Pathway to College (PTC)
Program Overview

We believe all students deserve the opportunity to go to college. At iLearn Schools, we are aiming to provide the specialized information and support necessary to turn that opportunity into a reality. We believe that students within a challenging, cooperative and collaborative environment will excel at academics while fulfilling their intellectual, mental, and social potential.

We are pleased to add another program to our offerings for students. This upcoming program is called “Pathways to College”, and will be available for students in grades 7-12 across all iLearn Schools. The Pathways to College Program provides a unique opportunity for the students by establishing a long term interactive advisor-student relationship which will enhance the student’s probability of acceptance into top-ranking colleges and overall prepare students for life after middle and high school.

Students who are accepted into the PTC program will be engaged in a systematic process that guides, recognizes, and exposes them to different college and career options while working on self growth. The program encourages activities such as academic competitions, team building, college trips, and guest speakers.

PTC Mission & Program Design

The mission of the Pathways to College program is to create an environment for high achieving students to develop academic, social, leadership and teamwork skills. The vision of the Pathways to College program is that every PTC student who graduates from iLearn Schools will perform above and beyond their highest potential and enhance their probability of acceptance into top ranking colleges. The PTC program will focus on three areas of growth; Academic, Personal and Exploratory. Students will grow academically by tutoring in math and ELA, college application essay constriction, SAT/PSAT prep, and students will also have the opportunity to audit online college courses of their choice. Personal growth will be done in both small and large group settings. Small group lessons will incorporate one of the five social emotional learning competences (self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills). While large group lessons will be team building activities. Students will have the opportunities to explore the world around them by attending up to five field trips per school year. All trips will be related to college, careers, or team building. Trips in the past have been the following activities; college tours, college sporting events, museums, hiking, escape rooms, art classes, cooking classes, and theater productions. Students will also have the opportunity to attend a weekend team building retreat at Princeton Blairstown Center in Blairstown, NJ. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to welcome bi monthly guest speakers to their campus. These speakers will educate the students on their current career, what education is needed to do it, and how they reached their own version of success.

Student Eligibility

The selection should be done based upon the student’s GPA, NJSLA scores, and discipline records.

- - Students should have a minimum cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.00 or above.
  - A clean discipline record- no out of school suspensions or HIB violations for the students 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years.
  - Discipline “demerit ” points should not exceed 25 pts for the and previous school years.
  - Students will be provided with an online application and have one week to complete it. Students who complete after the deadline should not be accepted.
  - All applications will be sent out to students form their PTC Campus Coordinator.

PTC Program Advisors will assist

planning activities, monitoring progress, and setting goals in the following areas:

Nicole Spinelli

District Coordinator
[email protected]

Nicole Spinelli

Passaic ASCS Clifton Middle
[email protected]

Haley Ormrod

Bergen ASCS Middle
[email protected]

Chris Mileo

Bergen ASCS High
[email protected]

Tykia Walker

Passaic ASCS Middle
[email protected]

Alex Kapit

Passaic ASCS High
[email protected]

Lucia Russo

Paterson ASCS High
[email protected]

For more information

Reach out to our coordinators

Our students

what our Students have to say

“PTC has motivated my daughter to explore her options for high school and college. She has since become more serious about her future and the importance of her education.”

Alejandina A.Parent of Acelynn and Adonay Almodovar & Bergen ASCS Board of Trustees Member

“The experiences my son has had can’t be taught in a basic class room. He is learning what team building really is. The experiences he’s had through the field trip are priceless. The PTC program takes students to a higher level of socializing and critical thinking. I can’t thank this program enough.”

-Lisa G.Parent of PTC Member

“PTC has opened my eyes to what I want in my future and showed me that I have control of it. Since the first day, PTC has been one of the most enjoyable parts of school, I look forward to it every week. I am especially excited that we are going to a college fair. PTC hasn’t just opened my eyes to things I want to accomplish in my future but also to new people.”

Makayle C.PTC Member, Bergen ASCS Student

“PTC is a great opportunity for students to excel at and learn new skills that can be used all throughout our lives! We have already learned so much and have had so much fun with the abundance of activities!”

Sabrina L.PTC Member, Bergen ASCS Student

“I love that PTC provides everything and allows us to go to places we have never been before. I also like how you can get to know others and learn new things!”

Teadora S.PTC Member, Bergen ASCS Student

“I love PTC because I am able to connect with students in a different way. Through PTC I am able to talk openly with them about concerns they may have and help them prepare for their future. I also love seeing students how may not otherwise be friends get to know each other and realize they have something in common.”

Cheryl S.PTC Advisor

“As a parent and teacher I definitely love the way the PTC program has been helping to keep Layla on track and helped her gain confidence within herself on the Pathway to College. She is definitely ready to transition because of this Program that the amazing teachers have established. Bergen Arts and Science Charter School is Magnificent!”

Sonya R.Parent of PTC Member

“The Pathways to College Program has afforded me the opportunity to share my love of higher education with our Bergen Middle students.”

Nicole S.PTC Coordinator, School Counselor and Anti Bullying Specialist

“Since this is my last year of middle school I decided to join more clubs/programs, I definitely don't regret joining PTC. It's a lot of fun and I look forward to going every Tuesday”.

Layla S.PTC Member, Bergen ASCS Student

Ever since I was accepted into the PTC program it has been such an amazing experience. The program brings students and teachers together, and helps build important skills such as teamwork, friendship, and bonding in and out of a school environment. We go on exciting and informative field trips which bring kids from different backgrounds together, and unify them with one another in common goals. I strongly believe that this program is a fantastic opportunity for me and every other kid that is the PTC (Pathway to College) program.

Emily B.PTC Member, Bergen ASCS Student