Philosophy

The Lower School consists of K3 through fifth grade. During these years, Gatewood maintains close communication and interaction with parents, an essential factor in the successful progress of a child. The classroom becomes a child's home for eight hours. At Gatewood, the second home is inviting and creative, managed by a professional who knows 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. Self-contained classrooms assure a stable learning environment, while some degree of departmentalization enables students to benefit from the special talents of other teachers. The Lower School has its own computer center. A basic, sequential, academic curriculum is enhanced by art, music, physical education, and computer training. Teachers provide enrichment for students and individual help is available in every academic area. The success of the Lower School program may be measured by the results of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, placing Gatewood students consistently above grade level.