THE GATEWAY DIFFERENCE
Lower School: K-5
Middle School: 6-8
Enrollment: 156
Average Class Size: 11 students
WELCOME TO THE GATEWAY SCHOOL
After working in education for over 35 years, I have come to believe deeply that strong relationships are the foundation of teaching, learning, and leadership. A school is so much more than just a building. Every child, every parent, every teacher has a story to tell. As a former Gateway parent, I believe every family, including mine, who has crossed or will cross the threshold on West 61st Street, has traveled an educational journey with a shared map, looking for the right fit for their child, a child who is learning differently than their friends. Gateway is a school for students who struggle with language-based learning differences. Our mission has meaning and is clear: we teach students how to become skilled, strategic learners and confident self-advocates.
When you enter the doors of our school, you see that you have indeed discovered a new beginning at Gateway. Here, we will teach your children. But there is more to it than that. At Gateway, we will love your children exactly for who they are and who they can become.
At Gateway, we are guided by two principles: we know a strong relationship between the school and its families is paramount to our students’ success, and the relationship between teacher and student is one which can transform lives for the better. A school’s heart and soul is its teachers, and Gateway teachers are the shining examples. Our expertly trained educators teach children long before they teach subject matter. Connecting a family’s understanding of their child with a teacher’s knowledge and compassion of what that child needs to thrive – both academically and socially – sets our students up to succeed.
Gateway delivers an experience and education that is unique and extraordinary. Our program is thoughtful and intentional, our commitment to students is second to none, and our size allows for a very meaningful community. We know that language, literacy, and critical thinking skills are the foundations for success in all things. We are a proven entity in the education of bright students who learn differently.
Gateway has a great story to tell. Our goal is to always create a space of belonging, inclusion, equity, and diversity, where everyone who walks our halls knows that they are welcomed, seen, and valued. Gateway is a place where lifelong friendships begin and grow, even as our students learn how to navigate the challenge of changing friendships over the years. I am eager to get to know your family, your child, and your story, and I look forward to sharing our story with you. Welcome!
Warm regards,
Laurie A. Gruhn Head of School
THE Gateway DIFFERENCE
THE Student DIFFERENCE
At The Gateway School, our tailored teaching approaches are designed to meet the unique needs of each child.
How We Help:
• Language-Based Learning Differences: Support for dyslexia and reading/writing difficulties.
• Communication Challenges: Strategies for expressive and receptive language delays.
• Attention-Deficits (ADHD): Techniques to enhance focus and engagement.
• Executive Function Disorder: Tools to improve organization and task management.
THE Program DIFFERENCE
At Gateway, we know that language is the key to learning. Every subject and social interaction is enriched through effective communication. In our small, supportive classes, students thrive and gain essential skills.
Why Choose Gateway?
• Be Seen and Heard: Every student is valued and recognized.
• Build Confidence: Encouragement fosters self-assurance and resilience.
• Experience Success: Tailored support leads to academic achievements.
• Develop Lifelong Friendships: Students connect and communicate.
• Feel Safe: A nurturing environment promotes learning.
• Become Strategic Learners: Students master effective learning techniques.
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Orton-Gillingham Reading
The Hochman Writing Method
Singapore Math
Integrated Executive Function and Study Skills Instruction
Myself as a Learner: Social Development Program
1:1 Chromebooks
All subjects at Gateway are integrated with language and literacy skills, including:
For a full academic overview, please visit our website at www.gatewayschool.org/academics
THE Program DIFFERENCE (continued)
Gateway students come to our school with distinct academic, language, and social needs. At the same time, they are young people who are growing and developing and deserve a rich experience beyond the academic program. Gateway offers an enriching student life:
ATHLETICS ARTS
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
FIELD TRIPS AND OVERNIGHTS
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
“My son struggles with learning disabilities, but he is bright, he just learns differently. As I navigated the next step in his education, I found our miracle, The Gateway School. In the little time my son has been at Gateway, he is thriving!”
