Learning Gate Community School

We are finishing our 2nd year at Learning Gate after leaving a traditional public school. So far we just love the teachers and experience in general. I have one over achiever and one with A.D.D. Both of my kids just love the school and are doing exceptionally well. They both love the amount of time they spend outside during the day. The campus is beautiful. Most of the land is in it's natural state and the school uses the grounds as an opportunity to teach. In addition to academics, the school has an environmental theme. My children are learning all about recycling and composting. They collect rain water and grow gardens. Learning is very hands-on. They are planning to build a high school a couple miles away from the current campus. I noticed the comment about the principle being unapproachable, we have had the exact opposite experience. Usually when I go on campus she is in the office area and is always very friendly. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

My parents put me in this school for daycare before I was even a year old and I attended until 8th grade. Overall I had a mixed experience here, the elementary and pre-school were great in my opinion but once you hit middle school things start going downhill. After 5th grade we no longer got any physical education, the administration started to make promises that were never fulfilled, and their 'project based learning' is just a big waste of time that the students used to finish homework they didn't do and play on the computer rather than making actual projects. Among other things they have terrible planning skills when it comes to expanding and I had to spend an entire year with class in the cafeteria because they had nowhere else to put us. I spent 14 years at this school and they didn't even give the 8th graders a proper graduation because they're opening their own high school which is also poorly planned out as far as space goes.The lack of loyalty they show is extremely saddening. If I were to do it all again I don't think I'd stick around for middle school.

I have 2 children at LG, and it's a mixed bag. As previous reviewers have said, not every school is ideal for every child. The school doesn't emphasize academics, and my gifted children are generally bored from an academic standpoint. We've also encountered problems with bullying, and the current principal is either unwilling or unable to put a stop to it. She is generally unapproachable and uninterested in receiving any parental input. The administration disbanded the parent association two years ago, which says a lot. None of my children's teachers have done much to differentiate instruction for the varying academic needs of their students, but I've heard that there are teachers who do so. Our personal experience has been that the school caters largely to students with special needs (behavioral issues, ADD, etc.) at the expense of the other students. LG offers no foreign language, no music, and no art until 4th grade. PE is 2x/week, and garden and environmental education are 1x/week. The campus is amazing, and most teachers genuinely care about their students. I like that the school is small, but wish that academics were a higher priority. Pls do your homework before you come!
—Submitted by a parent

After several years in Pasco public schools, my kids were lucky enough to be accepted into Learning Gate and Gates. My kids went from seeing school as an obligatory chore to looking forward to what exciting lesson they will experience each day. I love that my kids are learning more than reading and writing here and that are becoming responsible stewards of their environment. The transformation in just 2 years has been amazing to watch and I am so excited about the interesting and wonderful people my kids are becoming with the nurturing and positive influence from Learning Gate and Gates. We feel blessed to be a part of this school community.
—Submitted by a parent

Way over rated and not parent friendly. Not very sure how much of a quality education my child got as the teacher was fresh out of college and did not seem to have a clue as to how to explain material. If you are just looking to segregate your child in a non diverse and homogeneous environment, then this is for you. Be prepared to pay an extra price for this "public" school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attends Learning Gate since 2nd Grades. This school is great fit for him who loves nature and wants to be a marine biologist. When it comes to education, one shoe does not fit all. This school is not regular public school or private school. Learning Gate's achievements as a school speaks a lot, but unfortunately all publicity and recognitions make parents want to send theirs children without doing homework - do your research, understand what kind of learning fits your child. I am sad to see negative comments on this site, most of them are caused by lacking of parent's research. One of the comment especially caught my eyes : "I graduated this year and am glad to be leaving after 9 yrs". What were her parents thinking? Sending her to the school she does not like for 9 yrs when other options were available? WHY??? If you are looking for a school your child thrive, you need to do homework. Children do not lean or thrive if learning is not fun. Do not expect the school does what you wish for. Involvement of parents makes difference no matter which school your child attends.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for years until we moved. My daughter also attened for a time. Most of the teachers are very good, but there are some that could use some people skills. The homework is minimal in elementary, which I appreciated. The kids loved school. That is my reason for 5 starts more than anything...they get the kids to love learning (which should be a goal of every school). Volunteer hours are required so parents are involved, but I think many would be anyway. It is a good environment for the most part..."good" influences on my children. Aftercare is not good (only 2 stars for it). Unless you have to, do not put your kids in LG aftercare program. The kids are mostly on their own with little structure and passive supervision. The office staff is also not helpful, and parents have this is common (and chat about it frequently). Even with borderline emergency situations, the staff is not helpful. That said, I would enroll my kids there again in a heartbeat because they learn an adequate amount (I have gifted kids and they do get bored because they aren't always challenged) -- but they LOVE it there.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is bad the teachers are bad and also to much work for a high schooler
—Submitted by a parent

