305

Email: trishaolson@u-46.org

School District U-46 is required not to discriminate on the basis of sex by Title IX and its implementing regulations. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to School District U-46 Board Policy 2:265. Any person may also report sex discrimination, including harassment, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator.