Fundraising Goal: $5,000

$4,180 raised from 63 unique donors
Verified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Gateway Charter School

Organization 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.

Gateway Lab School is a public charter school offering students with learning differences, disabilities and difficulties a rigorous, arts-infused education that is tailored to their individual learning styles.  We are seeing tremendous success, however in order to offer our students the supports and services we provide, in the small class setting that they need, takes significant resources over and above what comes from state and local funding.   

Your donation will go to our general fund which is used to pay for enrichment programs for our students like visiting artists in residence, supplies and equipment for art and music programs and field learning experiences.                 

Are you a parent or guardian that has a child that is struggling in school?  Here are some reasons why Gateway may be right for your child:

7 Reasons Why Gateway Lab School May Be Right for Your Unique Learner

 1.      My child’s ability is not reflected in his/her academic performance.

Unique learners can be challenged academically due to multiple obstacles they may face in the classroom.  Many children retain information better through experiential (hands-on) learning versus learning linguistically (reading and lecture), which is the predominant method of instruction in a traditional classroom environment.   The technological age in which we live allows students to explore areas of interest independently through the internet; however what is missing is learning how to apply what they are learning to their academics and real life.  In addition, some students require accommodations like adapted text, seating preference, or use of a keyboard to help bridge the knowledge gap.  All of the teachers at Gateway are trained to evaluate what each student needs to realize their individual learning potential and implement a plan of action.  
 
2.      My child performs better in small group settings.

The small class size enjoyed by students at Gateway provides an environment for teachers to get up close and personal with their students.   The average teacher to student ratio at Gateway is 1:15 in the regular classroom with smaller groups of 1:2 to 1:6 during schoolwide Success Block.  Many Gateway teachers have dual-certification in a subject-area and special education and have received the on-going professional development that they need to address our student’s specific needs.  In addition to our teachers, there are highly qualified para-professionals in the classroom that assist our students in their small groups.  

3.      My child retains information better with “hands-on” learning.

Teachers at Gateway receive on-going training and support on ways to make their lesson plans engaging and relevant to students through the use of hands-on, arts-infused, interactive instruction.  Whether using technology to create a paperless classroom with dynamic educational apps or good, old-fashioned dress-up and role-play, Gateway students are learning in an experiential way that helps to connect theory and application of the subject matter.  This type of learning goes beyond rote memorization and helps students to use critical thinking skills that are necessary for the retention of information long term.   
See the following information about Kinesthetic Learners:  https://www.education.com/magazine/article/kinesthetic_learner/

4.      My child is socially awkward or shy and struggles making friends.

Gateway Lab School is a Responsive Classroom© school.  The Responsive Classroom approach incorporates the students’ social and emotional growth into their academic learning, stemming from the notion that children learn best through social interaction and when they are explicitly taught social and emotional skills along with their academic lessons.  Gateway students begin by forming a community with their classmates and homeroom teacher through a daily Morning Meeting.  In morning meeting, students help to create rules for their classroom and participate in team building activities that help them develop respect and trust for their classmates and take personal ownership for their actions.   The Responsive Classroom approach allows teachers to get to know their students on a more personal level, and for the students, it serves to create an atmosphere of consistent expectations.

The students at Gateway have the opportunity to form relationships through their common interests by participating in school sports activities and clubs.  Some of our past in-school and after school activities have included, Running Club, Volleyball, Basketball, Spirit Team, Youth in City Government, Odyssey of the Mind, Impact Leaders, and Computer Science Club to name a few.  

5.      My child needs focused intervention with reading and/or math.

The Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies used by teachers at Gateway focus on helping each student fill in gaps that may exist in reading and/or math.  An assessment is given to each student at the beginning of the school year to determine what interventions are needed.  Students are then assigned to smaller groups with classmates of similar ability during Success Block.  Teachers track each student’s growth through regular progress monitoring and NWEA MAP assessments.  Intervention curriculum includes the Wilson Reading System®, CARS & STARS, Do the Math and Failure Free Reading™.  In addition to the statewide Smarter Balanced assessment Delaware students are required to take annually, our student’s progress is measured up to three times a year through the NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment.  Data from the MAP assessment allows teachers to see where deficiencies are occurring during the year and address them during quickly.

Visit the Wilson Reading System® website to learn more about this approach to help struggling readers:  http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/programs/wilson-reading-system/

6.      My child has lost his/her motivation to attend school.

When a unique learner begins to advance through elementary school, he or she may begin to feel lost or off-kilter in their classroom.  There may be challenges with maintaining focus and attention, or grasping concepts can cause them to fall behind as they have trouble maintaining pace with their classmates.  They may sense frustration from teachers and parents who try to help them overcome their barriers to learning through extra-time, tutoring, and accommodations.  When a child begins to experience anxiety or negative emotions around their learning challenges, they may “check out” and loose the desire to engage at school, a place where they feel unsuccessful and bewildered about how to perform to the expectations of teachers and parents.  

