Gateway School

I cannot praise Gateway enough for its dedication to fostering an exceptional learning environment through small class sizes and a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL). As a parent, I am incredibly grateful for the transformative experience my child has had at this remarkable institution.One of the standout features of Gateway is its commitment to maintaining small class sizes. This allows for personalized attention, ensuring that each student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The intimate class settings create a sense of community where students feel valued, heard, and understood by both their teachers and peers.The emphasis on social-emotional learning is truly commendable. Gateway understands that academic success is only one aspect of a child's development. Through SEL, students learn invaluable skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution, which are essential for navigating the complexities of life beyond the classroom. I have seen firsthand how SEL has empowered my child to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and approach challenges with resilience and confidence.Moreover, the dedicated faculty and staff at Gateway are passionate about nurturing not just academic excellence but also the overall well-being of each student. They go above and beyond to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Gateway to any parent seeking an educational experience that prioritizes individualized attention, social-emotional growth, and overall student well-being. Enrolling my child in this school has been one of the best decisions I've made, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my child's education and personal development.

My child and I were talking about what we would do if we won the lottery. We discussed taking a year off and travelling, to which he responded: "But I wouldn't want to take a year off of school!" I think that speaks volumes as to the sort of school Gateway is.We have been at Gateway for three years and have watched our student learn to fearlessly address a crowd, make fantastic friends, learn to self-advocate and self-regulate, read chapter books, play instruments, and yet still firmly believe that there is magic in the world. Gateway not only builds a active academics, but also thoughtful, considerate and well-rounded HAPPY kids.The teachers are INCREDIBLE - they are passionate learners themselves, passing that love of learning on to their students. The entire Gateway community - teachers, administrative staff, families - come together to form this incredible place where kids are free to learn, explore their interests, and grow.

We did a thorough review of all Santa Cruz County elementary schools, public & private. We chose Gateway because it offers K-8, small class sizes (usually 14-18 kids per class), challenging academics, specialty classes such as art, music, Life Lab, and the whole child approach to learning. After graduating from Gateway, our kids went on to do very well at college-prep high schools, and are now thriving at challenging universities. Our oldest was shy & quiet when he was younger, and he blossomed while at Gateway. He learned how to present to adults & peers, and thrived with Gateway's challenging yet nurturing academic curriculum. Our youngest is very social & out-going, and those skills were encouraged. Gateway teachers taught him how to study & be a better student. As parents, we found a loving and supportive community with fellow parents, admin & teachers at Gateway. I feel quite blessed to have found this gem of a school that inspired my kids to be passionate lifelong learners and become well-prepared for their future academic and professional careers. Gateway School is the launching pad you are seeking for your child!

My child has been at Gateway since 2nd grade. We moved from overseas and he needed a small, supportive school. We found Gateway to be absolutely incredible, even during the pandemic, and the school community is like a family to us. My child is academically challenged, engaged, he enjoys STEM, art, music, and life lab (gardening), and those are all things that make Gateway so special.

Gateway deserves high ratings for its academics, teachers, and overall experience. They provide a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to learn.One aspect that stands out is the school's commitment to fostering a love of learning. Teachers are enthusiastic and passionate, and they work hard to create engaging and meaningful lessons that spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and pursue their interests, which helps to instill a lifelong love of learning.The school also places a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence. Teachers use a variety of strategies to help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. I appreciate the school's focus on emotional intelligence, which they believe helps their children to become more well-rounded and empathetic individuals.