School leaders: tuition can be free with ESA scholarship
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Gateway Academy, a school focused on serving students with high-functioning autism, is announcing the first day of school, which is Monday, July 11, and open enrollment for the new school year.
Prospective parents can schedule a tour now by calling 480-998-1071. Gateway Academy is at 3939 E. Shea Blvd. in Phoenix.
Faculty will be returning on July 5, with an open house and a “Meet the Teacher Night” on July 8. Gateway Academy officials say they are proud to highlight a curriculum that supports academic, social and emotional development.
Gateway Academy is also proud to be an accredited, nonprofit school that accepts both Empowerment Scholarships as well as State Tax Organization Scholarships, according to a press release. The application processing time for ESA funding is estimated to be 45 days.
The main focus of Gateway Academy staff is on two different tracks: college and career. Those groups consist of “Twice-Exceptional” students, and students who have been diagnosed with a Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder, the release states.
“Students come to Gateway Academy seeking a different approach to learning, often because they have been frustrated in their previous school experiences,” said Executive Director & CEO at Gateway Academy O. Robin Sweet.
“Our intent is to rebuild self-esteem, rekindle curiosity, and encourage the risk-taking necessary for learning. Our belief is that no single method of instruction is effective for every student. Instead, we must evaluate teaching strategies and match them with each student’s individual learning style.”
Gateway Academy offers dual enrollment with Paradise Valley Community College where students attend a college preparedness class on the PVCC campus, and they also participate in monthly college tours to gain a better understanding of the college selection and choice process.