The focus at Gateway Lab School is about discovering what each of our students needs to be successful according to their unique set of abilities and strengths. Using proven research-based strategies in a nurturing, safe, and secure environment, our teachers employ the teaching methods that work for each of their students, while empowering the students to understand their strengths and challenges that will help them to advocate for themselves, and articulate what they need to be successful as they advance to high school and college or work.  

7.      My child is doing well academically but needs a lot of help maintaining focus and organization.

The inability to stay on task and maintain organization can undermine the academic progress of even the brightest student.  Teachers in a traditional class environment are often frustrated when a student that cannot sit still at his or her desk for an extended time in the classroom, or is frequently off task and fails to complete assignments.  Parents of students with attention deficits may experience equal frustration while attempting to help their child stay organized, including trying to locate lost or misplaced assignments and supplies, and communicating and keeping up with homework and project due dates.  Frequently, it appears that the child is “not trying hard enough”, because their academic outcomes in school do not match their ability.  Gateway teachers employ various teaching methods to help engage inattentive students.  Experiential (hands-on) lessons help to engage the student’s interest in the subject matter, while daily “brain breaks” provide time for movement in the classroom that re-energizes the body and brain.  The small class size also keeps each student in view of the teacher which allows for re-direction as needed.  

Read more about the importance of “Brain Breaks” in the classroom at Edutopia.org:   http://www.edutopia.org/blog/brain-breaks-focused-attention-practices-lori-desautels

If you felt yourself nodding in agreement with any of these “reasons” for considering Gateway for your child, give us a call at 302-633-4091 or visit our website at www.gatewaylabschool.org for more information.  Gateway is a public, tuition-free charter school open to Delaware students in grades 3-8, located in suburban Wilmington, DE.  Visit during a scheduled open house, or call to arrange for a tour to get answers to any question you may have about the school and how it can help your unique learner soar to success!



About Gateway Charter School

In support of Gateway Charter School's recent charter renewal, heartfelt testimonials poured in from parents who believe in the school's mission. These comments illuminate the school community's deeply-rooted appreciation for the educators, the unique programs offered, and the transformative impact on their children's education. The unwavering support from families underscores the school's role as a cornerstone for both personal and academic growth, further solidifying its place in the community's heart.  Here are a few comments from our parents and guardians.
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I would highly recommend Gateway Charter School to other parents. I have one child in high school who is a former student and three children who currently attend Gateway All 4 have had highly positive experiences there. The faculty and staff are dedicated to involving the parents with their children's academic education. They plan many afterschool activities and field trips that enhance the classroom learning and engage the students. We are very grateful to have found Gateway. - G.S.

Rafael has soared at Gateway. The smaller classes mean that there isn't as much chaos in the classroom. Most of the teachers are impeccable and the administration is extremely caring and involved. He has really come out of his shell at Gateway. There is no bullying and he has gained a strong friend group. Gateway is essential to this community!  - E.A

It's been a relief and a joy to see my children excel along with enjoying school
– I.D.

Gateway staff is STELLAR! Every teacher and faculty member we have ever interacted with has been supportive and dedicated to the students at Gateway. From the ever growing arts and athletics programs to showing up in the most meaningful ways during the pandemic. We are proud members of the Gateway Gladiator family. - A.A.

Supporting Gateway Charter School's Gladiator Strong Fund plays a pivotal role in sustaining and enhancing a rich, arts-based education tailored for students who learn differently. This fund allows the school to provide a diverse and inclusive curriculum, including programs in visual arts, music, theater, and dance. By contributing to the Gladiator Strong fund, donors help to ensure that these unique learners receive the creative tools and resources they need to thrive academically and personally, fostering an environment where every student can flourish.

To learn more about Gateway Charter School, or if you are you a parent or guardian that has a child that learns differently, please give us a call at 302-633-4091 or visit our website at www.gatewaycharterschoolde.org.  We are happy to share how Gateway is transforming the lives of students through the rich learning environment we create through research-based intervention strategies and arts-based education.

Organization Details

Organization Logo

Name:
Gateway Charter School

EIN: 26-0749959

Recent Donations

  • Patrick Anselme $25
  • Anonymous ---
  • Jamie Bailey $25
  • Marionne Tucker ---
  • Anonymous ---
  • Parise Hunter $50
  • Larry WHITE $25
  • Anonymous ---
  • Anonymous $5
  • Larry White ---

Challenges Won

Golden Ticket 2 am (Large Nonprofits)

Greater Giving Opening Prize Sponsored by JPM Chase

Golden Ticket 11 am (Large Nonprofits) (Sponsored by Philanthropy Delaware)