Founded in 1957, Gateway is a
nonpublic, special education school for children ages three to twelve who have speech, language or communication disabilities. We provide small, self-contained classes with a low pupil-teacher
ratio
and no more than nine students per class. The
school operates as an eleven-month program.
We recognize the critical role
everyone involved in a child’s life plays in a child’s success. Gateway actively promotes open communication, shares information, and
strives to provide emotional and educational support through our open-door
observation policy, parent-teacher organization, parent-support groups, family
educational workshops, multi-disciplinary teams and case management teams.
We are approved by the Maryland
State Department of Education and meet the criteria for non-public tuition
assistance. We also accept
private-pay students.
About
Gateway School
Our mission is to improve the lives
of our students by developing their speech, language, hearing, social
communication, cognitive and academic potential. Our goal is to help each child reach his or her potential so that he/she
may transition into a less restrictive and/or inclusive educational environment.
Our School believes that establishing the foundation for lifelong learning
in the early years helps children become productive contributors in society when
they mature.
Is
Gateway School the right place for my child?
Determining the best school for
your child is one of the most important decisions you face. Getting to the decision is a journey each family makes one step at a
time. Here at Gateway, we believe
the first step in making this decision is to meet the people responsible for
helping your child succeed. We
encourage parents to visit, meet the staff, walk the halls your child will walk,
observe classes, and experience first-hand the environment where your child will
spend many important hours.
The next step, the admissions
process, begins with a referral from a parent or legal guardian and a physician,
professional, or local educational agency through your child’s Individualized
Education Program (IEP). Your child’s
records – medical, school and related services – and application will be closely
reviewed by our admissions team. Comprised
of experienced Gateway teachers and therapists, the team may ask for additional
screenings or assessments before making an admissions decision. Throughout the process we will keep you informed and are eager to answer
your questions whenever they arise.
Our program serves children with speech, language, or communication
disabilities which may be related to: Autistic Spectrum Disorders (e.g. PDD,
Aspergers); emotional/behavior
problems related to a communication disability; Deafness/Hard of Hearing;
Developmental Delay secondary to communication disability; Other Health
Impairments including, but not limited to, ADHD, Asthma, and Seizure Disorder.
Classes
and Curriculum
Half-Day & Full-Day
Preschool classes emphasize language and social skills development
integrated with fine and gross motor, cognitive and self-help skills and include
directed play, sensory group acttivities, readiness activities, art, free choice
activities, and motor play.
Full-Day Non-graded primary classes classes provide a full range of academic, language, and social
skills programs. Emphasis is placed
upon refining and expanding language skills that, in turn, support developmental
and academic skills. Specialized,
multi-sensory approaches and strategies further develop reading, writing, math,
and spelling skills.
We also provide further
enrichment programs such as computer instruction, music classes, field trips,
library, structured language groups and adapted gymnastics. Classrooms are equipped with FM systems to meet both whole group and
individual needs.
Growing
Even Better . . .
Gateway School, along with all of The
Hearing and Speech Agency’s programs, has recently relocated to a
state-of-the-art facility at Seton Business Park in Baltimore City.
The new building exemplifies our commitment to the students’ needs by providing
additional and better-equipped therapy rooms, classrooms, playground,
gymnasium and much more.
