Gateway School - Santa Cruz, California

Karen J.

We chose Gateway for our 2 children for all the reasons the school is promoted: small class sizes (14-17 kids per class), challenging academics, specialty classes such as art, music, Spanish, technology and the amazing Life Lab program. We have stayed at Gateway for 8 years for the above reasons, and also because of the supportive community for children and parents that is created by the Head of School and staff. Their goal of providing a top notch and nurturing education in a kind environment has been met every day my children have attended Gateway. Another bonus is the Mindfulness curriculum that Gateway has embraced. My children have developed a greater understanding of their emotions, giving them more control of reactions and ultimately better ability to concentrate, learn and self-advocate. Gateway also demonstrated tremendous leadership by bringing Mindfulness and advanced neurological-based educators to Santa Cruz, and make the workshops available at no cost to all educators in the area. After an exhaustive review of over a dozen schools, we couldn't be happier with our decision.

Lila-Rose R.

Gateway School is a progressive, inclusive, and highly supportive school in Santa Cruz. I attended Gateway for middle school, and I can say that I left excited and well prepped for high school. The environment helps students get excited about learning, the teachers are motivated and they truly care about how the students feel on a day to day basis. In Gateway's middle school, the grades are given a chance to mix and students can make friends they might not have otherwise had the experience of meeting. I can say that I met some of the truest, kindest people there.

Unfortunately, some others have not had such good adventures as I have. From my experience, the staff and faculty at Gateway address problems as they come up, and do not ignore pressing concerns.

Overall, I'd say that Gateway give its students a collaborative, exciting place to foster love of learning. Enjoy!

Leigh A. L.

My son has attended Gateway School for four years. He went to a preschool that was a poor fit for him and he became uninterested in academics. We needed to find a place where he could regain his confidence academically and we visited every private school within an hour drive from our home. After visiting other schools we came running back to Gateway and we are so glad that we did. Our son now loves school. He is very focused academically and well adjusted socially.
Gateway offers small class sizes; our son's class has 12 students. This small class size effects all aspects of the curriculum. With one teacher and an aide the children can be broken up into smaller learning groups. This allows for learning to occur in a relaxed, unhurried manner. When I compare what my son is learning at Gateway to his friends in public school, he is ahead academically while he is less stressed and has less homework.
Of course, Gateway is best known for its social-emotional learning. Many of the other schools we visited claimed to teach to the whole child, Gateway was the only school that actually does. With such a small class size, Gateway teachers can observe and help children with their social skills. Woven throughout each day, Gateway teachers work on helping kids manage their emotions and their interactions with each other.

Layla F.

Our 2nd grade son LOVES to go to school every morning. It is hard to explain the magic that is present on the Gateway School campus - the teachers and staff are passionate and committed and there is a great sense of community amongst the families.

The academics at Gateway are strong, but equally important is the focus, (especially in the early grades) on social and emotional development. Gateway School is truly committed to educating the whole person.

Gunner M.

At the time of this review, I am a 7th grade student who goes to Gateway. I came to Gateway in 1st grade, and I've loved it ever since. When I came to Gateway, it was in the middle of the year, and I was worried about making friends. On my first day of school, some kids asked me to play with them, and I was friends with them ever since. All of the teachers have been kind to me and supportive of my learning. The small class sizes allow me to really connect and establish relationships with my teachers. Although I am one of those people who isn't that excited to go to school, when I arrive at Gateway, I forget about all of that and enjoy learning about interesting topics in my classes and having a great time with my wonderful friends at break. I definitely would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for an excellent school in Santa Cruz with supportive teachers and exceptional students.

sandy B.

Gateway School is the very best school for children with ADHD and dyslexia. We transferred our son to Gateway last year and do not regret it. Before Gateway he hated going to school. Now he has friends and looks forward to school everyday. Gateway has an amazing Learning Specialist and great tutors who immediately set up an individualized learning plan for him. Thank you to Gateway!

Claire H.

My child has been at Gateway School for four years and has learned and grown so much thanks to the nurturing, professional, dedicated school staff. There is a strong feeling of community at the school along with a sense of wonder and excitement about learning.

I like how the students’ social – emotional needs are addressed through the Ruler program, daily mindfulness practice and also through the caring, compassionate actions of the teachers and staff. They really strive to meet the needs of each individual child. Plus they teach them how to be active learners, how to get along with each other and how to manage their own emotions.

Academically, I’m impressed with how much my child learns and remembers each day. The teachers work hard to make lessons engaging, interactive and challenging. There’s a lot of project-based and hands-on learning. And the art, Lifelab, music, PE and technology programs all help to create an especially engaging school day.

Rachel S.

I've been a teacher here at Gateway for more than a decade and this year I became a parent when my son started in Kindergarten. I have a new appreciation for this amazing school and community. Our academics are strong, but above that the care and attention to the emotional lives of the students goes above and beyond. Come and visit us!