My Path is RDAS’s personalized program designed to help each student understand who they are, become a self-directed learner, and navigate their future with confidence.
At RDAS, Every Student Is Well Known, and Every Student’s Path Is Their Own
My Path is RDAS’s program of individualized development and guidance, from the first day of school through graduation. It brings together the reflection practices built into every grade, middle and high school advisory, and college guidance, so that each student is met where they are. We build on their strengths, identify areas for growth, and help them take greater ownership of their learning each year. My Path rests on a conviction at the heart of our program: students thrive with high challenge and high support, and the ability to direct one’s own learning must be taught and nurtured.
My Path begins long before students start to think about their personal and academic aspirations. Even in Grade 1, every RDAS student keeps a Learning Journal and ends each day with a period of reflection. They practice the habits of noticing, naming, and planning that self-directed learning depends on, and they begin to establish a habit of self-reflection that will serve their growth as a person and as a learner over the course of their lifetime. Our Enduring Throughlines describe how this growth develops over time throughout their journey at RDAS, giving students, teachers, and families a shared language for progress.
In Grades 6–8, grounding and reflection are held in small advisory groups of eight to ten students led by a faculty advisor. Groups meet for structured sessions on:
Between sessions, advisors check in with each student individually, briefly and often, so concerns are noticed early and progress is recognized. The advisor is the family’s first point of contact for the whole child. Advisors also help students prepare the portfolio presentations that make their growth visible to families.
In Grades 9–12, advisory becomes fully personal. Each student meets with their advisor one-to-one every two weeks. These conversations center on the student’s own goals: academic progress, balance, how to respond to setbacks, and the decisions that come with greater independence. Advisors are mentors and advocates. When a student needs specialized support, the advisor connects them to it promptly.
College guidance at RDAS is a five-year structured program led by a trained and experienced college counselor who works directly with students and families. Guidance becomes more individualized each year:
understanding of the college admissions process and timeline, planning for high school and making informed decisions about enrichment activities
course selection, exploring interests, and building the habits behind a strong academic record
deepening passions, choosing meaningful summer programs, and planning when and how to prepare for the SAT
strategic decisions around testing, an activity list that reflects genuine commitment, exploring possible majors, and building a balanced university list
personal essays, applications, and the final choice of university and course of study
Because our counselor knows each student over four years, the advice reflects who that student is rather than a generic checklist.
Advisors, teachers, and the college counselor work as one team, so each student is seen and heard as a whole person. Every part of My Path serves the same aim: graduates who know themselves, take responsibility for their choices, and step confidently into university and beyond.
