Expectations of a school?

As the owner of a Gateway America Prep for almost two decades, this question is constantly being considered by me. What are the expectations that parents have in their child’s school?

There are many answers to this question. Some expect nothing more than a babysitter so that parents can work and pay bills. Some expect the school to do everything. Most are just wanting academics. So, what do you expect of your child’s school?

I’m not here to tell you what you should expect, but to ask yourself the question. This helps us figure out what we should look for in a school.

Schools are like kids. If you have kids, you know that every one of them is different.

When considering a school for your child, the expectations need to align for both the school and the family. If the parents expect more than the school is willing or capable of doing, then it will never work. If the school expect more of the parents are willing or capable of doing, then it will never work. There needs to be a meeting of the minds.

Now, specifically concerning Gateway America Prep, we are a small, individualized prep program that prides itself on getting to know each child individually and helping them succeed. However, there are many things we do not do.

First, we do not have sports. Due to its small size, GAP cannot have sports teams. Although, we do have a karate program after school, it’s more of a supplement rather than part of GAP. We recommend that each student find interest outside of school. This could be physical sports like baseball or swimming. It could be music or choir or performing arts. Whatever the interest, we highly advise parents to have their child in some sort of activity after school. For many highschoolers, this should also include a job.

Second, we are not doctors or therapists. We do observe and interact with our students every day. We can advise them and speak with them, but we are not a replacement for medical supervision. Many children need help that we cannot offer. As an educator and parent, I have experienced and been part of many things that may help certain situations. I will give parents my thoughts and ideas that may help, but this should not replace medical advice.

Lastly, we are not the parents. We spend a lot of time with our students every day. However, we cannot replace you. We understand that life pulls all of us in multiple directions, but the most important thing that your child needs is you. He/she needs to know that they are important to you. That they matter. Telling them that they matter is not enough. They need to experience it. They need to feel it every day.

What can you expect from GAP? These are the things that you CAN expect from us.

First, you can expect a highly individualized curriculum. This means college prep. This means tech school. This means high school diploma. It means all of it. How? We keep our size small enough to know exactly what each child can do and will do. If I expect a math genius to be mediocre in math, then I will get mediocrity in math from that student. I must challenge that student. We challenge every student to their potential. We believe that every student has the potential to be great.

Second, we demand respect from the students to us, their peers, and most importantly themselves. Due to our small size, we help each child grow socially. They learn how to interact with other(peers) and with adults. We also help them with self-talk and how to set boundaries. How to say no. We challenge them to be better people not just better students.

Lastly, you can expect us to listen to you. As an educator for many years if I have learned one thing, it is that I do not know everything. This is especially true of your child. You know more about them than I do in many aspects. We listen and learn about your situation. Gateway America Prep is about each student and their wellbeing. We want to know your concerns. We want to keep an open line of communication with every family.

In conclusion, every family, every child, and every school is different. Learn what you expect and what the school expects. This will go a long way in helping you know if a school is right for your family.