Gatewood Enrollment Brochure 2016-2017

Enrollment Information 2017-2018

GATEWOOD SCHOOLS

2016-2017

A Legacy of Academic Excellence Built upon a Christian Foundation

Eatonton, Georgia www.gatewoodschool.com

GATEWOOD SCHOOLS 139 PHILLIPS DRIVE EATONTON, GEORGIA 31024

OFFICE of the HEADMASTER

TELEPHONE: 706. 485.8231 FACSIMILE: 706. 485.2455

Thank you for your interest in Gatewood Schools. Whether you are visiting the school for the first time or have taken time to read through this brochure, you most likely are seeking the best educational opportunity for your child. If you believe that small class size, individual attention, and a Christian environment are fundamental to your child's education, Gatewood agrees with you!

At Gatewood, we strive to educate students in a nurturing, Christian environment while instilling the life-long characteristics of faith, truth, honor, loyalty and pride. Offering a college preparatory curriculum, our goal is to prepare students for post-secondary education. Each student should have the qualifications to be accepted into the college or university of their choice; have the ability, confidence, and desire to succeed; and have a solid foundation as they pursue their personal goals. The foundation to achieve these goals begins in pre-school and continues until diplomas are conferred at graduation.

You will find Gatewood to be a warm and friendly environment. Our commitment to academic excellence blends gracefully with equally strong traditions of pursuing excellence in character, an appreciation for the arts, and the development of well-rounded young people who are prepared to meet challenges and opportunities in all areas of life. As a school, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and self-improvement. Our accreditations demand nothing less and ensure that Gatewood is continuously moving toward higher plateaus of educational excellence.

Choosing a school is one of the most challenging decisions that a parent must make. We know that the process of touring, comparing choices, and selecting the best fit for your child can be a daunting and stressful process.

We want to help you every step of the way, ensuring you have all of the information that you require and that all your questions are completely answered.

Thank you again for considering Gatewood Schools. We look forward to serving your family!

With kind regards,

Christopher M. Charles Headmaster

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Gatewood Schools

is a Christian, independent, non-profit, college-preparatory school primarily serving families from Putnam, Greene, Morgan, Jasper, Baldwin, Jones and Hancock counties. Gatewood offers a superior educational opportunity to qualified students from K2 through 12 th grade. Gatewood is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) and is a member of Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA). Christian beliefs, a comprehensive curriculum, athletics and fine arts programs are all incorporated into the student’s educational experience at Gatewood to develop the whole child - spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially. The result is well-rounded young men and women who are prepared for successful college careers and life experiences.

The school’s faculty is dedicated to excellence and stresses strong fundamental skills and work habits.

They promote educational curiosity and a life-long love of learning.

While challenging students academically, teachers foster an atmosphere of trust, honor, and mutual respect that allows the growth and development of the particular talents and qualities of each student.

All classrooms are equipped with SMART Board technology to enhance the learning experience.

Students also have access to computer labs where they are taught to utilize technology. Wireless access is available throughout the campus.

Established in 1970, Gatewood Schools’ campus is located in the heart of Georgia’s Lake Country on a thirty-six acre campus in downtown Eatonton. Campus amenities include separate buildings for pre-school, lower, middle and high school; a media center; two computer labs; a foreign language building; Academic Support and Coaching suite; separate workout and fitness centers for men and women; two full size multi-purpose fields for football and soccer; a gymnasium; separate baseball and softball fields; and full track and field facilities.

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The Pre-School Our Pre-School consists of 2 through 4 year olds (PreKindergarten 2-4). The Pre-School is located in its own separate facility providing close proximity to playgrounds and external classrooms for specials like art, music, and foreign language. Pre-School students have their own multipurpose room in which they have devotional periods, participate in art projects, practice for class programs, and partake of daily lunch. Classrooms are colorful, bright and engaging. We want our classrooms to feel like home to our children.

During these formative years, our teachers work with children concentrating on their intellectual, social, and motor skills. The Pre-K2 and Pre-K4 classes visit the Putnam County Library on a monthly basis to attend a reading program, and will attend plays and educational events both on and off campus throughout the school year.

