Roadmap to the Future

At Johnstown High School, our goal is to ensure every student graduates with the skills and experiences they need to be active and engaged members of their community, enjoy a high quality of life, and live as independently as possible. We achieve this goal by
partnering with students and their families to help them identify the programs that will help them explore their interests, identify possible careers, and best prepare them for their futures.

Before they get to high school, students and families meet with school counselors individually to discuss the child’s interests, strengths, learning styles, abilities, and aspirations. These conversations help school counselors start each child in the correct program — or “lane” — for their individual journey. (Click on each lane to learn more.)

As students move through high school, they will regularly check in with their school counselors to make sure the lane they’re in is still the one that aligns with their personal goals. There are several points along the road where students can change lanes if, as their
interests and aspirations evolve, it becomes clear that they belong in a different lane. Students in grades 8-10 can change lanes with relative ease. However, students who change lanes in grades 11 or 12 might have a different experience than their peers and may have to take additional steps to reach their new lane. Also, some lanes — such as Early College High School programs — are harder to move in to later in the high school journey, so students who are interested in these programs are encouraged to join that lane as ninth graders.

Academic Success

All students in every pathway will meet both local and state requirements for graduation from high school. This includes earning a minimum of 22 credits and achieving passing scores on all required Regents exams. Academic supports remain in place for students who need additional help meeting their graduation requirements.

Civic Readiness

Before earning their diplomas, all students will learn to be productive members of society. At Johnstown High School, this means they will learn:

  • How to take a stance on issues that are important to them through the study of ethics and philosophy;
  • To be discerning consumers of information;
  • About personal finance and the importance of work in relation to the larger economy;
  • About government systems and how to access municipal services, including the systems that provide for personal and public safety;
  • About personal and public hygiene and sanitation; and
  • How to access learning for the rest of their lives.

Career Exploration

No matter which lane a student travels along, they will have enrichment opportunities that align with their goals. Students will hear from professionals finding success in their careers, representatives from colleges and universities, and guest speakers who can offer
motivation and inspiration. These opportunities are offered at times during the school day when every student can attend.

College Preparation

Students in both the Comprehensive and Liberal Arts lanes will take elective coursework that aligns with the goals they are ultimately moving toward. Coursework in these lanes also includes classes that allow students to earn college credit while in high school, and Advance Placement (AP) classes.