Philosophy & organization

In order to help our students thrive in our ever changing world, we teach the basics of reading, writing, math and science, and also THE BIG 4: Critical Thinking, Cooperative learning, Technology and Multiple Intelligences.

Critical Thinking: The single most important skill we teach children is critical thinking – the ability to know, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information.

Cooperative Learning: Students work individually and in teams with others of different gender, race, culture and ability, focusing on interaction and communication.

Technology: Our students need the ability and opportunity to access ever changing, complex technology to build relationships and process information.

Multiple Intelligences: We understand that all students learn in and access multiple intelligences like Logical-Mathematical, Verbal-linguistic, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Musical, Visual-Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Environmental and Philosophical.

Gatewood is also a multi-age, full-inclusion school with three grade bands – K/1, 2/3 and 4/5. Some content is delivered in a multi-age setting and some is delivered in a single-grade band configuration. Students also stay with the same team of 2 or 3 teachers (loop) for two years. As a community we prioritize our resources to keep our class size significantly smaller than the state averages.

The Gatewood model is only possible because of the support we receive from families, volunteers, Gator Aides (team parents) an active PTA and our local businesses.