The NewGate-Field School

Last May a parent wrote a review critical of the school's leadership. NewGate was, and continues to be an excellent school. It lost its way for a time, in part because of the economy, but also because there was a strong perception that NewGate was drifting from its Montessori roots. Independent schools must have a very clear identity and offer an educational experience that is distinctly different from what is found in other schools. In 2010, NewGate's board asked the Montessori Foundation to take the school under its wing as its Lab School. NewGate is once again under the same leadership that originally developed the school into one of the best known independent Montessori schools in the US. Montessori does not appeal to every family, but it works! When done without compromise, it prepares students exceptionally well for both university and for life.NewGate sees each student as an individual, not a number. It teaches students to think deeply, enjoy the process of discovery, and find their own voice. The school is a community of people who share common values. This is the sort of school that most of us wish we could have attended. Come see for yourself.
—Submitted by a teacher

Very poor leadership here. They have a new headmaster now... and I believe it has perhaps even merged with another school (?) or something to that effect. I wish them better success. Montessori is definitely a great approach to high school academics and self esteem.--this school just needed some real leadership with some more vision. Perhaps they have it now. Love the idea of Montessori. Wish I had done the same with my son when he was younger, as opposed to traditional public schools. It makes a WORLD of difference. Try montessori based schools. They are not for everyone, but I like the whole idea and think it helps build self esteem as opposed to what they very often do in the public schools ( often tear down any self esteem).
—Submitted by a parent

At the heart of this school is a community of teachers, parents and leaders who truly care about their students and who are dedicated to the Montessori philosophy. You will not fully understand this approach until you have spent time in a classroom observing. Take an hour out of your day to see what it's all about. I am so proud to be a New Gate-Field School parent!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending The NewGate-Field School for the last three years. I can't say enough about the quality of the education he's received. The schools commitment to helping each child reach their own potential is truly commendable. Montessori's focus on self-control and self-respect make for a wonderful, kind and nurturing environment. We are very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

NewGate-Field is one of the best known Montessori schools in the USA. It serves as the model school of the Moontessori Foundation (www.montessori.org). It offers an authentic Montessori program from the infant-toddler level through secondary Its curriculum is international, and its graduates speak to its success. The culture of the school is warm and close-knit. Fundraising is deemphasized, and the school attracts a diverse and very committed parent community.
—Submitted by a teacher

There are so many wonderful aspects of New Gate School that it is hard to sum up in a few short words. My child has been attending New Gate since 2003. The teachers, staff and community are amazing. The environment at New Gate is safe, secure, peaceful, facilitates learning and encourages children to respect and help one another. When observing the children in the classrooms it is wonderful to see how happy and confident they are. If you are looking for a school that provides superior academic, social and emotional needs for your child then New Gate is the place for you!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children who have attended New Gate School since they were 2 and 3 years old. They are now in upper elementary classes and my son is looking forward to joining the First Cycle (7th grade) class in the fall. The sense of community from teachers, administration and families is wonderful. The ability for each child to learn how to learn, plan, research, communicate, collaborate, and enjoy the experience will forever benefit them and the world around them as they develop into adults who can do wonderful and creative things. As my children have grown in the Montessori environment, I've appreciated this opportunity even more than when we first joined in 2000. I look forward to continuing our education experience with New Gate School and seeing the enthusiasm with which the children learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Respect, Responsibility, resourcefulness. Three additional R's that are taught at New Gate School that adheres to the concept of not just focusing on academics but educating the whole child. Character,inner drive, motivation, esteem, independence, conflict resolution, social skills and confidence are developed throughout the entire program. Children have no 'fear of failure' - if the problem doesn't work they go back a few steps to see where it went wrong. Students are encouraged to take calculated risks in trying out new concepts. From first grade on, students are given their weekly work plan in which they need to individually time manage their week versus a teacher telling them what to do when. All these skills are adherent to the Montessori progam and areappreciated by our college daughter who informed us that she is amazed at how few friends in college have developed these skills.
—Submitted by a parent

There us no other school like New Gate in Sarasota. The students in the elementary grades are given lessons in chemistry, biology, algebra, geometry, history of the universe and the history of life on earth. Not only are the students held to an advanced academic standard, but they are encouraged to find their passion, manage their time, and pursue their interests. New Gate has an excellent Spanish, Music, Art, and PE program. There are after school activities in Art, Chess, Athletics and Performing Arts. All the elementary students are given a chance to perform in an annual Musical. Teachers spend 3 years with the children allowing them to truly understand and assist each child on his or her path to excellence. Teachers plant seeds and inspire wonder at the marvels the universe holds. I cannot imagine why anyone would send their son or daughter anywhere else.
—Submitted by a teacher

What a great experience our 12 yr old son, Elliot, has benefited wonderfully since coming to New Gate. We moved from Northern California in 2003 and have watched caring teachers execute a balanced program of academics and personal development.
—Submitted by a parent