Developmental skills are the focus for the 2 and 3 year old children. In the latter part of the Pre-K 3 school year, children are introduced to sight words, basic math facts, and have social studies, science and Christian teaching embedded into their daily lessons. The Pre-K 4 year old students continue to grow their reading, writing and math skills as they progress through the school year. Along the way, teacher and parents communicate routinely to ensure that all children are receiving all of the support they require to be the very best they can be in school. These foundations for learning translate into earlier mastery of basic skills and children who enjoy school and learning.

The Lower School PAGE 4

The Lower School consists of Kindergarten through fifth grade.

During these years, Gatewood maintains close communication and interaction with parents, an essential factor in the successful progress of a child. At Gatewood, the classrooms are inviting and creative, managed by professionals who know that a positive self-image is the greatest lifelong gift a teacher can bestow. Recognizing that children learn differently, elementary teachers incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods of instruction.

Along with a developmentally appropriate curriculum, the lower school student’s daily routine includes Spanish, Accelerated Reader, art, music, physical education, and computer science.

Teachers provide enrichment for students and individual help is available in every academic area. The Lower School consistently scores well on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills test, but the true measure of success in the Lower School is seen in children confidently moving to and succeeding in the Middle School environment.

The Lower School curriculum is enhanced with weekly chapel services, grade level performances, and educational field trips. The Kindergarten through 5 th grade classes attend plays and visit museums in Madison, Athens, and Atlanta. Classes will routinely attend field trips and perform plays together. Lower school students are given the opportunity to play after school sports including cheerleading, football, basketball and soccer. Other extracurricular activities include piano and guitar lessons and various other extracurricular activities.

The highlight of the lower school is the 5 th grade trip to Jekyll Island, where students participate in an environmental and marine education trip for 3 days. Students are involved in hands-on academic learning experiences dealing with in-depth, investigations of the marine environment of Jekyll Island’s beach, dunes, salt marsh, coastal forest and off-shore environments. The Jekyll Island 4-H Center program offers another equally important learning experience: social development. It is a group-oriented experience. The students build sand castles together, walk beaches, and play sports between classes. Parent chaperones, teachers, and students alike spend quality time together which makes for a life time of memories.

Lower school extracurricular activities at the lower school level include: 4-H Service Club ● Boy Scouts ● Girl Scouts ● Field Trips ● 5 th Grade Jekyll Island Experience ● Gatewood News Network Crew ● Cheer Squads ● Basketball ● Football ● Soccer ● Piano and Guitar Lessons

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The Middle School Gatewood's Middle School consists of grades six through eight.

Because these are important transitional years for students, the curriculum and other activities are designed for the special needs of young adolescents. Middle School teachers continue the close contact of the younger years while encouraging students to become accountable for their individual decisions. In addition to the core subjects of English, literature, mathematics, social studies, science and Spanish, Middle School students enjoy a variety of enrichment courses, including Accelerated Reader, computer, physical education and health, Bible classes, Science Olympiad, robotics and weekly chapel.

The Middle School formalizes the traits of trust, respect for the property of others, and integrity begun in the Lower School with the implementation of the Honor Code.

Small class size allows students to participate in a variety of exciting trips and activities that combine academic skills as well as provide opportunities for positive social interaction. Trips include a two-day trip to the Space Center at Huntsville, AL in the sixth grade and a series of day and overnight trips to historical sites within Georgia in the eighth grade.

Middle School students also attend several plays in Atlanta, Athens, Macon and Madison.

Middle school extracurricular activities at the lower school level include: Academic Competitions ● Band ● Baseball ● Basketball ● Boy Scouts ● Clay Target Sports ● Competition and Spirit Cheer Squads ● Chorus ● Cross Country ● Equestrian Club ● Football ● Gatewood News Network ● Girl Scouts ● National Geographic Bee ● National Spelling Bee ● Robotics ● Science Olympiad ● Soccer ● Softball ● Student Government ● Swim Team ● Track and Field

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The High School Gatewood's High School expands and further refines the programs begun in the earlier years of school.

Working closely together, administration and faculty provide the strong curricular continuity that is the hallmark of an outstanding college preparatory school. Honors and Advanced Placement classes are available to qualified high school students. Gatewood encourages students to reach their full potential, and exceptional students are allowed to participate above grade level within the school. Qualified juniors and seniors that want to challenge themselves by participating at the college level may be afforded the opportunity for Joint and/or Dual Enrollment at a number of local colleges including Georgia College & State University, Georgia Military College, University of North Georgia, and the University of Georgia. Qualified seniors are afforded the opportunity to complete first year college English, science, and math requirements at Gatewood Schools as part of their course requirements for graduation. Plans are underway to expand this offering to include selected college history courses.

