Our Mission/Philosophy
OUR MISSION
The mission of Gateway Charter School is to provide an extraordinary educational opportunity for children who are struggling to achieve academic success in a traditional school environment, utilizing research-based intervention strategies and a highly tailored, arts-based learning environment that seeks to identify and capitalize on a student’s strengths and interests.
To become a resource to the community as a center for the professional development and education of teachers, parents and students by providing access to the latest research-based curriculum, technology and training.
FOCUS STATEMENT
Our mission is to maximize each student’s academic ability and social growth through innovative arts-based learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Our vision is to be an innovative school of excellence that prepares students for life.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Gateway Charter School currently serves students in grades 3-8 who might struggle to achieve academic success in a traditional classroom environment. Our school will expand to include grades K, 1 & 2. We will welcome our first Kindergarten class in Fall 2022.
GCS opened its doors in SY 2012. The school's philosophy incorporates aspects ofab School of Washington® a private school located in Washington, D.C., that serves students with learning differences and ADHD.
The Lab School of Washington® was founded and its curriculum designed by Sally L. Smith, former head of the Graduate Program for Special Education: Learning Disabilities at American University, author of numerous books and articles on the subject, and recognized internationally as a leader in the field of learning disabilities. For over 40 years, Professor Smith developed an innovative and rigorous teaching method specifically designed for students with learning differences/disabilities and ADHD known as the Academic Club Method™. Professor Smith's techniques emphasize the arts and hands-on experiential learning to help struggling students become active learners and achieve academic success.
PHILOSOPHY
The Gateway Charter School philosophy is based on the belief that children, who have struggled to achieve academic success in the traditional school environment and learn differently, have the capacity to achieve academic success and to realize individual learning potential.
The teachers and staff of Gateway Charter School are committed to developing a sense of inquiry and love of learning in each student. This is accomplished by focusing on providing interventions in the areas of reading, oral and written language, math and motor skills. The school provides a unique program that incorporates art, music, drama and hands-on learning experiences.
Our social skill/character development curriculum, Responsive Classroom equips students with the knowledge to build relationships and approach new situations with confidence. Gateway students learn to advocate for themselves by gaining an understanding of how they best learn.
What Gateway Parents are Saying
My son attended three years and it was the best decision we could have ever made. He was a part of something and loved the school and the teachers. The entire faculty was invested in each and every student and that came through the doors. Wish they had high school grades because we would never leave! C.A.
James is really loving high school so far. He just made distinguished honors!!! We are so proud of him and I know that all of you are part of the reason he has been successful. He has been advocating for himself, messaging his teachers and learning support coaches for help and really starting to work independently. He monitors his grades himself on HAC. He even joined the drumline! Thanks so much for the academic, social and emotional preparation you gave James. T.H.
Thank goodness for Gateway! I had 3 graduates from there starting with one from their 1st class. He is now employed full time and thinking of furthering his education. The next is still in college and on the Dean's List and inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Finally, the last to graduate is in 11th grade taking college prep and on 1st honor roll. They would not be where they are today without the education, support and understanding and kindness bestowed upon them at Gateway! M.E.O.