Freshman Academy at Gateway High School
The Freshman Academy is a specialized, supportive framework designed to provide incoming 9th graders with comprehensive, holistic support during their crucial first year at Gateway. We recognize that the transition to high school is a major milestone, and our academy is built to ensure every student feels welcomed, understood, and prepared.
How the Academy Works
To foster a strong sense of community and personalized learning, students are placed into one of three dedicated cohorts. Each team shares the same group of core content teachers as well as a Freshman Seminar teacher. This interconnected structure allows educators to quickly identify individual student needs and build meaningful relationships with their students.
Peer Mentorship: The Torch Crew Program
To further ease the transition into high school, freshmen are supported by our Torch Crew Leaders -carefully selected upperclassmen who serve as dedicated peer mentors. Torch Students work closely with our 9th graders to answer questions, offer a relatable student perspective, and help them navigate the social and academic landscape of Gateway. This peer-to-peer connection ensures that new students always have a friendly, experienced guide to turn to.
Comprehensive Support Staff
Beyond the classroom, the Freshman Academy features a specialized leadership and support team equipped to handle the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of 9th graders. This dedicated wraparound team includes:
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Two Counselors: To guide academic planning and provide social-emotional support.
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A Class Dean: To foster a positive school culture and guide student behavior and expectations.
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A Case Manager: To ensure students requiring individualized education plans or accommodations receive exact and timely support.
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An Assistant Principal: To oversee the academy's vision, staff, and overall student success.
Our Core Goal
Our ultimate goal is that by the end of their freshman year, every single student is fully on track to graduate. Through the Freshman Academy, we aim to equip students with the strong study habits, self-advocacy skills, and academic confidence they need to thrive throughout their high school experience and beyond.
Freshman Academy Monthly Newsletter