Electives that enrich the traditional college preparatory curriculum include: Accounting Spanish III & IV Computer I & II First Aid & CPR Certification Photography Personal Finance

SAT & ACT Test Preparation Personal Fitness Business & Marketing Management Yearbook/Publications Vocal Ensemble

Band Life Sports Theater/Drama Art Appreciation Weight Training

Clubs and teams give young people opportunities to develop leadership, a spirit of cooperation, and service to others. Extracurricular activities at the high school level include: Academic Competitions ● Anchor Club ● Band ● Baseball ● Basketball ● Boy Scouts ● Clay Target Sports ● Competition & Spirit Cheer Squads ● Cross Country ● Debate Team ● Fellowship of Christian Athletes ● Equestrian ● Football ● Golf ● Key Club ● Literary Competition ● National Honor Society ● One Act Play ● Publications/Journalism ● Science Olympiad ● Soccer ● Softball ● Student Government ● Swimming ● Tennis ● Track and Field ● Volleyball (Girls) ● Wrestling ● Young Life In choosing Gatewood for the high school years, a parent can ensure that his or her child will be prepared to compete successfully in the best colleges and universities, and he or she will have the opportunity to become the well-rounded student whom colleges actively seek.

Gatewood has had an impressive selection rate for students into top Georgia research universities like the University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology; over 90% acceptance rate over the last 5 years. One of our graduates received the highly competitive University of Georgia Presidential Scholarship. The chart on the following page illustrates Gatewood’s latest average SAT score compared to all the high schools in the state.

It also identifies the average scores for the area’s local public schools and shows the state and national average SAT scores. Please note that the state and national averages include all public and private school test results.

Gatewood not only prepares their students to be accepted into the college of their choice, but they are also preparing their students to succeed once they get there by providing a solid academic, spiritual, physical and social foundation. As with the lower and middle school, the high school also participates in weekly chapel services and meets weekly for Bible classes.

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Spiritually

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Intellectually

Physically

Socially

Gatewood High School Class of 2016               

Class size – 42 students (22 boys, 20 girls) Class Grade Point Average – 89.33 Universities/Colleges Accepting Class Graduates – 24 Total Scholarships Offered to Date – $1.38M Number of Honor Graduates – 18 Number of Students Attending Gatewood since Lower School – 31 Counties Represented by Class – 4 Total HOPE Scholarship Recipients - 27 Regular HOPE Scholarship Recipients (3.0+ GPA) – 18 Zell Miller Hope Scholarship Recipients (3.7+ GPA) – 9 National Honor Society Members – 17 College Bound Percentage – 98% (1 of 42 chose to attend technical school) Region Team Championships won during High School – 22 State Team Championships won during High School – 7 College Athletic Scholarships/Commitments – 5

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Tuition Because of the dedication of the Gatewood family, we are able to provide more value for Gatewood students than any other school in the state. For 2016, our average tuition remains around $7,400 per student, yet the students of Gatewood are getting more out of that investment than many schools spending three times as much. Certainly if you want your child to be able to participate meaningfully in a smaller school environment, and also have a great opportunity to get into the best universities, Gatewood is by far the best value. You will find that Gatewood families have a common goal: investing in continually improving the educational offerings to assist students in becoming all that God created them to be. Parents invest time, talent and treasury into Gatewood; students choose Gatewood because they value the many opportunities that are simply not feasible at larger institutions; teachers and administrators are dedicated to Gatewood because they love the children and the learning environment; and the community and alumni support Gatewood because they have experienced the value of a Gatewood education and desire to help provide the same opportunities to others. The Gatewood family coming together for the betterment of our children and our future really makes Gatewood special.

2017-2018 Tuition Schedule Annual Tuition Monthly Payment Monthly Payment (2017-2018) (Plan A) (Per Child) (Plan B) (Per Child) Per Child Costs (Feb.’17-Jan.’18) (June’17-May ’18) K2 – K4 (Mon – Fri: 7:55 AM – 11:45 AM) $4,300.00 $358.00 $368.00 K2 – K4 (Mon – Fri: 7:55 AM – 2:45 PM) $6,000.00 $500.00 $510.00 GRADES K5 – 5 $7,240.00 $603.00 $613.00 GRADES 6 - 8 $7,720.00 $643.00 $653.00 GRADES 9 - 12 $8,200.00 $683.00 $693.00 Notes: 1. $120.00 Technology Fee included in tuition for K-12 rates.

