A Future Ready District Unlocking Purpose Through Personalized Pathways
Located in Nassau County, New York, Mineola Public Schools has earned national attention for its forward-thinking approach to education. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Michael Nagler, High School Principal Rory Parnell, Instructional Leader Katie Caccamo, and a team of innovative leaders, the district has developed a student-centered ecosystem centered on choice, personalization, and real-world workforce readiness. With a focus on helping students identify their passions and develop practical skills, Mineola is living out the vision of building Future Ready Pathways through intentional design and bold implementation.
At the heart of Mineola’s success is a belief that high school should prepare students for life after graduation; whether that means attending college, pursuing a career, or seeking something entirely different. That belief drives their approach and has led to the development of the district’s Learner Profile model, which fosters student agency, real-world application, and college and career readiness. This model comes to life at Mineola High School through cohesive pathways that offer college credit and industry-recognized credentials, learner choice in coursework, and asynchronous opportunities that support self-paced growth and the development of critical executive functioning skills. The district’s commitment to equitable access, early exposure, and stackable credentials is evident throughout its programming, creating an environment where every student can discover and pursue a path of interest with purpose.
Learner Profiles in Action
Mineola’s Learner Profile Model embodies the district’s deep commitment to personalized, purpose-driven education. Rooted in student choice, contribution to society, and college and career readiness, the model blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. At Mineola High School, students can pursue cohesive sets of courses in pathways that offer industry-recognized credentials and/or college credits, alongside asynchronous learning experiences that promote self-paced growth, credentialing, and the development of vital executive functioning skills.
As such, students are not passive participants in their learning; they are active designers of it. Whether enrolled in a formal pathway or pursuing individualized interests, students propose, plan, and present projects to authentic audiences, connect with industry professionals, and engage in internships that align with their passions. As Katie Caccamo noted in an interview, “When students see that their work matters to someone outside of the classroom, everything changes.” The results are powerful; students leave Mineola not only with credits but with confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Pillar 1: College and Career Advising and Navigation: A Multi-Tiered Approach
Mineola’s approach to college and career advising is deeply embedded in the school culture and curriculum. It begins with early awareness and builds over time through a series of layered experiences that allow students to explore their interests, values, and strengths. A cornerstone of this work is Mineola High School’s Pathways, a multi-year experience that blends career-connected learning, student choice, and learning beyond traditional school hours or building. This work is further supported through structured advisory and planning processes that include individual learning plans, portfolio development, and one-on-one check-ins. Students can choose a pathway for traditional classes in areas that range from Cybersecurity to EMT courses. Students can also take courses asynchronously and earn industry-ready credentials, preparing them for ever-changing college and job markets. As Caccamo explains, “We’re not asking kids to follow a rigid path. We’re helping them create one that makes sense for who they are.”
Mineola also fosters student agency through inclusive scheduling models that enable embedded support, robust electives, and cross-grade opportunities. School counselors, instructional leaders, and teachers work collaboratively to ensure each learner has a clear postsecondary plan that is revisited and refined over time.
Pillar 4: Industry-Recognized Credentials: Paving the Path
A standout feature of Mineola’s pathway system is its robust credentialing ecosystem, most notably the district’s PAVE Program (Personalized Access to Virtual Experiences). PAVE offers asynchronous, self-paced industry certification courses that students can complete before, during, or after the traditional school day. This model expands access to industry-recognized credentials and removes many of the time and space constraints that often limit students in more traditional systems. Students enrolled in PAVE can earn certifications in high-demand areas, including specialized fields such as programming, cybersecurity, and drone piloting. These credentials become part of each learner’s digital portfolio and are highlighted in resumes, college applications, and career plans.
The PAVE program reflects Mineola’s belief that learning can happen anytime, anywhere, and that all students deserve the opportunity to build relevant, workforce-aligned skills that prepare them for the future.
A Statewide First: A Spotlight on Cybersecurity
Mineola has also made headlines for launching one of New York’s first high school cybersecurity pathway programs. What began as an elective has grown into a comprehensive track that includes coursework, certification opportunities, and potential postsecondary credit. Students learn from industry experts, engage in hands-on simulations, and gain exposure to one of the fastest-growing fields in the labor market.
As highlighted in the March 2023 newsletter and a CBS New York feature, the cybersecurity pathway was designed in direct response to industry demand and student interest. The program also exemplifies Mineola’s ethos of agility and responsiveness; listening to what students want and need, then designing systems that make it happen. In early 2025, the district was awarded the AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award, for having been successful in their efforts to provide expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students.
Expanding Access & Equity
Mineola’s model is not just about innovation for innovation’s sake; it’s about expanding access to opportunities. By offering asynchronous certifications through PAVE, integrating career literacy in middle school, and designing flexible high school experiences through Synergy, the district ensures that each learner has the opportunity to explore, prepare, and succeed. This equity-driven mindset is also evident in how Mineola supports traditionally underserved students. Flexible pathways, multilingual supports, and personalized advising to their English Language Learners and their families all help ensure that students don’t just participate in the system; they can thrive within it.
