Gateway High School

Here's an update to my 2009 freshman "We love Gateway" review. My son is a junior at Gateway. This review is from my perspective; I can only refer to the interactions my son and I have had with his teachers, the Principal, Vice Principal/s and the Executive Director. My son is African American. 99%-100% of the teachers are white and the Principal and Executive Director are white. That shouldn t matter, but it does. The teachers haven t the skills to address the cultural diversity of their students appropriately; therefore, students are negatively misjudged. The teaching is inconsistent; depending on how many students are allowed to disrupt the class and how well the teacher is able to connect and engage them. Over these three years, students have been asked to leave if they re failing, expelled or dropped out. Mostly it seemed to be the African American male students.
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway has phenomenal teachers and staff who are not only well qualified, but continually enthusiastic and actually seem happy to be teaching and working with teens. Sharon Olken provides the kind of leadership that makes a difference in both the culture of the school and the well-being of the students. This truly is the "private school of public schools" offering college counseling, tutoring, a Learning Center, community service, Project Week and many other ways to support and ignite the students. Gateway does an incredible job working with students of all learning styles, and I want to emphasize the 'all' in that sentence. My son is a traditional learner and he is getting a wonderful, rigorous, college prep education. This is not just a school for those with learning differences. It's a school that brings out the best in everyone. I highly recommend you visit Gateway (and now Gateway Middle School), and see the enthusiasm, positive culture and possibility for your child to thrive and have attend college.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are really great and actually enjoy what they're teaching. Gateway is a small school that really prepares you for college.
—Submitted by a parent

A small successful college prep charter school in an urban environment with 95-100% of the students graduating and going to college-what's not to like?!
—Submitted by a parent

Hands down, it's the teachers. They make the subjects fun and interesting for the students. They are creative, smart, and work well together.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the others. The teachers and staff are the heart of the the school. They make learning interesting which motivates the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway is extraordinary in many ways, but perhaps most illustrative is this -- its student population contains four times as many kids with identified learning differences as other public schools in the area and yet 95% of seniors get accepted into college. Teachers teach to strengths and continually seek ways to make all students successful.
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway High, from its foundation of serving students with the highest level of educational standards, has proven worthy of it's name. The dedication of the Principal, Staff, Teachers and Parents, strive to provide their Students with the necessary tools to guide them towards graduation. Yes, we have the Spirit, yet the challenge is still an effort each year to raise the funds. However, the students make all the difference...
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway High School has proven itself to be a school worthy of recognition in academic excellence. Small class size, dedicated teachers that know their students and a warm and supportive parent community and staff all lead to a school where students succeed and are prepared for the next challenges and steps in their life.
—Submitted by a parent

What a fantastic high school experience for my son. He had good grades at his middle school-a 3.85 GPA, along with some of his close friends. He recently got together with those friends who are at (Lowell) and had 4.0 GPA's upon their arrival there. They now have 2.80, 3.10, and 2.50 GPA's, so far this year. They feel discouraged. I'm so glad my student is at Gateway, they ease the kids in and build up to tougher classes and more work, the kids are encouraged and nurtured. The teachers are top notch and this makes a huge difference, they are always available to students and parents. My son is on the high honors roll within the first semester, he's proud of himself and just wants to keep it up. No parent can ask for more. Go Gateway!
—Submitted by a parent

The heart and soul of respect.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel fortunate to have our son at Gateway. The small school and advisor program is a perfect fit to him and our family. I can't say enough about the dedicated and creative teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway has allowed my child to really become empowered. She was taught the art of note taking as well as two SAT prep training classes. Upon graduation she was accepted into 12 or more colleges. I as a parent has alway felt welcomed in the school and all the teachers had an open door policy. I would recommend any parent to look into this school. Gateway was great for our family. Thanks GWH.
—Submitted by a parent

Until he enrolled at Gateway, my son spent most of his school career trying to find reasons to stay home. As a gifted LD kid, he was frustrated with the one-size-fits-all approach he found at his elementary and middle schools, and never learned how to navigate within his own limitations without being made to feel he was a disappointment. This has changed over the past two years. Gateway has small classes and good teachers who hold students accountable, and there is a tremendous support system for anyone who struggles; students are given responsibility for their own learning and are provided with the information and resources they need to succeed. From the beginning, it is made clear that we all have limitations and that everyone is different, but that we must extend ourselves to meet high standards. I'm very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Gateway since 9th grade and will graduate this year. We are more than pleased with her experience. She's had exceptional teachers and made good friends. The school has limited course choices and a dearth of after school activities but all that is offered is top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Gateway. I feel very fortunate that he was accepted to Gateway. It has small class size coupled with an intense academic curriculum. The kids get to know there teachers and classmates. It is a safe campus enviroment too. Go Gators!
—Submitted by a parent

i went to gateway high school and i found it to be a very good school but they need to work on their attendance and making sure the kids family lives are okay maybe its not always you business but sometimes you just look the other way
—Submitted by anna, a former student

Presidio Middle is a very strong school in a friendly neighborhood. It has great teachers who are always there for your child if he/she needs help. It also has different sport and music programs. PTA does a lot of work. My only concern that the school is very big but this probably relates to all public schools in SF. Overall rating is very good.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My student feels safe and likes the school a lot. I am happy my child goes here. The teachers are very helpful. This is like a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Gateway is a great school and has a good college preparatory program ,however, my only concern is that they do not have a PE Class and I have to look for a gym to put my kid so she will be able to fulfill the hours needed for PE for graduation.They have a good art classes and has encouraged my daughter to take art classes at the academy of arts for high school students. I just hope that next year they will be able to add some PE classes some I would not be paying gym fees which is so expensive. Overall, it is a great school, teachers are approachable and helpful to their students.
—Submitted by a parent