- Gateway Parent
THE Faculty DIFFERENCE
Highly qualified teachers, specialists, and therapists come together at Gateway to transform the lives of students and their families. Our faculty and staff:
• Employ intentional, consistent instruction and expectations across subjects and classes so students can master their learning.
• Participate in an ongoing, intellectually challenging training program.
• Have expertise in special education, language, literacy, and social development
• Hold advanced degrees in teaching, special education, and related content.
• Believe each student can learn when receiving appropriate and effective research-based instruction
• Partner with parents
• Possess a love of teaching
SPECIALISTS
Speech-Language
Occupational Therapy
Math
Literacy/Reading
Social-Emotional
“I was in tears sitting in my car during my child’s conference. I am very thankful for the teachers and cannot believe the progress my child has made this year - particularly with his work ethic and completion of assignments. I credit all of this success to his teachers.”
- Gateway Parent
THE Community DIFFERENCE
At Gateway, we believe that families are essential partners in a child’s education. From the moment you apply, you’re welcomed into a supportive community where parents play a vital role in their child’s growth and success.
The Gateway Parents Association (PA), a volunteer-run organization, has been at the heart of this partnership, fostering a strong connection among parents, students, and the school.
By joining our community, you’ll help create a nurturing environment that empowers not only your child but the entire Gateway family.
MODERN FACILITIES
FOR 21st CENTURY LEARNING
Literacy Center
State-of-the-Art Auditorium
Gymnasium
Science Labs
Art Room
Music Room
Dining Hall
Light-Filled Classrooms
Flexible Spaces
“Our child’s attitude and relationship with school has completely changed. In a short amount of time her confidence as a student has blossomed, and she is excited to share what she’s learned. It’s SO fulfilling to have a comprehensive curriculum address the way she learns and to watch her light turn on as a student.”
- Gateway Parent
THE Community DIFFERENCE (continued)
In small classes and as members of a diverse and inclusive community, Gateway students experience academic and social success, recognize their strengths, and are empowered to become independent learners
THE Gateway Alum DIFFERENCE
At Gateway, we do more than prepare your child for academic success—we equip them with the skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in any path they choose. Our graduates have excelled in fields like entrepreneurship, the arts, education, finance, and government, often crediting Gateway for the transformative education that shaped their journey. By creating personalized strategies that align with each student’s unique learning style, we empower them to become confident self-advocates, independent thinkers, and individuals with a strong work ethic.
“Gateway was an incredibly formative experience for me. I find it difficult to put into words how Gateway changed my life; stepping into my classroom the first day was the first time I felt seen and understood and not redacted to the sum of my learning difficulties.”
- Gateway Alum
Below is a list of schools to which Gateway’s graduates have been accepted in recent years.
Independent Schools:
New York City
Bay Ridge Preparatory School
The Birch Wathen Lenox School
Brooklyn Friends School
The Browning School
The Calhoun School
The Churchill School & Center
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School
The Dwight School
Fordham Preparatory School
Grace Church School
Mary McDowell Friends School
Rudolf Steiner School
SAR
St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School
UNIS (United Nations International School)
The Winchendon School
Winston Preparatory School
Xaverian
Xavier High School
York Prep
Public Schools:
New York City
The Beacon School
The Bronx High School of Science
Independent Schools/Boarding:
Westchester
The Harvey School
The Leffell School
Trinity-Pawling School
Connecticut
The Forman School
The Marvelwood School
Salisbury School
Massachusetts
Eagle Hill School
New Jersey
The Pennington School
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PRODUCED BY: The Gateway Admissions and Advancement Offices
GHP Media Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Interactive Schools
DESIGN: Leroy & Clarkson
PRINTING:
Vinicius Carvalho
This publication was made possible by the generosity of The Brandmeyer Family.
Rooted in Literacy, Growing in Innovation: Celebrating 60 Years of The Gateway School