Our 7 yr old daughter has been a New Gate for 4 years now and we could not be happier with the experience. New Gate is about helping children understand that personal reward comes with accomplishment not simply test scores. It teaches children that there's no greater reward than feeling good about what they doing or accomplishing and having them feel skilled and competent in the lessons that they are taught. New Gate Students learn how to think for themselves, and understand how to solve problems. With New Gate is more about the process, and not so much about the results that they see on a test paper. To be quite honest, if it were not for New Gate we would be forced to home school our children.
—Submitted by a parent

As the involved grandparent of 2 students with a combined 15 years of New Gate education, I can't even find the words to express the joy I find in the bright, confident and kind people they are becoming. The school community is like family, the teachers are amazing and I feel they are being prepared for whatever the future holds for them. The tuition is high, but what better gift can you give your children than a love of life and a love of learning.

As a former parent of 3 children that attended New Gate for 5 years, I have to say the school is very disappointing in several aspects. One, it's in the middle of nowhere. Two, it has LAME facilities and almost no sports, music or after school programs. It basically reminds me of a little house on the h prairie homeschool environment. Some teachers are good, many we experienced were just average. After having moved my children to a NEW private school, I was shocked to discover how far BEHIND they were. I paid over $100k to this school to end up having to pay for tutoring for my kids every day just to be 'average' at their new school. I think Montessori is great for 6 and under...but if you're looking for a college preparatory environment, this isn't it. School has constant financial problems, leadership problems...etc..
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children at New Gate using both campuses! We love the education our children are receiving in the elementary (6-9yr) age group and the primary (3-6yr) age group. There is no better school to prepare our children for the challenges that they will face down the road. What more can you ask for when your children want to go to school, are learning at an advanced level and love to learn no matter where they are. You are surrounded by other families that know this approach works better than the traditional education, and support the school through volunteering. The school just started an activities program, added a reading coordinator this year. The tuition is on par with other area schools, but the more you know about Maria Montessori and her approach, this is the best deal out there!
—Submitted by Kerri, a parent

Our child has attended New Gate since he was 18 months old, he is 5 now. All I can say is when your child wakes up on the weekends and will ask to go to school you know you have found a great environment. He has accelerated in all aspects of learning because at New Gate they grow with your child and no one is left behind. Yes, we all know the tuition is high but you tell me what private school is not? My Husband and I agree you cannot put a 'price' on a great education!
—Submitted by Burke & Dini Russell, a parent

The New Pricipal's Leadership is incredible. The teachers and staff are some of the best I have ever experienced. The teacher's excitment and enthausiasm is contagious, it makes parents want to be involved, and students want to go to class. Every level at New Gate is one of the Best Programs Sarasota has to offer. The thing that is memorable after a visit to the campus is the quality of students. Their respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness speaks volumns. NG academic programs are challenging and interesting and teach the studnet to think and apply the knowledge. I like the fact they can progress at their own pace in their areas of strength. I am confident this education will prepare my sons for the world. I like the fact they like school and like to learn. It is a safe campus that allows a 12 year old to be 12.
—Submitted by Carolyn, a parent

New Gate is a wonderful school, from the toddler level right on up to high school. The children are happy to go to school - and that, in my experience, is very rare. The teachers are exceptional, with a very long average tenure, and my three children are thriving in an environment that is stress-free. New Gate teaches thinking and reasoning, not rote memorization. It is arguably the only true gifted program in Sarasota, by truly allowing all children to perform up to their own level, not merely at an accelerated rate. Responsibiltiy, respect and resourcefulness are the Montessori cornerstones of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

All of our children have grown beautifully and benefited tremendously at New Gate. We find the staff to be enormously talented, the curriculum ideally suited to teaching young minds how to learn, and overall rate is as the best value today. If New Gate didn't exist, someone would have to start it! We're so glad it's there for our family.
—Submitted by Jimmy Dean, a parent

All 3 of my kids attend at full price. Forget about the politics and focus on the what is good for the kids and you will find that this is the finest education and start in life you can give a child. I am constantly in awe at what and how my kids learn and jelous that I did not receive an education like this. I can't say enough good!
—Submitted by Andrew Marlowe, a parent

Fabulous academics; very strong all the way through high school. Experiential learning is the focus and it shows. My kids really KNOW things, they didn't just learn them to pass the tests. Parental involvement is impressive. So is the close family feel of the school. This is more than a school; it is a community. For those of us whose extended family lives elsewhere, it is the village that raises our children. Excellent arts at all age levels. Good music and theatre programs, although at the secondary level some improvement is still needed. The selection of sports is somewhat limited, but the culture is one of athleticism and almost all kids participate in the sports that are available. Healthy minds, hearts, and bodies are what you find here. Especially in the secondary level, the community service program is outstanding. Unbeatable.
—Submitted by Lynn McGonagill, a parent