Gateway School at 126 Eucalyptus Avenue, Santa Cruz, California.

My child has been at Gateway School for four years and has learned and grown so much thanks to the nurturing, professional, dedicated school staff. There is a strong feeling of community at the school along with a sense of wonder and excitement about learning.

I like how the students’ social – emotional needs are addressed through the Ruler program, daily mindfulness practice and also through the caring, compassionate actions of the teachers and staff. They really strive to meet the needs of each individual child. Plus they teach them how to be active learners, how to get along with each other and how to manage their own emotions.

Academically, I’m impressed with how much my child learns and remembers each day. The teachers work hard to make lessons engaging, interactive and challenging. There’s a lot of project-based and hands-on learning. And the art, Lifelab, music, PE and technology programs all help to create an especially engaging school day.

I've been a teacher here at Gateway for more than a decade and this year I became a parent when my son started in Kindergarten. I have a new appreciation for this amazing school and community. Our academics are strong, but above that the care and attention to the emotional lives of the students goes above and beyond. Come and visit us!