Manassas schools report early gains from evening school and new Pathways alternative program

Dr. Casada said Manassas City Public Schools' evening school and the new Pathways alternative program are helping students earn diplomas and rejoin traditional schools. "Evening school is more than an alternative setting. It is an opportunity for students to earn a diploma, build confidence, and create a brighter future," Casada told the board.

The Osborne evening program served 80 students this year, including 51 seniors; 74 were enrolled by the end of May, 34 students graduated in May and 18 are expected to graduate over the summer, Dr. Casada said. Pathways, which launched Jan. 12, 2026 at the Manassas Community Center, finished the school year with 25 active students in grades 5–12 and two high‑school students who graduated while in the program.

School leaders described Pathways as a holistic program staffed by an administrator, grade‑level teachers, ESOL and special‑education teachers, a reading specialist, a full‑time nurse, a security officer and an alternative‑education case manager. Transportation and meals are provided, intermediate and middle grades attend full days, and high‑school students attend in shifts. The program’s on‑site supports and small‑group instruction, officials said, help students who are behind make measurable progress and, in some cases, graduate on time.

Board members asked operational questions about staffing and scale. When asked whether teachers are pulled from regular assignments, Casada said staffing commitments are made to the program rather than rotating teachers week to week. On promotion rates, the board heard that lower‑grade students in Pathways were promoted at 100 percent; about 14 of the program’s 25 students will continue in Pathways next year while others transition back to base schools.

District leaders said Pathways and evening school have been funded through division funds and one‑time balances and emphasized that the program’s current funding covers next school year only. The presentation included a capacity estimate of roughly 60 students for the current Pathways location; officials said they are identifying and enrolling students for 2026–27 and will return with more detailed enrollment breakdowns and budget needs.

The district highlighted the programs as part of a broader push to get 100 percent of schools on track through improved attendance monitoring, curriculum implementation and professional learning. Board members asked for and were offered additional data, including a more detailed grade‑level enrollment breakdown and staffing cost information to inform next‑year budgeting.

The board did not take an action on a permanent Pathways site during the meeting; officials said further planning and funding decisions will follow the facilities study and budget discussions.