How many teachers will you have and who are they?
We currently have 9 full-time teachers. Additionally, we have members of the community who will engage our students during the Collaborate & Create portion of our daily schedule.
Will you provide Physical Education?
We incorporate Physical Education into our curriculum through movement, hands-on activities, and off-site field trips.
What about Special Education students?
Gateways Academy does accept students with Individualized Learning Plans. Our Director of Student Support, Cindi Sprow, will work with families for accommodations. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has determined that students in private schools are eligible for the support services offered by the local educational agency.
Will there be uniforms?
We are currently adding a uniform shirt with our Gateways logo; however, we do not have a formal dress code. Please click here for details: Gateways Academy Dress Code (2020-2021).
Will there be monthly fundraisers?
Monthly fundraisers are not planned at this time. We are truly attempting to keep the costs as low as possible and focus on educating the students.
Will you have a BSP and ASP (Before & After School Programs)?
Before school and after school care is based upon family need and demand. We currently offer Homework Club (2:30 – 3:15), Extended Day (3:15 – 3:45), and the Beyond Program (3:15-5:30).
How will we be expected to pay tuition – all at once, monthly, weekly or quarterly?
- Tuition payments are expected on a monthly basis. Payments are due on or by the end of each month. Payment plans are available through SchoolCues Student Information System.
- If you have the capability to prepay in full, you will receive a 5% discount.
- If monthly payments are not an option, we will work with individual families for the best plan.
Will high schools take the credits if the kids stay only until the 8th grade?
Yes, credits will be accepted at other schools.
Will you prepare students for standardized tests like SATs and MCAS?
Assessment is an essential component for any school. Yearly, we take time to determine the best tools for our school. This may include MAPS, College Board, and similar methods.
What about a snack and/or lunch?
Students will be asked to bring a snack and lunch from home each day. Microwaves and refrigeration are available.
What is the length of the school day? When does school start and does it follow a typical high school schedule?
The school year typically begins the Wednesday after Labor Day. Our school hours are 8:00 am–2:30 pm. We will not have a traditional school bell schedule. Our model focuses on three important times of the day: Conquer/Challenge (focused time on skills/core curriculum), Collaborate (project focus working with others), and Create (product focused).
Will students be required to wear masks?
We follow Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines regarding masking.
Does the high school program include all the core classes as well as electives?
Our curriculum is based upon a blend of skills and project-based learning. We do not have electives in the traditional sense, however, we will explore a variety of student-driven topics. Depending on the interest, we may provide an independent study based upon hours of study.
Will the grades be mixed for high school classes?
Yes, the grades will be mixed for classes. The high school cohort contains grades 9–12 with a blend of skills-based instruction and multiage project collaboration. We strongly feel that the cohort model mimics real-world conditions in which we work with people of varying ages and backgrounds.
What will you do about snow days?
We follow the Shrewsbury Public Schools schedule for snow days.
What are the transportation costs?
Any student that is a resident of Shrewsbury is entitled to bus transportation by Shrewsbury. Parents are responsible for contacting the bus company to make those arrangements.
What model are you offering – hybrid, in person or remote?
Gateways is open and educating children in-person, 5 days a week, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
What is your curriculum?
The curriculum of Gateways Academy is intentionally crafted as an adaptation of frameworks focused on integrated learning and critical thinking. While the Massachusetts Department of Education frameworks provide a strong foundation for our learning, we have selected the British Columbia New Curriculum Model as our overarching model for education.
Selection of this curriculum design affords Gateways Academy the ability to maintain consistency across cohorts in the multi-age groups while emphasizing student discovery and learning through collaboration.
Our instructional design will include: a blend of on-site and digital instruction, Socratic seminar, and project-based learning. Given our academic and professional skill set, we are also able to offer support services for students with individualized learning plans and provide direct reading instruction through the Wilson Reading program.
What is the application process?
Interested families should contact us or call us (508) 523-9406 to begin the application process. In addition to the application, families should submit all requested school records. We will contact you to set up a tour and/or interview.
