Gateway Academy

Established in 2005, Gateway Academy is the only not for profit private day school in the State of Arizona specializing in a pure population of students, who are diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, and students who are Twice Exceptional..
We provide an evironment that helps our students feel safe, heard, and supported.
Differentiating the curriculum is implemented for all of our students, and AP and Honors classes are offered for students, who want academic rigor.
Our intent is to deliver the highest level of education and care according to their individual needs in a safe, positive, and structured environment, where every student can achieve the best possible outcome, in order to offer a complete integration of education, socialization, and therapy. Check us out online: www.gatewayacademy.us

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked AZ School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 114 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $29,000
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Gateway Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Any difference requiring differentiated education.
Year Founded
2005
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
114 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Gateway Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
3 courses
Advanced Courses
AP English Literature, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Sensory Sensitive

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition includes: Sensory Group; Social Group; Counseling; Equine Therapy, Digital & Instrumental Music, Relationship Based Program
Summer Program Cost
$1,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost is per Session.
% on Financial Aid
98%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$29,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Bernadette Villaverde
Admissions Associate
O. Robin Sweet

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After School Rock Band, Art Club, Boss Club, Chess Club Club, Competitive Gaming Club, Drama Club, Engineering & Inventions Club, Geek Squad, Movie & Music Club, Nerf Wars & Retro Club, Virtual Reality Club

