Gateway Academy provides a specialized education for boys and girls aged 5 to 19 with Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-nos, and associated disorders. It is our intent to encourage all of our students to thrive effectively within an ever demanding and complex society. Students have ambitions to live and work as self-reliant adults, and we assist these students to reach their goals with continued support, structure, and guidance.
The focus of the whole school approach is in three core areas: education, independence and integration. Based on these core areas we provide individual, child-centered programs which recognize individual abilities and strengths, and help students reach their full potential.
We provide:
• Individual education, socialization and communication programs
• Broad curriculum with nationally accredited qualifications
• Support strategies for self-management of anxieties and independence
• Structured learning within a positive, safe environment
• Preparation for further/higher education and employment
• Access to a range of specialized therapies
• A stepping stone to self-reliance and essential skills for independent living
The school operates a year round program from July - May of each year and can provide placements for up to 60 students.
Gateway Academy Education.
Gateway Academy provides a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum, including an Arizona State Standards Based Curriculum, relevant to the needs of students with Asperger's Syndrome and associated conditions.
Our curriculum is adapted to take into account the cognitive learning styles of students with Asperger's Syndrome, who often have considerable strengths in the area of visual cognition, yet need structured support for development in other areas. These include:
• Communication
• Social interaction
• Imaginative and flexible thinking
• Organization, planning and problem solving
Many students with Asperger's Syndrome are academically very able and the academy is passionate about educational achievement. Every student has an individual program structured through their individual education plan (IEP), which is determined upon completing yearly assessments. This is monitored and reviewed quarterly to ensure that attainable goals are being set and measured; strengths are played to; and full potential is being met.
Classes are grouped according to chronological age and ability with a maximum of six students per class. Individualized teaching is necessary for some students in certain subjects and additional support is provided where required.
Gateway Academy employs all learning modalities such as visual, auditory, manipulatives, and experiential situations as learning opportunities. We have a high expectation of success at the academy where students will graduate and go on to a post secondary program. Supported by staff, students learn to deal with their communication difficulties and social behavior through experimentation, reflection and practice, and go on to develop strategies for maximizing their strengths and abilities.
Education is continued beyond the normal school day with additional after school sessions in independent living skills, music, and indoor/outdoor activities.
Gateway Academy Support.
Students with Asperger's Syndrome can pose particular challenges in school and the community as they find it difficult to 'read' the minds of and interpret the language of everyday social situations. Students with a very poor social understanding are frequently vulnerable, requiring an empathetic, caring environment in which to gain vital communication and social skills. All faculty and staff are trained to work specifically with students on the autistic spectrum and will provide valuable support in a safe, caring, fun and friendly environment.
Gateway faculty provide support to students within the academic setting and expand on their learning throughout the day providing regular opportunities to rehearse independent living skills. Students are encouraged to work together to make their school a friendly, fun place to be, as their home away from home. Our faculty are crucial to our students' success. They accompany them for significant periods of each day, both in and out of teaching sessions, and are constantly looking for a balance between supporting and setting realistic challenges.