2. Multi-Child Discount Calculation: 5% discount from 2 child family total; 10% discount for 3 child family total; 15% discount for 4 child family total; 20% discount for 5 child family total.

3. Plan C: Those who pay tuition in full within 30 days of signing contract receive an additional 2.5% discount in addition to family discounts cited in note 2.

School Lunch A catered lunch program is available and is ordered and paid for monthly.

Payment Options All payments are via FACTS Management Company, a third party tuition management company.

Families may pay by check, bank draft, online banking or credit card.

Dress Code Gatewood students wear a prescribed uniform each school day. The uniform essentially consists of khaki bottoms (shorts, slacks, skirts or jumpers) and a logo shirt in hunter green, white, maze or heather grey purchased through our uniform vendors. Our selected vendors include Lands End and the Buckhead Uniform companies. Outerwear must also be uniform, but may also be purchased through the Gatewood Swamp Shop as well as our approved vendors. The Gatewood Logo is trademarked and may only be sewn on shirts purchased through these vendors. The Director of Admissions can provide more information on uniform purchase. Uniform swap opportunities are also offered during the school year.

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Bus Service Information Rates Round Trip rates: Per Year Per Month * One Child $810.00 $90.00 Two Children $1,260.00 $140.00 Three or more $1,710.00 $190.00 One-way rates: One Child $525.00 $58.33 Two Children $819.00 $91.00 Three or more $1,111.00 $123.44 * Bus fees are due monthly with the first payment September 1st, and the last payment May 1st (9 monthly payments).

Pick-up points and additional information: Based upon demand, Bus Service is available from Greensboro (Home Depot) with multiple stops along the Hwy 44 route, Madison (Chick-fil-A), and Milledgeville (Kroger).

Additional scheduling information for each route will be finalized and posted as demand is identified in late summer.

Financial Assistance Gatewood recognizes that financing an independent school education is a major commitment for families.

Therefore, Gatewood offers partial financial aid from two sources to provide an opportunity for students to attend Gatewood who otherwise may not be able to attend. Gatewood financial aid is available for existing students, incoming K4 students, and transfer students from independent schools, public schools outside of Georgia and home school programs. For students entering K4 or K5 or 1st-12th grade transfer students from a Georgia public school, Gatewood offers the Georgia GOAL Scholarship. These are partial scholarships based upon the needs of the family. Amounts available may differ from year to year depending upon family need and the number of donations earmarked for use by our school from the Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Other aid may be derived from gracious donations from other parents and from organizations such as the Alumni Association and from money budgeted by the Board of Directors.

FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment will be conducting the financial need analysis for Gatewood Schools for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. Families applying for financial aid will need to complete an application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by April 28, 2017.

Applicants can apply online by clicking the FACTS link at www.gatewoodschool.com. Once an online application has been completed, the following information will need to be sent to FACTS to complete the application process:   

Copies of your most recent Federal tax forms including all supporting tax schedules.

Copies of your 2016 W-2 forms for both you and your spouse.

Copies of supporting documentation for Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers’ Compensation, and TANF.

Contact the Admissions Office with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions PAGE 11

Is there an application deadline?

The re-enrollment deadline for existing Gatewood families for the 2017-2018 school year will be January 20, 2017. All existing students who apply by the January 20th deadline will automatically be accepted for the 2017-2018 school year. The deadline for new students applying to Gatewood will be March 31, 2017. After the applications are reviewed and enrollment decisions made, acceptance letters will be mailed to applicants by April 15, 2017 with an April 30, 2017 deadline to complete the application process. After April 30, 2017, students may apply on a first-come, first-served basis until a grade reaches capacity.

What if the grade to which my child is applying is already at capacity?

Before your child’s name can be placed in the applicant pool for a particular grade, the Admissions Office must receive all required documents and the applicant testing process must be complete. If your child is qualified to be admitted, they will be put on a waiting list for that grade. When a position becomes available, a contract for enrollment will be offered to a qualified applicant from the current pool.

