The Pathfinder School

The Pathfinder School The Pathfinder School is an independent day school in Traverse City, Michigan serving PreKindergarten through 8th grade.

09/20/2026

Why do we think school means desks and fluorescent lights?

Sometimes school looks like rain jackets, muddy boots, a book in your hands, and the forest overhead.

There's something pretty wonderful about reading together outside while the rain falls around you.

This is school, too.

09/17/2026

Back to school at Pathfinder means making space for exploration and inquiry. Students are encouraged to notice, wonder, ask questions, and follow ideas wherever they lead.

Sometimes that looks like our kindergartners contemplating a wonderfully unexpected question: How might chickens be artists?

Learning begins with curiosity.

🌿 Join the Pathfinder team!We’re looking for caring, dependable people to join our community as substitute teachers and ...
09/14/2026

🌿 Join the Pathfinder team!

We’re looking for caring, dependable people to join our community as substitute teachers and Extended Day staff. These flexible positions are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with children, connect with an engaging school community, and make a meaningful difference in students’ days.

Whether you’re exploring a future career in education, looking for work that fits around another schedule, or simply enjoy spending time with kids, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested? Reach out to learn more and join our substitute and Extended Day team!

How to make friends at Pathfinder:Step 1: Find something cool in the woods.Step 2: Yell, “COME LOOK AT THIS!”Step 3: Ins...
09/11/2026

How to make friends at Pathfinder:
Step 1: Find something cool in the woods.
Step 2: Yell, “COME LOOK AT THIS!”
Step 3: Instant friend group. 😂

First week of school and they’re already figuring out the important stuff: everything is more exciting when you have friends to investigate it with. 🐸🌿

At Pathfinder, the whole campus is our playground.Kids spend their days moving, exploring, creating, and discovering acr...
08/01/2026

At Pathfinder, the whole campus is our playground.

Kids spend their days moving, exploring, creating, and discovering across our 22-acre campus—from gardens and trails to classrooms, woods, and the shores of Cedar Lake.

There’s always somewhere new to wander. 🌿☀️

🌲This Is What Summer Should Feel LikeA shady spot in the woods. Friends gathered together. No rush to be anywhere else.S...
07/31/2026

🌲This Is What Summer Should Feel Like

A shady spot in the woods. Friends gathered together. No rush to be anywhere else.

Some of the best moments at summer camp are the simplest ones—when kids have the space and time to explore, connect, imagine, and just be kids.

This is summer at Pathfinder. 💚

Strings Camp is about more than learning the notes.It’s listening to the musicians around you. Finding your place in the...
07/28/2026

Strings Camp is about more than learning the notes.

It’s listening to the musicians around you. Finding your place in the ensemble. Trying again when something is hard. And experiencing that incredible moment when all the individual parts finally come together. 🎶

We love seeing young musicians build confidence, friendships, and a love of making music together.

Something beautiful has been filling campus this week. 🎻🎶Our Strings Camp brings young musicians together for a week of ...
07/27/2026

Something beautiful has been filling campus this week. 🎻🎶

Our Strings Camp brings young musicians together for a week of playing, learning, collaborating, and growing their skills.

Summer at Pathfinder isn’t just about exploring the outdoors—it’s also a chance for kids to dive deeply into something they love alongside teachers and fellow musicians.

🌲 Welcome to Pathfinder, Mr. Aric!We are excited to officially welcome Aric Visser, Pathfinder’s new Head of School!Afte...
07/25/2026

🌲 Welcome to Pathfinder, Mr. Aric!

We are excited to officially welcome Aric Visser, Pathfinder’s new Head of School!

After 15 years living and working in Spain and France, Mr. Aric is excited to make Northern Michigan home, get to know our students and families, and begin this next chapter at Pathfinder.

“Great schools are usually built around a foundation of great people, and Pathfinder is a great school.”

Please join us in giving Mr. Aric a warm Pathfinder welcome! 💙🌲

Address

11930 S West Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City, MI
49684

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+12319953800

Website

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