Don't believe all the hype. My children have attended Learning Gate and Gates for the past several years. The school is more concerned about being "Green" and receiving accolades than anything else. They even make the children bring home their garbage in their lunchbox. No trash cans for students but, yes for teachers. They have no gym and no sports (neither does Gates). They wait for donations to buy necessary materials but, have no problem spending the money elsewhere like a "Green" building. All of the older comments about the principal are correct. However, the new principal is much better. The downside is that the old principal (and founder) still advises and has a say in everything. She is the most unfriendly, rude and ungrateful person. Pressure is put on parents and children to donate to their annual giving campaign. A high number of parenting hours are required. Bullying is out of hand. It's not at all what their loyal followers say.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at L.G. My children just love the entire school experience. I love how much time they spend outside and engaged in hands-on learning. The Principle is very personable and really seems to listen to parental input. I highly recommend L.G. to anyone looking for a better learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

The open and nurturing environment of this school is incredible. I appreciate all the communication between the teachers and myself. They are continually open to different ideas and sincerely want whats best for my child. I also love the ability to serve in a variety ways, lunchroom, library, in the classroom or during PE.
—Submitted by a parent

EVERYTHING kids need for a well-rounded, thoughtful, and holistic foundation. Including incomprehensible amounts of parent-involvement compared to 99% of public, private, & other charte schools) WOW
—Submitted by a parent

I have never seen a school as great as this one is. Looking forward for more of my grandchildren to go here...

Amazing, caring, knowledgeable teachers who meet individualized student needs with patience, heart, and skill. Students garden, have recess daily, PE twice each week, on-campus library time, cross-class teaching and learning, & after school clubs. Most importantly to my children is the outdoor educational experiences, their favorite! Mr. Jim, the Environmental Education Director, makes this learning fun, engaging, and uniquely enlightening. My children love everything about LG -- the teachers, the principal, the curriculum, and the other children (most of whom they know even outside of their particular class and grade). Overall, Learning Gate cultivates a loving, generous, warm community where children learn far more than just what is in any book; they learn about environmental sustainability, about communal responsibility, about tolerance and compassion; they learn about themselves and each other, and about the importance of contributing to the world around them. Not a traditional approach or experience in any way. If you are open to progressive, unique approaches to education and learning, you will absolutely love Learning Gate (and if you're not, you probably won't).
—Submitted by a parent

I have a new Kindergartner this year and another child who has been here several years. This year the eldest child has Science, Art, PE, Library and Garden in addition to their regular studies. They also are focusing on spelling for each student, picking out words they misspell during writing plus common misspelled words and during Library, they are learning to pick out books that are appropriate to their reading level and to challenge themselves. These are all things we work on at home and my eldest has thrived in this environment and the youngest has been chomping at the bit all summer to get started. They staff and administration have always been great in reaching out and fostering a great learning environment for the kids. I love this school and due to our praises, we've had 2 other families move their kids from schools here and another 4/5 are trying to get in.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my children's third year at Learning Gate and I have been very pleased. The new Principal is super nice and even the kids love her! She is out on the campus often greets everyone with a smile.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 4th year at LG and we have 2 children there currently. Our wonderful curriculum specialist became the principal last school year and has made many noticeable improvements not only to the physical campus but to the welcoming attitude and general organization/running of the school. Ms. Mason is a breath of fresh air! Her warmth and constant presence/visability at the school has made a world of difference. My kids continue to learn and grow not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and morally as well. If all our schools embodied the social responsibility both directly and indirectly taught at LG, our country would be a far better place. A previous post indicated that LG "does not babysit parents" and this is true--as it should be! LG has proved a wonderful partner with whom to raise our children!
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding Gates Middle School, the PBL (project based learning) experience has been a very stressing experience for both my child and myself. We loved LG and Gates until the PBL. It is sad to be leaving. My children and I have made many longtime friends. We would continue to Gates had it not been for PBL.
—Submitted by a parent

One disgruntled parent does not define the school s success, in my opinion. As far as Project Based Learning, it is a learning curve for students and parents alike. It seems like the this style of learning did not work for his/her child, but doesn t mean it doesn t work at all, I know many happy parents.

We are still enamoured with Learning Gate seven years later. It might not be a fit for everyone and to those I wish a fond farewell!
—Submitted by a parent