When do I start paying my tuition?

There are three payment plans for tuition. Both Plan A and Plan B are twelve month plans. With Plan A, tuition is paid in advance beginning in February of each school year for the school term beginning in the fall and continuing through January of the next year. Plan B is designed for families who enter school in summer or late in the school year. Plan B tuition is also paid in advance beginning in June of each year for the school term beginning the following fall and continuing through May of the next year. An extra fee of $10/month/child is included in the Plan B rate to account for the difference in timing of payments. Plan C may be chosen by new families or by those currently enrolled in Plan A or B. Plan C is for families who elect to pay their total tuition in full with multi-child discounts applied. An additional 2.5% discount will be applied for these families as long as the tuition is paid within 30 days of acceptance or by February 15th for families reenrolling each year.

Do you offer discounts for multiple children enrolled?

Yes, Gatewood does offer discounts for multiple children. Please refer to the Tuition and Fees sheet.

Am I eligible for financial aid and how do I apply?

To be considered for financial aid, applicants must complete the admissions process, be accepted to Gatewood, and complete an enrollment contract. Once those steps have been met, you may complete a financial aid application online at www.factsmgt.com. Families will need to submit their 2016 Federal Tax Returns and 2016 W-2s to the Admissions Office. The Financial Aid Committee will not review applicants who have not completed the entire process. The Financial Aid Committee meets in the March/April timeframe to make awards for the upcoming school year. The Committee meets again in June to discuss financial aid applications received between April and June.

Can I take a tour of Gatewood?

Yes. Each prospective family is encouraged to take a tour of Gatewood as part of the application process.

Tours are tailored to each individual family and are available Monday through Friday. For an appointment, you may contact the Admissions Office at 706.485.8231 x 1300.

Can my child shadow a student for a day?

Yes. In order to shadow, an applicant must submit an application and the $75 application fee. An appointment must be made at least a week in advance to ensure proper notice to teachers whose classrooms will be visited.

Your child may choose to shadow a student with whom he or she is friends, or a child with similar interests will

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be chosen. Entrance tests may also be scheduled to be administered during your child's visit. To schedule a date for your child to shadow, you may contact the Admissions Office at 706.485.8231 x 1300.

What is your total enrollment?

Gatewood’s enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year is currently 383 students. There are 93 high school students (9-12), 83 middle school students (6-8), 127 lower school students (K-5) and 24 preschool students (K2-K4). Several classes from preschool through middle school are currently at capacity; the lower and middle schools are currently at 86% capacity overall.

What are your memberships and accreditations?

Gatewood Schools is accredited by the Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), and the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). Gatewood Schools is a member of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA).

Do you offer a bus service?

Yes, Gatewood does offer bus service for families. Routes we operate are based upon demand. In the past, we have run three routes: the Greensboro route starts near Home Depot (Hwy 44/I-20) in Greensboro and has stops at Spotlight Theaters and Harmony Crossing Peoples Bank; the Madison route runs between the Madison Chick-fil-a and campus; and the Milledgeville route starts at the new Kroger on Hwy 441 and runs to the campus. In determining bus eligibility, priority will be given to two-way bus riders. Please refer to the bus service chart on page 10 or the website for additional information.

Do you offer extended care services?

Yes, Gatewood does offer extended care service for families. After school care runs from 3:00 to 5:30 pm on weekdays. Drop-in convenience care is $20/child/day and $10 for each additional child/day. There is no hourly rate. The regular after school care is $200.00 per month for the first child and $50.00 each for a second and third child. Additional children are free. After school care is open to ages through the 5 th grade. Preschool students are segregated from Lower School children per childcare regulations. Gatewood is exempt from State Bright from the Start oversight, but do follow the same policy and procedures and have oversight from accrediting organizations.

What if I need more information?

If you have additional questions, please contact one of the following: Libby Rainey, Admissions Director Phone: 706-485-8231 ext 1300 Email: lrainey@gatewoodschool.com Chris Charles, Headmaster Phone: 706-485-8231 ext 1100 Email: ccharles@gatewoodschool.com

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GATEWOOD SCHOOLS 139 PHILLIPS DRIVE EATONTON, GEORGIA 31024 www.gatewoodschool.com 706.485.8231 PAGE 14