Prospective Gateway Academy parents can check the calendar for the upcoming year and schedule a tour of the Valley’s “top School for Autism as the first day for students is July 11.

Faculty will return July 5, with an Open House and a “Meet the Teacher Night” on July 8, for Gateway Academy, an accredited, non-profit school that accepts Empowerment Scholarships as well as State Tax Organization Scholarships, with numerous resources to guide parents through the funding process.

Students will dive into STAR Assessment sessions at the end of July and beginning of August. Curriculum Night is scheduled for Aug. 18, according to a press release, stating parents of prospective/current students can visit their ESA Parent Support page to find a list of eligibility requirements designed to make the process as smooth as possible for parents.

The application processing time for ESA funding is estimated to be 45 days, so parents can start that process as soon as possible.  Gateway Academy’s staff accommodates families with children, ages 11-19, who have been diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, according to the release, detailing the all-inclusive, supportive school community that accepts students for their unique perspectives.

The main focus, the release said, is on two different tracks: College and Career groups consisting of Twice-Exceptional students, and students who have been diagnosed with a Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students thrive on intellectual challenges in their areas of interest and ability, engaging multiple senses and offering hands-on learning.

They provide their students with encouragement, support their strengths and struggles, and also help them with time management, extra time on tests, and offer reduced homework, the release said.

“Students come to Gateway Academy seeking a different approach to learning, often because they have been frustrated in their previous school experiences.”  said Gateway Executive Director/CEO O. Robin Sweet in the release.

 “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.”

Gateway Academy also has College and Career Development that ensures security, develops self-confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance to provide a pathway towards independence; offer dual enrollment with Paradise Valley Community College where students attend a college preparedness class on the PVCC campus; participate in monthly college tours to better understand the college selection and choice process; give students every tool needed to carve their own special path in this world.

For more information about enrolling at Gateway Academy, call 480-998-1071. Visit: gatewayacademy.us.