Upland Unified School District officials presented Pathways Prep Academy to the Upland City Council on Nov. 10, describing a dependent charter middle‑college program that will open with 100 freshmen and grow to a 400‑student capacity.

District representative Shanae (Shannon) Bowman said the school will be co‑located on the south side of Upland Elementary and operate as a dependent charter under the Upland Unified School Board while maintaining an operational board for day‑to‑day decisions. “This option will start with 100 students next school year and add 100 students every year,” Bowman said, adding the school will cap enrollment at 400.

The district emphasized three pillars: community wraparound services (including a social worker and psychologist on site), Challenge Based Learning projects, and middle‑college coursework. Bowman said students will be able to complete two years of college while in high school through partnerships with Chaffey College and online courses, and that travel experiences are built into the budget at no cost to families.

Bowman and council members discussed enrollment mechanics and resident priority. Bowman said charters are public, open‑enrollment schools that must admit students if space exists; when a lottery is required, Upland residents receive extra points. “We are at 50 students right now; 48 are Upland residents and two are from outside the district,” she said.

Council members asked about trade and CTE opportunities. Bowman said the district is integrating college credit and trade certification pathways with Chaffey College, hiring an HVAC instructor for next year and expanding welding and other certifications so students can pursue both college and workforce options.

The presentation concluded with staff offering outreach options (webinars, community events, and a website for information). The council did not take formal action on the charter during the Nov. 10 meeting; staff said enrollment and outreach would continue through December and beyond.

The next procedural step is continued district outreach and registration for Pathways Prep Academy; Bowman listed a webinar on Nov. 19 and a program website for details.