Gateway Academy (Florida)
The primary goal of Gateway is to help boys age 11-17 turn around from bad behavior and attitudes and grow in faith. Students are encouraged and mentored to live out their faith in everything that they do and say.
Gateway is a military-like school designed and staffed for boys who may not be accepted at other schools due to their history or who have been expelled from school for behavioral issues. Boys at Gateway are therefore under adult supervision around the clock.
Started as a Christian military school, Gateway now continues the decorum of a military school but blends a character-enriching relational program without the meaningless drills and screaming drill sergeants of typical military schools. The boarding school offers positive discipline and life-change in troubled boys, administered by caring and helpful mentors and peers who encourage them to success.
Boys here are given a new purpose, a new drive, and a new passion to be a better person and to serve others. The school offers counseling, competitive team sports, spiritual emphasis and hands-on missions outreach. These all combine to turn troubled boys into respectful and caring young men.
Academic Curriculum
Gateway provides ongoing year-round academics as a Department of Education registered private school. Certified teachers assist students in two available self-paced Christian curriculums (Accelerated Christian Education and Alpha Omega), offering tutorial help when needed. A high school diploma is awarded upon graduation, as well as assistance in obtaining ACT and SAT testing in the local schools. Students use a computer-based curriculum that self-scores to facilitate moving at a faster pace through the curriculum. As many of our students come to us having fallen behind in their academics, our school operates year-round. Once a student has individually mastered one concept he may move ahead to the next concept without having to wait on a classroom of students, so many students are able to either catch up or get far ahead in their studies.
Therapeutic Approach
Gateway will introduce boys to the peace and happiness that comes from a relationship with Christ. Household and farm chores are also part of each student’s daily character-building routine. The disciplined structure focuses on teaching accountability and self-discipline. With patience, understanding and a little tough love, most young men discover more to life than struggling against those who care about them.
Young men at Gateway can reach positions of responsibility and learn leadership skills, which often transfer to college and the world beyond. Participation in athletics is also strongly encouraged at Gateway. Sports teach teamwork and camaraderie. These are invaluable interpersonal skills for a world absorbed by computers and gadgets. Knowing how to work with others is a critical skill taught by our military school.
Teen Issues We Deal With
Boys at Gateway Academy are usually exhibiting defiance at home, disrespectful behavior, dishonesty, and generally declaring outright rebellion. He may be displaying blatant ignorance or rebellion towards boundaries, belief systems, and rules of the home. In addition, they may have gang affiliation, are taking excessive risks, using drugs, in trouble with the law, and exhibit anger (though we do not accept violent boys). Usually, boys come to this academy as a last resort after family counseling isn’t working and the boy’s future is at risk.
Testimonial
“Gateway Boarding School was the best decision we have made in our entire life. Our son’s life was saved from destruction. The education at Gateway was the finest he could have received anywhere. He became a self-disciplined student with motivated study habits and finished with a 3.9 GPA. He now has the desire and compassion to serve in his community and church, as well as tutoring and mentoring younger kids.” – David and Joy
Contact Information
Associations & Organizations
Photo Source: School Website and/or Social Media Data Source: NCES: 00939414


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