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Enrollment soars at nationally-recognized Gateway Academy
Arizona school reports enrollment has increased every year since opening in 2005
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
Gateway Academy, who serves Twice Exceptional students with high-functioning autism reports its highest enrollment numbers to date.
For the 2019-20 school year, Gateway Academy currently has 110 students enrolled in its 3rd–12th grades, and that number is expected to increase throughout the year.
Gateway offers students open enrollment throughout the year to accommodate students, who want to transfer mid-year. In many cases, parents and students are looking for a safe environment for the student, after they have experience with extreme bullying or being academically dis-serviced in traditional schools, according to a press release.
One of those students is Hannah Vasquez, who was diagnosed with autism in the fifth grade. The Phoenix teen found herself bullied and ridiculed for being “different” to the point that she did not want to go to school.
Her mom, Erin, sought therapy to help Hannah with the anxiety. After receiving just about every detention imaginable, her mom knew she had to make a change, and found Gateway Academy.
Now four years later, Hannah, a sophomore, is getting straight A’s, and she has many friends, the press release stated. She also looks forward to going to school now. No more morning stomach aches or feeling sick.
“When planning curriculum, the teachers use creative and multi-modal learning, information exciting, and the students engaged,” said Erin Garrett, Hannah’s mom, in a prepared statement. “Most of the ‘Twice Exceptional’ kiddos are very bright, and the Gateway teachers work very hard to make sure that each child gets the attention and positive encouragement they need, in the fashion they need to learn.”
At Gateway, Hannah’s artistic side is also shinning. With all the encouragement she receives at Gateway, she has created a logo for the Gateway Parent Organization. The school had it printed on a banner, and uses it at events. Her logo is a symbol of what can happen, when students feel comfortable in their environment.
“Hannah talks about going away to college,” her mom said. “But with the life skills and education provided by Gateway, I know she can do it.”
Hannah is just one of many students, who travel from across the Valley to attend Gateway Academy.
For more information about Gateway Academy, and its services call 480-998-1071 or go to gatewayacademy.us.
