Electives & Clubs

Equine Therapy focuses on improving life skills, relationships, physical strength and riding skills in a strong, interactive approach. Instructors collaborate with students to give each individual the opportunity to overcome fears, anxiety and distraction. In turn, students walk away with increased self-esteem, positive behavior and focus. Horses provide the positive feedback, understanding, and patience that make learning and change easy to understand.

At Gateway Academy, our Family & Consumer Science (FCS) Program is designed to equip Twice-Exceptional students with High Functioning Autism with essential life skills that promote independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Rooted in real-world applications, this program provides hands-on learning experiences tailored to the unique needs of our students, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond the classroom.

Key Focus Areas of the Program:

• Independent Living Skills: Cooking, meal planning, budgeting, and home management

• Financial Literacy: Managing personal finances, understanding credit, and responsible spending

• Health & Wellness: Nutrition, personal care, and mental health awareness

• Career Readiness: Resume building, interview skills, and workplace etiquette

• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork

Why This Program is Important for Our Students

Twice-Exceptional students often thrive in structured yet adaptable environments that foster creativity and practical learning. Our FCS program supports executive functioning skills, social-emotional growth, and self-advocacy, empowering students to navigate adulthood with confidence.

By integrating hands-on experiences with individualized support, we ensure that each student develops the necessary skills to lead an independent and fulfilling life while embracing their unique strengths.

The UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is an evidence-based social skills training program developed at the University of California, Los Angeles. Designed for adolescents and young adults with social challenges, PEERS® focuses on teaching ecologically valid skills that help individuals establish and maintain meaningful social relationships. It is widely recognized for its effectiveness in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, social anxiety, and other social communication difficulties.

At Gateway Academy, where we specialize in educating Twice-Exceptional (2e) students with High-Functioning Autism, the PEERS® curriculum plays a pivotal role in enhancing students’ social confidence, relationship-building skills, and self-advocacy. Through structured lessons, role-playing exercises, and real-world practice, students learn how to:

• Engage in reciprocal conversations

• Use appropriate humor and understand social cues

• Handle peer conflict and rejection

• Form and maintain friendships

• Navigate social media and electronic communication responsibly

• Plan and participate in get-togethers

By integrating PEERS® into our support services, Gateway Academy empowers students to develop meaningful connections with peers, fostering a sense of belonging and social success that extends beyond the classroom.

At Gateway Academy, our Middle and High School Counselors play a vital role in supporting the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally. They provide individualized guidance, foster resilience, and help students build the skills needed to thrive both in school and beyond. From teaching evidence-based programs like UCLA PEERS, to guiding college and career exploration, to offering day-to-day support with organization, stress management, and self-advocacy, our counselors are trusted mentors and advocates. They collaborate closely with families, teachers, and community partners to ensure every student has the tools to succeed, while helping them navigate challenges and celebrate achievements along the way. achievements along the way.

At Gateway Academy, innovation comes alive through our cutting-edge Technology & Virtual Reality Program. Students have the unique opportunity to design their own virtual worlds or VR games, explore coding pathways with certifications in C++ and Python, and bring ideas to life through 3D printing. Our students can join the BattleBots Team, master flight through Drone Academy—with the potential to earn their FAA Commercial Drone License—or dive into countless other tech-driven experiences. Whether building, coding, flying, or inventing, Gateway Warriors are empowered to transform curiosity into real-world skills that prepare them for the future.

Vocational training will really begin to feel the impact of virtual and augmented reality over the next year or so. The ability to experience training in 360 is invaluable – and imagine budding mechanics viewing a working engine from all angles without leaving the classroom. All this is possible right now with ClassVR.

Gateway Academy’s Multi-Cultural Learning Lab opens the world to our students with the choice of 22 different languages to explore. Our program emphasizes real-life conversational skills over rote memorization, while immersing students in the rich culture of each country. Through music, art, food, customs, religion, and education, students gain a deep understanding of global perspectives. Hands-on experiences and field trips to cultural events bring learning to life, allowing students to connect classroom knowledge with authentic, real-world applications. Project-based and experiential by design, our lab inspires curiosity, broadens horizons, and equips students to engage confidently in our diverse global community.

Every day at Gateway Academy begins and ends with wagging tails and unconditional love! Our therapy dogs, Apollo and Athena, greet students with joy at drop-off and pick-up, setting a positive tone for the day. Whether lending comfort during a tough moment, bringing calm energy into the classroom, or simply being a furry friend to hang out with, these gentle companions make a remarkable impact on our students. Their presence helps reduce stress, increase focus, and create a sense of belonging across campus. Apollo and Athena aren’t just dogs—they’re cherished members of the Gateway family who embody the warmth and support of our community.

Snorlax the Destroyer may sound fierce, but he’s truly the most beloved (and spoiled!) member of Gateway Academy. Our desert tortoise enjoys weekly spa-style baths and proudly roams his custom habitat, complete with sun-soaked basking spots and plenty of fresh greens provided by his loyal fans—our students and staff. Beyond being a school favorite, Snorlax teaches responsibility, environmental awareness, and respect for desert wildlife. Students love caring for him, learning about his natural behaviors, and celebrating his unique personality. From munching on veggies to slowly exploring his home, Snorlax has become a symbol of patience, curiosity, and the joy of connecting with nature.

Gateway Academy is proud to host a High School chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), where our students exemplify scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Through NHS, our students actively participate in community service opportunities that strengthen their sense of responsibility, compassion, and global citizenship. Whether it’s organizing campus-wide initiatives, volunteering in the community, or lending their talents to causes that make a difference, our NHS members lead by example. These experiences not only enhance their college applications but also prepare them to be thoughtful, engaged leaders in an ever-changing world. At Gateway, NHS isn’t just an honor—it’s a commitment to creating positive change both locally and globally.

Gateway Academy’s Student Council gives students a powerful voice in shaping school life and building community spirit. From planning fun events and fundraisers—like Donut Fridays and dances—to leading service projects and campus initiatives, our Student Council members embody leadership, teamwork, and creativity. By representing their peers and collaborating with faculty, they gain valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and responsibility. Student Council is more than just a club—it’s an opportunity for students to make a real impact, leave a legacy, and grow into confident leaders of tomorrow.