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Unified Sports

School Notes

  • The program at Gateway Academy is rooted in our mission and educational philosophy. What we learn, how we learn, what we value, and how we live in a community are vital questions as we seek to educate the mind, body, spirit, and character of our students. This unique approach weaves academics, wellness, and activities into a cohesive curriculum that emphasizes the practice of social skills as the link connecting each student to the school community.
  • At Gateway, we believe that a safe and supportive environment is the best foundation for academic and personal growth. It is important that each of us develops the skills and habits to create and maintain this community. It is just as important that the community respect and nurture each individual. Our Honor Code provides the philosophical foundation for our community. Throughout our curriculum, we discuss and build skills in conflict resolution, collaboration, and group dynamics. This gives us a common language and shared expectations that shape our behavior for life.
  • Students come to Gateway Academy seeking a different approach to learning, often because they have been frustrated in their previous school experiences. Our intent is to rebuild self-esteem, rekindle curiosity, and encourage the risk-taking necessary for learning. Our belief is that no single method of instruction is effective for every student. Instead, we must evaluate teaching strategies and match them with each student`s individual learning style.Education is more than memorization of basic facts and preparation for tests. While many of our students have a strong rote memory, recall alone is not sufficient to function well in school or in life. Similarly, advanced reading decoding skills must be supported with strong comprehension skills. Learning begins with identifying, organizing, and evaluating relevant information. Then, we ask our students to take the important next step to apply what they have learned, encouraging them to solve problems and face challenges with creativity and confidence.
  • Gateway Academy offers students an academic curriculum that is challenging and structured; rich in its academic offerings, and nurturing in its approach to fostering personal growth, responsibility, and independence. The Gateway community: students, faculty, staff, and families, alike, work collaboratively to help students discover and develop their individual gifts and strengths, become self-advocates, and realize their full potential. A safe, thoughtfully prepared sensory sensitive environment encourages mutual trust, respect, and acceptance among those in its school community.
  • Gateway Academy was founded in 2005 by O. Robin Sweet and Dr. Thomas Bloom, as a 501c3 not for profit corporation. We are an approved 6th-12th Grade Private Day School by the Arizona Department of Education. AdvancEd accredited. School of Excellence awarded 2006-Presentby theNational Association of Special Education Teachers.Chapter of the National Honor Society. School Choice Leadership Award 2016. National School Choice Proclamations from Governor Doug Ducey and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Gateway Academy cost?
Gateway Academy's tuition is approximately $29,000 for private students and $1,000 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Gateway Academy?
The acceptance rate of Gateway Academy is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 88%. Gateway Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Arizona with low acceptance rates.
Does Gateway Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Gateway Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Gateway Academy offer?
Gateway Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Equestrian, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Winter Track. Gateway Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for most sports offered.
What is Gateway Academy's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Gateway Academy?
The application deadline for Gateway Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Gateway Academy located?
Gateway Academy is located in the Paradise Valley Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 17 other private schools located in Paradise Valley Village.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
Prior to attending Gateway, our son was being bullied and teased at the public school. The class sizes were large and overwhelming. He was so continuously anxious that he fell behind in academics. It had also taken quite an emotional toll. It was heartbreaking to watch him struggle and we knew we had to find an alternative. A friend recommended Gateway because of her son`s positive experience. On his very first day at Gateway, he said, "Thank you so much for finding this school. I love it here." He`s now in his fourth year here and looks forward to school every day. The staff, educators, and therapists here are so amazing and we truly know they have all the students' best interests at heart. They have a unique, ingenious approach to educating the students while also working on life skills. Our son is back to his outgoing, happy self and his confidence has been restored because he has found a school where truly belongs.
- Posted by
5  
We are overwhelmingly grateful to have found the Gateway Academy. The journey to get here was long, a little exhausting, but totally worth it - and our son is finally where he needs to be, a place where he belongs, for his best possible future. We knew from the moment we stepped inside that we had found "home." We`ve seen our son grow more in his first week of 6th grade than we did his entire 5th-grade year at his previous school. Thank you, ALL of you, who supported us along the way. We are so proud to now be a part of the "Gateway Village." CHEERS TO 6TH GRADE!
- Posted by
5  
Gateway has been a great school for our middle schoolers. This is our second year attending and staff have been just as wonderful as last year. The curriculum is on par with what we were looking for for our child. I would say that it`s a cross between what I have found at ASD-focused schools and public schools. We have been able to communicate with all staff effectively and support both them and our child. We enjoy that the school offers clubs, extracurriculars, student council, field trips, equine therapy, and peer relationships. At this time this has been the best school fit for our child. We care immensely about the quality of staff and how capable they are of working with our child. Since we have done both public and ASD charter schools we are happy to have found a happy medium for our child. They have a supportive environment with staff and a modified curriculum. I truly appreciate the support we have received this far and our child continues to enjoy each day.
- Posted by
5  
For the first time in over 3 years, my son doesn't hate and dread going to school each and every day. He actually looks forward to it!!!!!!!! Colton is no longer picked on and bullied for being different. Instead, he has been welcomed and accepted by both the faculty and the other students. Colton's biggest challenge now is getting used to the concepts of not being the outcast, and other kids actually being nice and friendly to him instead of cruel and hurtful. As a result of this new learning environment, Colton has already begun to excel in his academics, and his true potential is beginning to be unleashed. A parent's dream comes true!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Gateway.
- Posted by
5  
I was thinking about Gateway, and you specifically, Ms. Robin. I just wanted to really thank you for everything that you did for me. I can now work a full-time job, and I am planning on enlisting in the United States Navy. I have come so far because of Gateway. I love you guys, and Gateway will forever remain in my heart, and I hope one day you will see me at my fullest potential.
- Posted by
5  
As I moved into my ASU dorm the other day, I knew that I wouldn't have made it here without the support of my wonderful teachers, Mr. Chris, Mr. Curt, Mr. Max, Dr. Bloom, and Ms. Robin. Thank you for helping me reach my potential!
- Posted by
5  
I want to give kudos to all of you at Gateway. My son for the first time in 5 years is telling people that he likes school again and is no longer asking me if he "has" to go. When asked about the school by several people including one of his doctors just this past Wednesday, he said he really liked this school. When asked to elaborate my son said the new school was fun and gave full credit to his teachers for making it that way in every subject! He is super excited about the Nerf Club and the opportunity to take Japanese, neither of which were available at his previous schools. Being freed from stressful hours of homework each evening has had a huge impact on our entire family. We are able to spend more quality time with him during the week and he now has had time to have sleepovers on the weekends instead of constantly trying to play catch up from the classwork he was unable to complete throughout the week. You all are making an amazing impact on our lives and I can't thank you guys enough. I hope that you will share this email with your coworkers. Please keep up the good work and don't hesitate to let me know if you need us to assist you in any way.
- Posted by
5  
I hope you are having a good year so far. I have been doing very well in school and I am also enjoying most of my classes. And in this school, we have SRC which stands for Student Representative Council. I won the position as Social Director and my role in the school is to arrange school parties, events, and social gatherings. I am very excited about this role and I start this upcoming term. I have learned so much from Gateway and Spectrum and I thank you both very much for teaching and taking care of me. Everything I have learned I have applied to my everyday living and look at me now. In my opinion, I am an example of the success you can achieve by applying the tools and strategies you have taught us.
- Posted by
5  
I just want you to know that Gateway Academy has my heart. Watching how much Amber has grown makes my heart sing. With the love and support of her wonderful parents and Gateway, I believe we have so much hope for her to be independent someday. I love Amber with all my heart and will do anything I can to help her. Thank you again for all you at Gateway do. Grandma Linda
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked AZ School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 114 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $29,000
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Phoenix, AZ is $13,108 for elementary schools and $14,951 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Phoenix, AZ is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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